INTRODUCTION
Although astronomy is the oldest science and has flourished for centuries, amateur astronomy has enjoyed widespread popularity for only a few decades - since the 1920's. The Aldrich Astronomical Society was one of the earliest American amateur societies to be formed. Now seventy three years old - three generations - the Aldrich Astronomical Society has become sufficiently removed from its origins in time and people, to warrant a history of the organization. Very few of the original members are presently alive; only one is still a member of the Aldrich Astronomical Society today. Most know nothing of the Aldrich Astronomical Society's history beyond the years of their own active involvement. Some believe that the Aldrich Astronomical Society began with its incorporation in 1950.
The history of the Aldrich Astronomical Society will hopefully do more than satisfy the curiosity concerning past associations. Hopefully, the present-day members - and future leaders - of the Aldrich Astronomical Society may take a history lesson. By understanding past origins, actions, and events that shaped the Aldrich Astronomical Society, they may better direct the organization's future.
ASTRONOMY IN WORCESTER BEFORE THE ALDRICH ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
In the first quarter of the Twentieth Century, one of the main catalysts of amateur astronomy in the Worcester vicinity was Fred Davis Aldrich. 1 A native of Thompson, Connecticut, Mr. Aldrich came to Worcester in 1889 to complete the last two years of his secondary school education at Worcester Academy. He graduated with the class of 1891 after a distinguished two years; he was president of the senior class, and class salutatorian with highest honors. Mr. Aldrich attended Brown University where he likewise had a distinguished career. He graduated with the class of 1895 with a bachelor of arts degree, most likely in foreign languages, for in the fall of 1895, he returned to Worcester Academy as an instructor of modern languages. Mr. Aldrich was co-author of a popular French textbook, the Aldrich and Foster French book, that saw wide use in preparatory schools and colleges. 2
Mr. Aldrich also had interests in mathematics and the sciences; in particular, botany and astronomy. After some years at the Academy, probably in the early part of the first decade of the new century, Mr. Aldrich became a mathematics instructor. Around 1911, he became head of the mathematics department, a post which he held until his death in 1931. Later still, Mr. Aldrich assumed the post of Senior Master, equivalent to a dean of academic advising and college placement, in addition to his teaching duties.
Mr. Aldrich's interest in astronomy was initiated either during his college career at Brown, or more likely, with the gift of a refracting telescope from the Class of 1897 to the Academy in 1907. No records of any of his astronomical activities have been located prior to this date. In November of 1907, the Academy's student newspaper noted that:
When the Kingsley Laboratories were erected in 1897, the foresight of the builders included in the plans a dome as the situation for a telescope. For ten years this has remained a mere shell destitute of the instrument for which it was intended. Last spring the Class of 1897, looking forward to the tenth anniversary of their graduation,... desired to make some gift in commemoration of this...occasion. Their thoughts turned towards Kingsley whose foundation were laid during their senior year, and they raised a sum of about five hundred dollars to equip the dome with a suitable glass.
Announcement of this was made... on the Anniversary Day last June [of 1907].
The instrument provided was made during the summer by the celebrated firm of Alvan Clark & Sons, at Cambridgeport, Mass. Our new instrument has a five-inch object glass of the very best possible construction with a focal length of about six feet, which is exactly adapted to the diameter of the dome. It is mounted equatorially so that... a star can be followed in its apparent daily motion from its rising to its setting. The tube and circles are supported by a solid cast iron base, which rests upon steel beams upheld by the masonry directly from the foundation of the building, thus securing increased freedom from vibration. The glass is provided with slow motion movements in both right ascension and declination, which are brought back by flexible rods to the eye end of the instrument. At present, it is provided with three eyepieces magnifying 66, 133, and 260 diameters respectively. Sunshields and a sun and star diagonal increase greatly the convenience with which the telescope may be used. 3
Presently, it is inconclusive as to whether or not any systematic observing programs of a serious nature were ever undertaken; no records of any have come to light. At the time of erection of the instrument, plans for other tan casual usage seem to have open-ended. The section of the Worcester Academy catalogs (post 1907) describing the facilities of Kingsley Laboratories give the following information:
In the revolving some has recently been placed through the generosity of the Class of 1897, a fine 5-inch equatorial refracting telescope, the work of Alan Clark & Sons. This us used, under the direction of a member of the faculty, to stimulate an interest in astronomy as a means of mental recreation and culture. Students who have the desire and ability to do individual research work are given every opportunity. 4
No other accessories, such as cameras, spectroscopes, or micrometers, were mentioned in the catalogs or school newspaper suggest that the telescope was used primarily for simple visual observations.
A few observations were noted in fall and winter issues (1907-08) of the Academy's newspaper. In November, Mr. Aldrich gave a lecture on binary star systems. Later in the month, a transit of Mercury was observed. In December, general observations of Saturn and other common celestial objects were observed. In January of 1908, Mr. Aldrich had outlined in the Academy's newspaper a number of projects for interested students that included:
(1) Daily observation of sunspots
(2) Identification of lunar features
(3) Observation of occultations [ precise timings intended? ]
(4) Observations of Jupiter's moons
(5) Observations of planetary features
(6) Search for telescopic planets
(7) Observation of important double star
(8) Locating star clusters and nebulae 5
During the 1907-08 academic year, the astronomy division of the school's Agassiz Society (chapter 473, founded 1890 by Robert G. Smith, class of 1891) was started. 6 It apparently was not too active. After a few years, student interest waned to the extent that the 1914 edition of the Worcester Academy catalog listed the last student chairman; subsequent catalogs listed Fred. D. Aldrich as chairman. 7
Mr. Aldrich also shared his astronomical interests with members of the Worcester community. He lectured on popular astronomical subjects before many school groups and church and social organizations. As early as 1913, he was lecturing at the Worcester Natural History Museum (12 State Street). A single Natural History Museum flyer that has survived announced a series of six lectures to be given by him in the spring of 1925. These lectures were free to the public; thus a secondary motive of attracting new members (and support) to the Aldrich Astronomical Society is evident. Mr. Aldrich himself was a member, at least as early as 1913, until his death in October of 1931. 8
Mr. Aldrich's astronomical activities in the community were not limited to lecturing. He often took friends, associates, and other interested parties to view with him through Worcester Academy's telescope. 9 He also wrote monthly astronomical articles (timetables of celestial events?) for the Worcester Evening Gazette. 10 It is presently unknown for how long he did this.
THE FOUNDING OF THE ALDRICH ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Fred Aldrich died on October 4, 1931 at the age of sixty-four. It is evident that Aldrich had built a strong friendship and gained much admiration from his associates at the Natural History Museum. In December of 1931, the staff of the Aldrich Astronomical Society dedicated a memorial in his name. The memorial, an orrery mounted in a display case, was a gift from the Natural History Society's president, Mr. Harry R. Sinclair. Some illuminated astro-transparencies, from Yerkes Observatory and selected by Mr. Aldrich himself, were also on display. 11
The following year, members of the Aldrich Astronomical Society and Mr. Sinclair in particular, felt it a worthwhile undertaking to form an astronomy club. Beyond the obvious reason that the group could further stimulate the interests of its members, they also felt that they could perhaps (attempt to) serve the Natural History Museum (where meeting were held) in the same manner as Aldrich did. Undoubtedly, Mr. Aldrich's lectures had proven a valuable asset to the continued stability and growth of the Museum (which had always depended entirely upon public support).
It was decided to have an organizational meeting of the astronomy club after an astronomy lecture scheduled for the Sunday afternoon public lecture series. This lecture program had been initiated by the Natural History Society in 1931. 12 Mr. Walter H. Wakefield, a member of the Aldrich Astronomical Society and long-time amateur astronomer, was invited to give the astronomy lecture on Sunday, December 11, 1932. 13 The bimonthly news bulletin of the Natural History Society following the lecture noted that:
Following Mr. Walter H. Wakefields' astronomy lecture at the Museum Sunday, December 11th, a number of interested person remained to discuss the formation of an amateur astronomy club. Mr. Wakefield was elected President...[of the club that] will be named for the late Professor Fred D. Aldrich, who was active in the affairs of the Natural History Society for many years, and who did more than any other person in late years to popularize astronomy in this vicinity. ...A talk on our heavenly neighbors has proven very popular among the members of school classes which have visited the Museum this year, and it will be one of the purposes of the club to sponsor some sort of program which will reach these children who are interested in the stars. 14
THE ALDRICH ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY: 1933 to 1949
Little is known of the activities of the Aldrich Astronomical Society in the 1930's. The next issue of the Natural History Museum bulletin (March 1, 1933) noted that the astronomy club was organized under the name of the Aldrich Astronomical Society. At the first official meeting (sometime in January, most likely), Dr. Charles H. Smiley of Brown University (a colleague or professor of Aldrich while at Brown?) addressed the members and "indefinitely lent" a four-inch telescope to the club. 15 The bulletin further noted that the club distributes a monthly calendar of celestial events to its members, and club dues are two dollars per year. No copies of calendars, or a treasurer's cashbook are known to exist.
A single newspaper article from the Worcester Sunday Telegram of 1935 illuminated the general activities and character profile of the Aldrich Astronomical Society. 16 The membership was listed at about forty right from the founding of the club. Professors of local college and university astronomy departments were asked to speak at the monthly meetings held at the Natural History Museum:
Among the more noted speakers at the Aldrich Astronomical Society's meetings have been Dr. Bart Y. Bok of Harvard, Dr. John C. Duncan of Wellesley, and Leon Campbell....secretary of the American Association of Variable Star Observers. Dr. Charles H. Smiley, of Brown University, who has long been the leading figure in the Skyscrapers, a Providence [Rhode Island] astronomical organization, has addressed the Aldrich Astronomical Society here on several occasions and has always taken a great interest in it. 17
The same article went on to note that the other major activities of the club (outside of meetings) was building telescopes and using them:
Making telescopes also attracts a group of the members. Alcide E. Dehais, a metal polisher, has made two of these instruments [reflectors], one an eight-inch and the other a ten-inch. He also has made mountings for the telescopes.
One of the more ingenious members of the Aldrich Astronomical Society is Oscar Payne, inventor at the Crompton & Knowles factory, who. . . [has made]. . . a grinding machine from an electric washing machine which his wife had discarded. It has been used by another member, Rev. Thomas Crane of Sterling to make a telescope. Robert T. Griswold and Dr. George E. Emery have also made telescopes. With the exception of those made by Mr. Dehais, all the instruments have been six-inch telescopes. 18
Reflector telescope making, it should be noted, was a relatively recent "do-it-yourself" type of project. Before the 1920's, telescope building was confined mainly to a handful of professional firms such as the Alvan Clark & Sons Company and John Brashear Company which constructed the more popular (in that ere) refracting-type telescopes. However, in the mid-1920's, Russell W. Porter of Jones and Lamson Machine Company, Springfield, Vermont, interested Albert G. Ingalls, associate editor of Scientific American, in the construction of "The Poor Man's Telescope" - the reflecting telescope. 19 With the publication of descriptive articles on telescope building in Scientific American, followed shortly thereafter by an instructional volume entitled Amateur Telescope Making, the birth of amateur telescope building was realized. 20
The main celestial interests of the Aldrich group were noted to be variable stars and occultations (eclipses of stars by the moon). It is not known if any members were involved in serious observational programs such as sending magnitude estimates to the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, or reporting occultation timings to the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington. Timing occultations requires access to accurate time by observatory chronometer, or as for the majority of observers, by radio time signals. Observing variable stars assigned to one by the AAVSO requires only a modest telescope. The AAVSO, now an international amateur organization, was founded in 1911 to aid professionals in the relatively simple but ominous and tedious task of recording the magnitudes of variables in order to deduce their periods and "light-curves." 21 This is fundamental knowledge applicable to the study of stellar structure and evolution, and stellar systems. In light of the fact that Leon Campbell was noted as a guest speaker, it is quite probable that a few members were working with the AAVSO for a while.
People from all walks of life were attracted to the Aldrich Astronomical Society. The roster in the 1935 Worcester Sunday Telegram article listed 39 people and their occupations, which included physicians, engineers, school teachers, secretaries and accountants, factory workers, and students. 22 Nearly half - 17 - were women, of which two held the offices of secretary and treasurer. The article noted that women were just as enthusiastic about astronomy as the men; yet in the entire history of the club, no woman has ever been known to build a telescope. Perhaps it was meant that women were active in the administrative affairs of the club and in observing, that is, using rather than building telescopes.
The Aldrich Astronomical Society fell into a period of inactivity in the late 1930's. The depression may very well have been responsible for this. But then in September of 1942, the Aldrich Astronomical Society was rejuvenated. 23 No explanation has been uncovered as to why this happened at this particular time - during the Second World War and whatnot - so it is assumed that the right combination of enthusiastic people came together (at the Natural History Museum?) at the same time.
The principle individuals involved were Paul H. Steele, Wayne C. Lovell, Harold E. Magnuson, Raymond G. Newman, and Evert Pearson. Nothing is known about the last tow people - Newman and Pearson. Nothing is known about Paul Steele until he became associated with the others and the Natural History Museum shortly before 1942. His wide variety of interests - meteorology, mineralogy, coin, stamp and shell collecting - also included astronomy. He would perhaps best be described as a "textbook astronomer" rather than a telescope enthusiast. Steele was curator of astronomy for the Natural History Museum until 1946, when he moved to California. 24
Steele's position as curator of astronomy was only one of a number of such departmental curatorships. In the 1930's, the Natural History Museum bulletins listed only one curator for the entire museum. Since bulletins have not been located after 1934, it is not known to what extent the museum was growing, but definitely by the mid-1940's the numerous fields of interest were differentiating and forming clubs. Therefore, the institution of curatorships of the various departments or clubs was inevitable. The appointments, it should be noted, were not full time jobs; there were no stipends either. The appointees served as consultant in scientific matters to the executive board. 25
Harold E. Magnuson, an electrician for Rousseau Electric Company and later at the Telegram & Gazette building, had practically opposite interests of Paul Steele. He was mechanically inclined and built at least one telescope. He was a good observer well experienced in the technique of timing lunar occultations. Magnuson became curator of astronomy for the Natural History Museum when Steele left in 1946. 26
Wayne C. Lovell, a methods engineer at Heald Machine Company, was both a knowledgeable textbook astronomer and an excellent telescope builder. He succeeded Magnuson as curator of astronomy in February of 1948, and held that post until his death in 1966. 27 Lovell was the main catalyst of activities throughout the 1940's and 1950's. He, perhaps more than anyone else, was responsible for inviting various guest speakers to lecture to the group, arranging field trips to local observatories, and seeing that the club's plans for an observatory become a reality.
Glimpses of the activities of the Aldrich Astronomical Society first appear in the mid-1940's. The "Here and There with Amateurs" column of Sky and Telescope magazine, a roster of American amateur astronomy clubs, first listed the Aldrich Astronomical Society in the October, 1944 issue. 28 Meetings, it was noted, were held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Natural History Museum. By March of 1948, the column noted the Aldrich club met on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the museum.
At most several times a year, guest lecturers from the faculty and staff of local schools and observatories were invited to address the group. Some of these guest speakers, as noted in Sky and Telescope and recalled by former Aldrich members, include Dr. Bart J. Bok, Dr. Donald H. Menzel, Dr. Fred Whipple, Leon Campbell, Dorrit Hoffleit, Walter Orr Roberts, all of Harvard; Dirk Brouwer of Yale; Dr. Alice C. Farnsworth of Mount Holyoke; Margey Williams of Smith; Charles H. Smiley of Brown; and Percy Roupe of Clark. Sky and Telescope announcements of lectures at Aldrich meetings began as early as December of 1944 and run until February of 1951. 29
On occasion, members of the Aldrich Astronomical Society made field trips to local observatories and attended conventions sponsored by other societies. It has been reported that in May of 1947, members attended an open house at Mount Holyoke Observatory, South Hadley, and later that some month, an open house at Harvard College Observatory's Oak Ridge station. In May of 1949, some club members attended their first of several AAVSO conventions; this particular one sponsored by the Skyscrapers Astronomical Society at their Seagrave Observatory, North Scituate, Rhode Island. 30
At least twice during the late 1940's, members of Aldrich traveled to "Stellafane" - the annual telescope-makers' convention held in Springfield, Vermont. 31 Springfield is popularly known (among amateurs anyway) as the birthplace of amateur telescope making. Here, Russell W. Porter and colleagues of the Jones and Lamson Machine Company first made reflecting telescopes in the early 1920's.
In June of 1951, members of the Aldrich Astronomical Society were first noted to have attended an annual northeast regional convention of the Astronomical League in Springfield, Massachusetts. 32 The Astronomical League, a loose federation of American amateur astronomical societies, was formed in 1947 to further enrich amateurs through communication on a national scale. A quarterly news bulletin is published, and an annual national convention held. Conventions, apparently, proved impractical on a national scale, so no less than eight regional conventions are held each year in addition to the national convention. The Aldrich Astronomical Society joined the Astronomical League in 1949. 33 To date, the Astronomical League has probably had an insignificant role in the development of amateur astronomy.
In October of 1948, several members participated in a mirror-grinding class to prepare reflecting mirrors for home-built telescopes. This may very well have been spurred by the trips to Stellafane. According to Richard P. Erikson, a former Aldrich member, about a dozen members met in his home once a week to grind and polish telescope mirrors in his basement. Not all made mirrors; some came just to watch and learn the techniques involved. This marked the first time that veteran telescope makers (probably Dehais, Lovell and Magnuson) instructed club members in the art. The entire project lasted approximately one year. 34 It should be noted that this mirror-grinding class was for those individuals interested in building their own telescopes; the members had not yet undertaken a group project of financing and building a club-owned telescope.
There was, at this time, only a single club-owned instrument - a four-inch refractor (perhaps the telescope lent to them by Charles H. Smiley in 1933?). This telescope was reportedly taken by the late Walter H. Wakefield in the autumn of 1965. 35 From available photographs, it appears identical to a four-inch refractor that Mario Antonucci, a present member of the club, purchased from Wakefield in the autumn of 1967 36
Antonucci's refractor was made by the W & D Mogey Company (turn of the century American opticians) contrary to Wakefield's claim that it was an Alvan Clark instrument.
Astronomical observations by members of the Aldrich Astronomical Society continued to be general in nature. With a single exception, no records or mention of any regular observing programs have come to light. The one notable exception was that for approximately three years beginning in 1947, Fred A. Franklin and Edward C. Olson, two of the youngest members of the club at that time, made solar observations with Worcester Academy's five-inch refractor of the solar division of the AAVSO. Mr. Franklin, who is Fred D. Aldrich's grandson, attended Worcester Academy from 1948 to 1950. He personally dismounted the telescope in 1950 for reasons of a deteriorating condition of the dome and fear of neglect of the instrument. 37 The dome has since been blown off Kingsley Laboratories by the Worcester Tornado of 1953, and again for good in the hurricane of 1955, according to Harold G. Rader of the Worcester Academy Alumni office. 38
Members of the Aldrich Astronomical Society would occasionally sponsor nights of astronomical viewing for the public - popularly known as "star parties." The earliest newspaper announcement of such a star party uncovered to date was in October of 1948; Green Hill Park was noted as the observing site. 39 The public was also invited to observe on the occasion of important astronomical events such as solar and lunar eclipses, new comets, and meteor showers. Generally, a description of the forthcoming spectacle, along with an announcement of where the Aldrich Astronomical Society would observe from, would appear in the Worcester newspapers and constitute the public invitation.
Such was the case for an observing session held at the Hillcrest Dairy Company in Auburn for the 1947 annual August Perseid meteor shower. The newspaper article for this occasion, in noting that members would attempt to photograph meteors, represents the earliest record of the club attempting astro-photography. 40
Another Aldrich Astronomical Society expedition worth noting was on the occasion of a lunar eclipse in October of 1949. Aldrich members observed this event from the Natural History Museum's Nature Training School in Paxton. 41 The Nature Training School, opened in 1946, was originally some 40 acres of land at the Paxton-Holden town line west of Route 31 and bordered on the west by Asnebumskit Pond. They even arranged transportation to the Paxton site for interested members of the community. Mr. Franklin recalls that approximately 40 people (non-members) attended this event. 42
During the summers of at least three years, 1949-1951, Fred Franklin taught astronomy to local children enrolled in the Natural History Museum's nature day-camp at the Nature Training School. In the summer of 1949, Franklin and Olson constructed a steel and cement pier for an eight-inch reflecting telescope they were building (perhaps in the mirror-grinding class at the Erikson residence) at a location approximately 200 feet northeast of the site where the Aldrich Observatory would be erected some three years hence. They were using this telescope and site at least by the 1950 season to show the sun to the nature day-camp children. 43
The Aldrich Astronomical Society sponsored a public lecture series at the Natural History Museum for at least two years: 1949-1950. The lecturers included both Aldrich members and outside local dignitaries. The lecture series were reportedly quite successful. 44
BUILDING OF THE OBSERVATORY: 1949 to 1954
Exactly when and how the idea of a club observatory arose is unknown. The first indication that some of the members were thinking of such a possibility appear in the January 14, 1949 newspaper article on telescope-building, which noted that:
More elaborate hopes are those of club secretary Ralph A. Wright and Mr. Lovell, who envision the day when the club will have its own observatory.
The ideal observatory, planned by the two men, would be a glass-enclosed [?] affair, located in Paxton or Holden [the Nature Training School site?] and contain a good ten-inch telescope, a patrol camera for photographic the heavens, and a small public lecture room. They estimate the whole thing could be constructed for around $500, with club members providing most of the labor free. 45
The club's intention of owning property was evident by August of 1949 when the members decided to form a corporation. An organizational meeting was held at the Worcester Natural History Museum, 12 State Street, on the evening of August 30, 1949. The first known set of by-laws was adopted at this meeting. The by-laws established a five member board of directors and the offices of the presidency, secretaryship, and treasury.
All elected officials except the present were chosen by ballot at an annual meeting of the Aldrich Astronomical Society's members; the present was a member of the board of directors selected by the board. Ralph A. Wright was elected secretary and treasurer. Wayne C. Lovell, Ralph A. Wright, John A. Nordstrom, Althea M. Widdis, and Hoogas G. Hoogasian were elected members of the board of directors. In a separate meeting of the board members immediately following the club meeting, Wayne C. Lovell was elected president. 46
The election of officers according to the prescriptions of the by-laws has not been strictly adhered to over the years. The elections, which usually take place in September after members dues are collected, have not always been held annually. The board of directors has since been disbanded; no records of its activities other than the initial meeting have been found.
On September 8, 1949, the Aldrich Astronomical Society filed an application to become a corporation in the state of Massachusetts. The purpose of the corporation, to be known as the Aldrich Astronomical Society, Incorporated, was
To study and disseminate knowledge of the science of astronomy and allied sciences and to foster a spirit of friendship, fellowship and social activities among those interested in astronomy; to acquire land and maintain an observatory thereon; 47
The charter incorporators were Wayne C. Lovell, Ralph A. Wright, John A. Nordstrom, Althea M. Widdis, Hoogas G. Hoogasian, Beulah E. Lewis, Raymond G. Newman, and Mario Carofanello. The Society was accepted as a corporation in the state of Massachusetts on February 24, 1950. 48
The biggest problem facing the Aldrich Astronomical Society's objective of building an observatory was obtaining land, for the club had very little money (less than $100 until 1951). 49 The problem of obtaining land had another aspect besides a financial one; not any piece of land would suffice. Prerequisites of a suitable observatory site include:
(1) a high elevation to reduce the occurrence of fogging
(2) isolation from lights and air pollutants of populated
areas
(3) certainty that the hazards of the latter condition will
be avoided for a long time.
Despite the severe financial barrier, the club scouted various sites in the Worcester area during 1950 and 1951. The club was obviously aware that the Nature Training School grounds in Paxton was an excellent site and perhaps they could build there without a purchase of land. However, the club apparently desired to avoid any dependency and obligation to the Worcester Natural History Society, mainly become relations with the Museum's director, Richard C. Potter, were poor.
Fred A. Franklin recalled that Potter had personal differences with Magnuson, and that Potter was never too congenial with Lovell or the club members. At times (in the mid-1940's) the club would break off relations with the Natural History Museum and meet at private homes. He further noted that the Aldrich Astronomical Society would probably never have considered sites other than the Nature Training School if relations between the two parties had been better. 50
Late in the summer of 1951, the Aldrich Astronomical Society decided to ask the Natural History Museum for an observatory site on the Nature Training School grounds. This decision was the product of the slow but inevitable realization that the club could not afford to purchase land, and the more recent results of "site tests" conducted by some of the members. Edward Olson, Fred Franklin, and Werner M. Neupert had spent some evenings at the Nature Training School observing the quality of the sky conditions and determined them to be best (darkest) of all sites under consideration. 51
Wayne Lovell, as curator of astronomy at the Museum, most likely was the person responsible for negotiating an agreement with the Natural History Museum whereby the Aldrich Astronomical Society was permitted to build at the Nature Training School. Although several newspaper articles noted that a 99-year lease on two acres of land at the Nature Training School was granted the Aldrich Astronomical Society by the Natural History Society's director's council, Fred Franklin and Edward Olson recall that nothing beyond a verbal agreement was made with the director, Richard Potter. They showed Potter where they would like to build - on a small rise some 200 yards north of the Nature Training School building (Potter Lodge) - and got his approval. Fred Franklin, Edward Olson, and Werner Neupert made a survey of the site late that fall (or early the following spring) to precisely define the observatory site for the Natural History Society. No record of this survey is known to have survived to the present day. 52
The design of the observatory, according to Werner Neupert, was the product of many peoples' thoughts. He recalls that the members considered various designs incorporating sliding roofs or domes. 53 However, a newspaper article in January of 1952, relating the club's intention of building an observatory, noted that Wayne Lovell and Edward Olson designed the observatory; it was probably meant that they drew up the final blueprints. 54
The members decided upon a cinder-block structure consisting of two rooms: an observatory section and an auditorium.55 The observatory section, approximately 16 feet by 17 1/2 feet with walls two feet higher than the auditorium, has an inside stairway leading up to the observing platform - a plywood floor; seven feet above ground level, supported independently of the building proper by wooden posts. The concrete telescope pier, sunk five feet into the ground, rises unattached through the cement ground floor and plywood observing deck in order to isolate the telescope from vibrations. The observatory section has a gambrel sliding-roof that rolls on tracks extending northward right off the building, thus exposing the entire telescope and observing deck to the night sky. The sliding roof is opened and closed by a manually-operated chain-drive crank.
The adjacent (eastern side) auditorium, approximately 20 feet square, has the only two entrances to the building in order to reduce traffic (and thus vibrations) within the observatory section. The auditorium has a low-pitch gambrel roof so as not to obstruct the eastern view of the telescope. The interior was semi-finished - plastered walls, tiled floor, ceiling - while the room under the telescope deck was left unfinished. The building had electricity (via underground cable) but no running water. The auditorium initially had four electric heaters which for unknown reasons proved inadequate and subsequently were removed. The observatory room presently has a propane gas heater which is believed to have been there from the beginning (circa. 1952). 56
The design of the observatory must have been under consideration for some time prior to mid-1951, for construction began immediately that autumn after the club was given permission to build at the Nature Training School. A rough road was cut and the observatory site was cleared. The trenches for the dry-rock foundation and the telescope pier were dug. Edward Olson and Fred Franklin rented a truck on weekends to haul stones for the foundation. Werner Neupert, Arvid Lindblad, and Oscar Nelson were other members who participated in this initial work. The foundation was allowed to settle over the 1951-52 winter season. 57
Activities resumed in the spring of 1952. The Society's cashbook noted the purchase and delivery of cinder blocks late in May. Presumably the Aldrich members had, by this time, poured the concrete footings and floor of the building, and (separately) the eight foot high telescope pier. A private masonry contractor, Paul A. Keller of Auburn, was hired to construct the cinder-block walls of the building. Mr. Keller, with the assistance of some club members, completed this task in August. 58
The auditorium roof was built in October by another outside contractor, Harry J. Staruk. The cashbook also noted that he installed the door-frames and hung the doors in mid-October. 59 There is no record of the construction of the stairway and telescope deck of the observatory section; presumably they were built at this time by either Mr. Staruk or Aldrich Astronomical Society members. The sliding observatory roof was built by Aldrich Astronomical Society members late in October and into November. The steel rails, each a single 33 length, were temporarily supported that winter by wooden braces where they overhung the building to the north. Four steel I-beams with concrete bases and cross-braces were later constructed the following spring. The roof made its "opening debut" in the summer of 1953, according to Edward Olson. 60
With the building secure from the elements, the interior work could commence. Most of the work - wiring, plastering and tiling of the auditorium walls and floor - probably was done in early 1953 by Aldrich Astronomical Society members as Edward Olson recalls. He also recalls digging the trench for the 220-volt power cable; electricity came up the hill to within 50 yards of the building via utility pole, then went underground. 61 Apparently the members felt that a skyline view unobstructed by telephone poles and wires was well worth the effort and agony of installing underground cables.
Late in November of 1953, the ten-inch reflecting telescope was installed. 62 The telescope mirror though nominally a ten-inch, was actually 9 5/8 inches in diameter - odd-sized by present standards - and was made by the famous American optician John Brashear of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1907 for a Mr. M.S. Emmons of Worcester. Miraculously, the original correspondence of Brashear to Emmons concerning progress of his mirror (lenses were still made to order at this time, not "in stock") and advice on mounting the optics has survived in excellent condition. 63
Mr. Emmons' entire home-built telescope was given to Wayne C. Lovell sometime prior to May of 1949 by Emmons' sister Esther, apparently after Emmons' death. From the context of a letter from Esther Emmons to Wayne Lovell, it is most probable that she was not a long-time friend of Mr. Lovell but only made his acquaintance in her efforts to find a suitable recipient for the instrument. Miss Emmons knew that he was a member (actually present) of the Aldrich Astronomical Society and presumably realized that he was curator of astronomy for the Natural History Society as well. 64 If indeed such was the case, this has greater significance than just the chance happening of a relative of a friend of a member bestowing a telescope to the club, for it indicates that, to a certain degree, the Worcester public realized that the Aldrich Astronomical Society and/or the Natural History Society existed.
Fred Franklin recalls that Wayne Lovell offered the Brashear mirror to the club for their new observatory; indeed, this offer may have been a catalyst in the club's endeavor to realize an observatory of their own. 65 Apparently the original telescope tube and mount were unsatisfactory, for in March of 1953, a commercially-made (Haines Scientific Company, New Jersey) equatorial mount was ordered. 66 Meanwhile, Wayne Lovell constructed the seven foot, square-plywood tube for the mirror, and a matching two foot tube for a 100 millimeter diameter, 500 millimeter focal length Zeiss lens that the club had purchased in April of 1952 for astrophotography. 67
The acquisition of this lens (a fortunate buy at $40 from a serviceman back from a European tour of duty) fulfilled the Aldrich Astronomical Society's dreams of having an observatory equipped with a large telescope and astro-camera.
Some two and a half years after initial ground-breaking, the completed observatory was officially opened at dedication ceremonies on May 8, 1954. 68 The Aldrich members who contributed much of their time in this endeavor included Wayne Lovell, Fred Franklin, Edward Olson, Werner Neupert, Arvid Lindblad, Oscar Nelson, John Hunt and Hoogas Hoogasian.
The observatory, complete with telescope, was constructed at a cost of approximately $3400.00. It was financed by contributions from Worcester area people and businesses, and Aldrich Astronomical Society members themselves. The fund-raising program began with a rummage sale in September of 1951. During the winter and spring months, members sought donations from owners of local businesses, particularly from their own employers (see Appendix A). Some contributors, however, made donations via the Natural History Society; that is the History Society held the gifts in "custodian account" and dispersed them as needed. By the time the cinder block walls of the observatory were going up in the summer of 1952, the Aldrich Astronomical Society had managed to raise approximately $800 in outside contributions as well as $200 from their own activities (sales and benefit suppers) and contributions. 69
Furthermore, Dr. Leon A. Storz, a new member of the club and member of the Natural History Society's board of trustees and the Rotary Club of Worcester, was negotiating some financial aid from the Rotary Club. At least by the end of 1952, Storz had persuaded the Rotary Club to donate funds, up to a maximum of $1,000, for the purchase of a mounting for the telescope. 70 This donation would come pending assurance that the Aldrich Astronomical Society would not falter in their endeavor to complete the construction of the observatory building. Responding to this provision, Donald W. Campbell, president of the Natural History Society, prepared a statement of the present (December, 1952) financial standing of the Aldrich Astronomical Society (see Appendix B). 71
Campbell noted, in a brief review of fun-raising activities, that the Natural History Society had lent the Aldrich Astronomical Society some $400 (above and beyond the gifts held in the custodian account) in order that they may finish the two roofs of the observatory before the onset of winter. This action was a complete reversal of an earlier statement by Campbell to the effect that the Natural History Society would assist the Aldrich Astronomical Society in every manner except financially. Despite this debt and another outstanding bill of $1,100 (mainly Keller's fee for masonry work), Campbell expressed confidence in their capability to raise the necessary funds for completion of the building. Thus, he gave a favorable recommendation to the Rotary Club's consideration of the gift to the Aldrich Astronomical Society.
In an effort to insure the receipt of the Rotary Club gift, Storz, at least, continued the fund-raising campaign which had floundered since last summer (1952). In March, he solicited a substantial gift of $800 from George F. Fuller (a colleague in the Rotary Club, perhaps?). Nearly the same time, the Rotary Club appropriated the funds for the gift of a telescope mount to the Aldrich Astronomical Society's custodian account held by the Natural History Museum. Potter informed the Aldrich Astronomical Society officers of such and handled the ordering of the desired equipment for them.
The mounting, made by Haines Scientific Company of New Jersey, was an impressively massive German-type equatorial complete with electric clock-drive, large aluminum setting circles, and remote-controlled electric slow-motion drives on both axes. This "limited edition" model, costing $900 including delivery, arrived sometime that summer and was installed at the observatory in November of 1953.
The Aldrich Astronomical Society's fund-raising ended with Fuller's gift (March, 1953) and no more financial records of the construction exist after the Aldrich Astronomical Society's funds in the custodian account were exhausted (November, 1952). The Natural History Museum directly handled any remaining bills thereafter, and did not inform the Aldrich Astronomical Society treasurer of their amount; thus we only know to what extent the Natural History Society financed the observatory - approximately $400 - from Campbell's December 1952 report to the Rotary Club. The Aldrich Astronomical Society never repaid the Natural History Society, but instead, apparently decided to turn over ownership of the observatory to them. A newspaper article reviewing the May 8, 1954 dedication ceremonies noted that:
The presentation of the deed to Donald W. Campbell, president of the natural history Society, by Dr. Leon A. Storz...marked the formal return of the astronomical Society to the natural history Society.
The Aldrich Astronomical Society which has operated as an independent organization for several years, has again become an official part of the Worcester Natural History Society. 72
At this point, a more definitive description of the relationship that had evolved between the two parties is in order. Shortly after the land lease at the Nature Training School was granted, Potter outlined the conditions of the lease and the relationship of the Aldrich Astronomical Society to the Natural History Society in a letter to an Aldrich Astronomical Society member:
1. The land upon which they are erecting the observatory has been leased to them by the Nature Training School Committee of the Director's Council,... the title to the property is held by the Natural History Society.
2. The Aldrich Astronomy Club is an integral part of the Museum's astronomical activities and comes under the supervision...of the Museum's Department of Astronomy, administered by its curator Wayne Lovell.
3. It must be thoroughly understood that this venture is not an independent venture of the Astronomy Club under its incorporation, but is a part of the Museum's educational structure.
4. It is assumed that at certain times this observatory, under the administration of the Department of Astronomy and the Aldrich Club would be available for members of the [Natural History] Society, as well as the outside interests, the public, and more particularly for students in the various Museum's schools, as programs will be developed for them by the Club and the Department. 73
Thus, the Aldrich Astronomical Society was no longer an autonomous organization, but had assumed the role of an affiliate to the museum's educational facilities. Their major obligation in this role was to administer the museum's astronomy program (presumably just the astronomy class in the Nature Training School program) and occasionally sponsor star parties for the public and the museum's members. Even when the Natural History Society assumed ownership of the observatory, the Aldrich members were allowed to run these affairs. Thus, the loose symbiotic relationship between the two parties of past years was solidified in the joint observatory venture.
THE ALDRICH ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY: 1954 TO 1973
In the two decades following the erection of the observatory, the Aldrich Astronomical Society has not had a tremendously active involvement with the Worcester community. The energies of the Aldrich Astronomical Society appear to have centered primarily around operating the observatory. The Society has sponsored a weekly public viewing night - Tuesday evening - throughout the observatory's open season, May to November. It is unknown how actively the club advertised this open house, or how well they were attended. However, the Aldrich Astronomical Society's newsletter, started in 1958 by club president Arnold Nieuwenhoff noted that visitors were quite numerous in the late-1950's due to satellite launchings. 74
It is unclear if the Aldrich Astronomical Society sponsored any public star parties on the occasion of "spectacular" celestial events (solar and lunar eclipses, meteor showers, etc.). The Society's newsletter often noted upcoming events, but did not mention if the observatory was open to the public. Beginning in the late 1960's however, the Aldrich Astronomical Society has sponsored star parties on the average of two every year. Some have been held at the request of the Natural History Society in conjunction with their open house programs.
Since the erection of the observatory, only one public lecture program is known to have been sponsored by the Aldrich Astronomical Society. In the autumn of 1957, after the launching of the space age during the International Geophysical Year (July 1, 1957 to December 31, 1958), the Aldrich Astronomical Society sponsored a public lecture series at the Natural History Museum entitled "Threshold of Space." 75 Details of this program - the speakers, topics and attendance - are presently not known.
The Aldrich Astronomical Society had a more active involvement with the amateur astronomical community after the erection of the observatory. Members frequently attended regional conventions of the Astronomical League and, in recent years, traveled to Springfield, Vermont, for "Stellafane," the annual telescope makers' convention. But now, with their new observatory, the Aldrich Astronomical Society was able to host conventions for the first time.
On May 14, 1954, just one week after the opening of the observatory, the Aldrich Astronomical Society and the Worcester Natural History Society hosted the Northeast regional convention of the Astronomical League. By this time, the Natural History Society had moved to a new location, the former Paul B. Morgan estate, on 21 Cedar Street. 76 Paper sessions, typically brief presentations of an individual's or organization's recent projects, were held Saturday at the Natural History Museum.
After the Saturday evening banquet, John Patterson, director of the Boston Museum of Science Hayden Planetarium, spoke on the current construction of the planetarium. Following this, the Aldrich Observatory was open to the convention delegates for astronomical viewing. Attendance, as estimated from the Aldrich Astronomical Society cashbook, was approximately one hundred. 77
The Aldrich Astronomical Society is not known to have hosted another convention for nine years until the annual convention of the AAVSO was held at the Aldrich Observatory and Natural History Museum October 11 and 12, 1963. It is not known that the Aldrich Astronomical Society had any relations with the AAVSO. Apparently, some members did belong to the AAVSO, or at least attended previous conventions, and volunteered, on behalf of the Aldrich Astronomical Society, to host the 1963 convention.
The convention opened Friday evening, October 11, at the Natural History Museum with Dr. Myron Lecar of the NASA Institute for Space Studies speaking about the Apollo space program. Saturday, a business meeting was held at the Aldrich Observatory followed by an afternoon paper session. One of the guest speakers was former Aldrich member Edward C. Olson, then Associate Professor of Astronomy at Smith College. He spoke on the spectral characteristics of eclipsing binary star systems. Convention attendance was reported to be over fifty. 78
The Aldrich Astronomical Society hosted its second Northeast regional convention of the Astronomical League on the weekend of May 21, 22, 1965. An open house and star party was held Friday evening, the 21st. Following the Saturday morning business meeting, Aldrich member Ronald King described the construction of his low-cost private observatory. Wayne Lovell then presented a talk on the history of the Aldrich Observatory. Unfortunately, no copy of this lecture is known to exist. In the afternoon paper session, David Dunham of Yale University Observatory spoke on observing and timing grazing occultations. The evening banquet was held at the Paxton Inn. Attendance for the convention was approximately fifty. 79
Four years later, on the weekend of June 13-14th, 1969, the Aldrich Astronomical Society hosted the Northeast regional convention of the Astronomical League. The Aldrich Observatory was open to the delegates Friday evening the 13th. Guest lecturers in Saturday's program included Dr. Edward Brooks of Boston College, who discussed prospects of the march, 1970 solar eclipse, and Joseph Veverka of Harvard Observatory, who spoke on the evolution of the solar system. 80
Beyond hosting conventions or sponsoring public star parties, few of the Aldrich Astronomical Society's activities have shown an organized, group effort. Observational work, by its very nature, is a rather individualized activity and as a result few records of members' observations have been deposited at the observatory. Occasionally the Aldrich Astronomical Society's newsletter noted individual endeavors; astrophotography appears to have been the most serious work attempted. Thus it is assumed that the typical observational activities remained casual in nature, and no regular group-organized observing program was ever undertaken.
Maintenance and improvement of the observatory facilities were accomplished in a semi-organized manner. Improvements occasionally reflected the current interests of the members; in 1964 for example, astrophotography had become a popular enough activity to warrant the need for darkroom facilities. One half of the observing room (under the telescope deck) was partitioned off and finished over as a darkroom. 81 In 1973, the Aldrich Astronomical Society, motivated by recent trips to Stellafane, purchased an eight-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for work in the field. 82
Improvements were sometimes more spontaneous. In January of 1970, the Aldrich Astronomical Society decided to undertake, as a group project, the construction of a 12 1/2 -inch telescope to replace the Brashear 10-inch instrument. After grinding commenced, it soon became evident that telescope mirror making did not lend itself well as a group project. In November of 1971, Aldrich member and veteran telescope-maker Paul Rohde offered a 16-inch f/4 mirror he had made in trade for the club's unfinished 12 1/2-inch mirror. The Society accepted his offer and voted Rohde an honorary member. 83 In May of 1972, the 10-inch Brashear telescope was replaced with the 16-inch telescope.
By far the biggest improvement of the observatory facilities came, by quite unforeseen circumstances, in 1963. During the previous year, the town of Paxton took approximately twenty-five acres of the Nature Training School grounds for the watershed of Asnebumskit Pond, which was dammed and made into a reservoir. Fortunately, the Aldrich Observatory was outside the watershed perimeter, but the NTS building, Potter Lodge, was not and had to be relocated.
Although Potter Lodge was relocated, the Natural History Society decided to use the money received from Paxton in compensation for the land to put an addition onto the observatory that would house the main headquarters of the Nature Training School. This was agreeable with the Aldrich Astronomical Society (although they may have had no say in the matter) for the plans also included a round, cinder-block observing room for future use as a second observatory. 84
The construction, done by outside contractors, began in the spring of 1963 and was completed in time for the October AAVSO convention hosted by the Aldrich Astronomical Society. In addition to the second observing room, an enlarged auditorium, offices for the Nature Training School, rest rooms, and a basement were constructed. Provisions for a heating system were also incorporated in the building plans so that, at some time in the future, the facilities could be used on a year-round basis.
According to Russell Stanhope, director of the Nature Training School, and a newspaper account of the construction, local area colleges were invited to use the facilities for instruction in astronomy, presumably if they would share in the maintenance expenses. 85 Yet no school took the Natural History Society up on its offer; to date the Nature Training School and Aldrich Astronomical Society remain the only two seasonal occupants of the expanded observatory.
The reason why this ambitious project, with such great potential, was allowed to flounder may be that the Natural History Society prematurely turned its attention to still another, larger endeavor: the building of a new museum. Under the directorship (since late 1961) of Richard T. Kleber, the plans and funding campaign for the proposed museum were most likely underway by 1964. Starting in 1967, the Natural History Museum underwent a metamorphosis and became the Worcester Science Center, located on Harrington Way. 86 The transformation involved more than just the physical structure. The Science Center was now operated by a professional staff, replacing the volunteer curatorships. Despite the passage of Wayne C. Lovell and the astronomy curatorship, the Aldrich Astronomical Society has still been allowed to hold winter meetings at the Science Center because some Science Center employees have been Aldrich Astronomical Society members.
THE ALDRICH ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY: 1994+
(Please note all information in this particular section was added by Jim Zebrowski.)
Greendale Mall Event : 1994
Aldrich Astronomical Society put on an exhibition for National Astronomy day. The display included a mirror grinding demonstration, three telescopes on display, a large scale TV from Lechmere showing NASA select films, a series of display boards with pictures and many handouts at three sets of tables surrounding the central raised area at the Lechmere end of the mall.
There was also a demonstration of rock climbing sponsored by Eastern Mountain Sports which brought many people to our end of the mall.
May 10th 1994 Annular Solar Eclipse : 1994
Our membership split into two groups - one headed to Springfield Vermont to set up a large scale solar display at Stellafane and the other group decided to concentrate on finding an observing spot closer to the center zone.
About ten members took the trip to Northern Vermont in a caravan of six vehicles. This group selected the Vermont town of Royalton as a possible location because of its proximity the center line based on information provided in Sky and Telescope. The group gathered additional members at the first rest stop across the Vermont border on Route 91 including a family from Connecticut who just decided to head North to see the eclipse. They happened to ask Ed Guries if he knew a good location for observing and were quickly invited to participate in our group.
Larry Moss noted that Royalton looked ideal from the highway stop which overlooked the center of the town. It had a nice open scenic New England common with an unobstructed view of the sky. We quickly descended on the unsuspecting inhabitants of the town and found parking places along the common to easily off load our cameras, lounge chairs, filters and assorted picnic goodies.
It became quite the event once the town inhabitants discovered what was going on and we were soon visited by many professors and students from the Vermont School of Law. Many people asked questions about precautions for observing the upcoming solar event and we showed off our selection of Mylar filters, welders goggles and number 14 green filters. Larry Moss provided one of the more unusual solar observing tips which was to use a doubled up wrapper from a Kellogg's Pop Tart. This resulted in a number of people heading into the local grocery store and buying out most of the pop tarts on the shelf!
As the event drew near, scattered high clouds appeared but did little to dampen our enthusiasm or obstruct our view. Overall the weather was outstanding and as Ed Guries put it, "It doesn't get much better than this!" First contact was a little before noon and drew many interested people who asked to see the view as they passed through the common to the nearby by tavern for lunch. Activity increased dramatically as the moment of annularity approached and we ended up with about 75 people observing with us.
Annularity was amazing and quite breath taking - many people were amazed by the beauty of it all. We noted a drop in temperature and saw multiple images of the eclipses projected through the pine needles and newly budded leaves on nearby trees. The temperature was in the 60s and only an occasional cloud obscured our sight for a short time. Our group passed around filters throughout the crowd and patiently answered all questions. Russ Chaplis took a sequence of video and still pictures with his camera throughout the day. No one brought a telescope since most of us just wanted to enjoy the event.
THE ALDRICH ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY TODAY
In conclusion, a brief character sketch of the present-day Aldrich members in general would be helpful in better understanding and appreciating the history of the Aldrich Astronomical Society.
First it should be stressed that all of the members are amateurs by the true definition of the word: all are involved solely out of sheer interest and enjoyment. The sort of person interested in astronomy at the amateur level cannot be stereotyped; quite on the contrary, the Aldrich Astronomical Society members exhibit a great diversity in background. A wide variety of professions are represented - teachers, doctors, factory and office workers, and tradesmen.
A fair number of members, especially in recent years are students from local high schools and colleges. The only group inadequately represented is that which comprises one-half of the human population - women. There have been few or no active female members since the erection of the observatory in 1954.
The reason for a lack of women may lie in the predominant interests of the club. The members may be divided into two major interest groups. The first is the telescope-builders; those members who derive great satisfaction in building such instruments, but only occasionally use them. The other group is the "textbook astronomers"; those who enjoy using telescopes, but care little for building them. The two groups are not entirely polarized; there are members belong to both parties. Women are generally not interested in telescope-making but are inclined towards observing the heavens.
Throughout the history of the Aldrich Astronomical Society, no women have ever been known to have built telescopes. With the lack of lecture programs after 1957, Tuesday meetings, particularly on cloudy evenings, would often degenerate into shop-talk sessions among the telescope-builders. In recent years with the influx of many students, meetings may often consist of a number of impromptu astronomical and technical discussions. This sort of thing generally does not appeal to women. Yet the Aldrich Astronomical Society's lack of organized activities cannot be entirely to blame, for much less than one half of the summertime visitors are women. There must be other, outside factors that remain enigmatic at the present time.
The Aldrich Astronomical Society represents an organization that is a stimulus - rather than a teacher - of elementary astronomy. The Society does not actively teach, in the manner of an educational institution, but rather enhances the individual's learning process through association with others. Thus, for example, the Aldrich Astronomical Society's veteran telescope-makers may advise beginners in the art of fashioning telescope mirrors and constructing mountings. The sky observers may show the novice how to use the telescope and star atlases to explore the heavens.
Although the members know that astronomy is the oldest science, they realize that the Aldrich Astronomical Society's brand of amateur astronomy is not science. Telescope-making is a highly skilled art. The usual sort of casual observations have no scientific merit. The occasional observational experiments (astrophotography, for example) are primarily executed in the spirit of a challenging test: to determine what can be done with the equipment - ingenuity - available. These activities, by their amateur standing, reflect the character of the people. Yet diverse as activities and personalities may be, Aldrich Astronomical Society members possess a common quality. All derive great pleasure in sharing with others the splendors of a peaceful evening sky.
APPENDIX A
DONATIONS TO THE ALDRICH OBSERVATORY
Business and Public Contributions Given Directly to the Aldrich Astronomical Society
George F. Fuller $800
Stanley R. Morton $100
F.H. Daniels $100
George F. Booth $ 50
Mr. and Mrs. Roger N. Heald $ 25
Andrew B. Holmstrom $ 25
Carter C. Higgins $ 25
A. Bradford Reed $ 10
Bay State Abrasives $ 6
Un. Res. Equipment Company $ 5
Warren Snyder $ 5
George Hoogasian $ 5
Roland A. Erikson $ 5
Business/Public Contributions held by the Natural History Society
Norton Company $200
Harold G. Stoddard $100
Philip M. Morgan $ 50
Milton P. Higgins $ 50
John Jeppson $ 25
George Jeppson $ 25
Ralph F. Gow $ 10
Donald W. Campbell $ 10
Contributions from Aldrich Members
Beulah E. Lewis $100 (US Gov. Sav. Bond)
Charles J. Hudson $ 17
Harold M. Constantian $ 15
Elmer Masters $ 10
Edward C. Olson $ 10
Althea M. Widdis $ 10
Harold L. Blood $ 10
Hoogas Hoogasian $ 6.25
Fred A. Franklin $ 5
Alfred Ruttiman $ 3
James Chin $ 2
APPENDIX B
December 31, 1952
Dr. Leon A. Storz, Member of Rotary
507 Main Street
Worcester, MA
Dear Dr. Storz:
Recently, on different occasions, I have spent some time with Dr. Edward C. Olson of 2 Chalmers Road, past President of the Aldrich Astronomical Society and with Mr. Werner Neupert of Shrewsbury, MA who was Vice-President during the past year.
Mr. Olson has obtained information from the Treasurer of the Aldrich Astronomical Society, Miss Althea M. Widdis. Putting this information together with that which is recorded by the income statement and a balance sheet for the Aldrich Astronomical Society. It is my opinion that this income statement and balance sheet is a proper statement of where the Aldrich Astronomical Society stands today. However, it is only my opinion and it is not certified to by the President or the Treasurer of the Aldrich Astronomical Society inasmuch as at the time of constructing the statement, a few days ago, these officers had not seen it. I repeat, however, that after considerable research, it is my opinion that the attached statement is a fair statement of the financial position of the Aldrich Astronomical Society.
I have asked Mr. Olson to inform the officers of the Aldrich Astronomical Society that from here on the Treasurer should keep an accurate statement of all income and expenditures of the Aldrich Astronomical Society and all monies owed, and that all commitments for expenditure are to be made only after proper authorization of officers of the Aldrich Astronomical Society.
Explanatory of the statement enclosed, the Aldrich Astronomical Society itself collected gifts in the amount of $709.29. Subsequently, certain givers desired to place their gifts through the Museum, that is, the Museum was asked to hold the gifts in custodian account, the money to be advanced to the Aldrich Astronomical Society as its construction proceeded and upon request of the Officers of the Aldrich Astronomical Society. This account amounted to $470.00. Of the money collected by the Aldrich Astronomical Society, itself, they have spent $421.41.
Finally, however, they were faced with the necessity of putting a roof on the building for protection against winter weather and were without sufficient funds to purchase the material. The Museum advanced funds in the amount of $409.56 to the custodian account and paid out $879.56, the present balance in the custodian account being $9.11. You will note that unpaid bills for construction amount of $1,097.72.
Dr. Leon A. Storz, Member of Rotary December 31, 1952
507 Main Street
Worcester, MA
The statement of current liabilities over current assets is the best exhibition of the present status of the Astronomical Society. It shows the Aldrich Astronomical Society "in the hole" in the amount of $1,209.29 and their estimate of cost of completion of the structure is $600.00. In other words, the complete construction of the building, they have to acquire $1,800.00.
Now the foregoing is exclusive of the cost and installation of the mount in which the Rotary Club has been interested and for which the Rotary grant was accorded. Their estimates are that the Rotary grant will take care of the cost and installation of the mount. I am informed that no order for the mount has been definitely placed as yet.
Mr. Olson says he and his associates are going after the money to assure completion of the structure and pay the outstanding bills. They have shown so much initiative and have been able to enlist so much enthusiasm for their project and they have put so much of their own time and interest and enthusiasm, back muscle and brawn into the project that it would seem very likely that they could raise the money to complete the structure. I think the very fact that they now know where they stand would be of assistance to them in raising the additional funds.
Under these circumstances, it would seem to me that Rotary can quite properly advance the money to them through the custodian account for payment of the amount and its installation. Should Rotary care to assist in this altruistic endeavor by a further grant for cost of construction, I know it will be a great morale builder to this little Astronomical Society and in my opinion, it would be well worth while.
Perhaps it is appropriate to state here the relationship between the Aldrich Astronomical Society and the Worcester Natural History Society. This is stated in my letter to Mr. Richard C. Potter, Director of the Natural History Museum, under date of September 2nd, from which I quote:
"The Natural History Society is in need of all funds it can gather together to carry on its own extensive program. The Aldrich Astronomical Society must meet its own estimates and calculations and keep its contracts within its funds available. It is up to the Museum which holds the building funds of the Aldrich Astronomical Society to see that the funds are disbursed for the purpose for which they are given. However, as an affiliate of the Museum, not a subsidiary, we urge the Aldrich Astronomical Society to "cut its suit to fit the cloth available". The Natural History Society is necessary to the Aldrich Astronomical Society and the Natural History Society favors the Aldrich Astronomical Society undertaking and will endeavor to guide it and assist it in every way possible, not financial. We are proud to have the Aldrich Astronomical Society as an associate and we think its altruistic endeavor will produce a fine educational contribution to our fair City."
As you can see, Leon, the above statement was made in an endeavor to keep this Aldrich situation on a business like basis and does not detract from our very deep interest in this altruistic project.
Sincerely yours,
President
Dr. Leon A. Storz, Member of Rotary December 31, 1952
507 Main Street
Worcester, MA
DWC:j
cc. Mr. Channing Smith, Treasurer, Worc. Natural History Society
Mr. Edward C. Olson, Past President, Aldrich Astronomical Society
Mr. Werner Neupert, Past Vice-President, " " "
Mr. David Masters, President, " " "
Miss Althea M. Widdis, Treasurer, " " "
ALDRICH ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
INCOME
Gifts paid to Aldrich Astronomical Society Treasurer $709.29
Gifts to Museum Custodian Account $470.00
Total $1,179.29
EXPENDITURES
From Aldrich Astronomical Society Treasury for Materials $421.41
From Custodian Account at Museum for Materials $879.56
Total $1,300.97
ASSETS LIABILITIES
Cash $ 296.99 Bills payable $1,096.72
Property Paid for $ 1,300.97 Owed Museum 409.56
Property Unpaid $ 1,096.72 $1,506.28
Brawn & Brain, Back CAPITAL
Muscle and Planning 0.00
Capital $1,188.40
$ 2,694.68 $2,694.68
Current Liabilities $1,506.28
Current Assets 296.99
Current Deficit $1,209.29
Estimated Cost of Completion $ 600.00
(Larry, on the old version, page 45 is Appendix C which is a graph and the following page, Appendix C-1 is also a graph)
APPENDIX D
ALDRICH ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
President Roster
1933 Walter H. Wakefield
1947
Wayne C. Lovell
1950
1951
Edward C. Olson
1952
1953 David E. Masters
1954 Wayne C. Lovell
1955
John Hunt
1956
1957
Arnold Nieuwenhoff
1969
1970
Edward Guries, Jr.
1971
1972
to
Present Frederick T. Baker, Jr.
APPENDIX D-1
ALDRICH ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
President Roster
1972
Frederick T. Baker, Jr.