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History of The Bradstreet Observatory
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A book could (and perhaps should) be written concerning the
vision, fund-raising, fiascos, pathos, hard work, and construction of the
Observatory. But I did not
feel that was the place for such an exposition. Thus I will simply give an overview of the construction and
facilities of this gift from God to the University.
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| Above: For
20 long years the Eastern University Observing Deck Atop McInnis |
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| The Observing Deck atop McInnis served as the platform for
nearly all of the University’s astronomy lab students from 1976-1996, 20
years. Twin 8” Celestron
telescopes and a 17.5” diameter Dobsonian performed well, but 20 years
of constant setting up and taking down took their toll on the students,
equipment and lab assistants. We
were also severely limited in the types of astronomical work that we could
accomplish, especially regarding the possibility of any serious research. |
| Suffice it to say that the Observatory is the culmination of
a 20-year dream and an eight-year, $450,000 fundraising effort made
possible by many people. Tom
Ridington spearheaded the fundraising effort over all eight years.
Earl Russell (on the Board of Directors of the University) was the
architect/engineer, who took my ideas and made them reality.
Rob Smith carefully scrutinized every last detail throughout the
construction, and the result is the most up to date, state of the art
astronomical observatory in the Delaware Valley.
God is indeed good. |
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