The End of the Early Days - ASH Reaches the Age of Majority
By: Bob King & Jack Betz
While we were busy listening to the Band of Progress, we were marching to the beat of a different drummer. For we forgot about our second solar eclipse expedition. In June 1972, right after Agnes and before the flood waters had receded, we sent a contingent to Canada to view the eclipse on the banks of the St. Lawerence River at Cap Chat. The great flood altered our plans to some extent as several involved members could not make the trip as they were engaged in property cleanup and repair. About 14 members went to Cap Chat or to New Brunswick. Cap Chat was the preferred area as weather conditions were to be better. However, unusual tricks of fate prevailed and Cap Chat was subjected to heavy clouds and subsequent rain right after first contact. Those members at New Brunswick where rain was expected were treated to clear skies and got good pictures of the event. We were fortunate to have members at both locations.
In 1975, Norman Culver, an active astronomer, passed away and his widow donated his 12.5" Newtonian to the Society with the stipulation that it be housed permanently to assure its continued use. Immediately we started planning the new observatory. With the assistance of local overhead door company Jack Betz fumished the design for our rolloff roof observatory. Construction was started in 1976 and completed in 1977. Material and labor were furnished by the members with the Society financing the major costs for the building, roll-off roof and telescope mount. This was the last major construction undertaken by the Society. Other than replacement of the vandalized storage shed and reroofing of the vestibule and telescope storage building, subsequent work involved maintenance, repair and upgrading or replacement of equipment and facility to assure improved observing.
Above: Ed Naylor, Left, Mr. Thompson, Middle, and Charlotte Thompson, Right stand with in the Culver Building at its dedication with the 12.5" Cave Newtonian in 1978
It was at this point that the Society reached the Age of Majority, 21 years of age in 1976. The founders and charter members of the Society all agreed that we had exceeded their wildest expectations.
To the passerby and to our neighbors little change can be noted since 1977. However, we know that the change and improvements made over the years all have added to our capabilities to satisfy the requirements for a properly functioning and useful astronomical center and organization. These changes and other requirements will continue to be provided to satisfy the demands of increasingly sophisticated membership as ASH proudly strides into the future.
As we look back at these Early Years we can be proud of the foresight of our founders, Ed Naylor, John Groome and Charles Keller as well as that of the membership who contributed so much of their time, talent and money to foster an interest in the science of astronomy and the construction of our facilities. Surely, we are in their debt.
