History of the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg:

By Bob King & Jack Betz

This is the last of a series of our history as told by our two senior members Bob King & Jack Betz. Every attempt should be made to preserve the rich history of our Society, and to remember who we are and how we got here.

As ASH reached the age of majority it was faced with numerous problems, most of which affected the future course of the Society. Foremost was the need for new equipment and accessories to match the members' changing interests. A study of these needs was commenced and the results presented to the Society. The major recommendations included the purchase and installation of a new and larger telescope to satisfy the needs for astrophotography, a new observatory to house a 12 inch telescope, adding a roll-off roof to a storage building to house a 12-1/2" telescope, construction and installation of a radio-telescope facility, construction and installation of a solar telescope, upgrading the dark room and photographic accessories and the upgrading of observing devices.

With the acceptance of these recommendations, Wanda Wilson donated $1,000 in memory of her father, William R. French, and offered a low-interest loan to the Society to purchase the new telescope. These actions initiated a fund raising program, aptly named CHALLENGE '76, to fund the improvements. CHALLENGE '76 involved the pledging of necessary monies, about $10,000 to be paid by the membership over a three year period. Chaired by Bob Young, the campaign got off to a good start by having $3,900 pledged by the officers and the team leaders of the campaign. Eighty-nine percent of the members participated and pledged $8,489. Ultimately, $5,516 was collected. While this money helped to reach the established goals, certain recommendations were tabled for action at a later date. However, the major items were accomplished and bit-by-bit over the following years most of the recommendations were achieved.

Bob Young, Leader of the Challenge '76 Campaign Left, and Jack Betz, Right, Stand at the Observatory at the dedication of the Culver Roll-Off Observatory, Scanned in by TANII.

In May 1981, construction of a third observatory was planned with the building to be capable of housing several mounted telescopes. Design was completed but lack of funding prevented a start of construction. Changing conditions precluded moving on this project, and in 1985 the need to search for a "dark sky" observing site was announced. Bob Young's work on a "dark sky" survey was expanded to facilitate this search. While increasing area development with resultant sky glow expanded the search area, lack of interest by the membership appears to have defeated this project. The emphasis now is on securing appropriate filter systems to overcome the adverse effects of light pollution at our existing facility.

In 1986, the Halley Comet Watch stimulated ASH activities for the public. Numerous events for public participation were provided at our center as well as at other public viewing areas. These events attracted 1,000 or more people at a time. ASH responded to numerous requests for speakers on the subject. These activities also initiated the astronomy programs at King's Gap where hundreds of people congregated to observe planets, stars, and features presented by our members through our portable telescopes and other viewing equipment. Public viewing events are being held on City Island in Harrisburg at the request of the city where many people participate in our programs. Our successes have led us to hold public viewing at our center during the winter as well as during the summer.

While different times and changing programs involved the services of many members over the years who are to be commended for their selflessness in serving the Society and the public, we wish to call attention to those members who served as president and who, to a great degree, provided the direction and responsibility for the welfare of the Society. (Original List Removed due to being Incorrect, Click here for a correct list , lists other officers as well.)

From its beginning ASH was an active participant in the Astronomical League and particularly in its Middle East Region. Indicative of this interest is the fact that both Bob King and Bob Young were elected to the chairmanship of the Middle East Region and that Bob Young was elected to the presidency of the League.

Other members of ASH have gone on to other endeavors stimulated by their interest in astronomy and their association with the Society. Foremost among these former members are two people who have risen to the ranks of professional astronomers of national renown. They are Don Neidig, Jr. and Charles Keller, Jr. Also, Barry Greiner, who came into ASH through the Junior Astronomical Society of Harrisburg, now is a principal partner of D & G Optical, a company engaged in the manufacture of lenses and other optical devices for astronomy equipment.

As this Society ages we will see many more changes than these experienced in the past years. This is to be expected, for change is one of the few universal constants. Hopefully, the foundation laid by these past years will enable ASH to accept and profit from future change.

Bob King and Jack Betz
January 1995