Clarke Observatory facts for kids

The Clarke Observatory is a special place where people look at the stars and planets. It is located on the campus of Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio. This observatory has a long and interesting history, with its telescope moving to different homes over the years.

History of the Observatory

The Clarke Observatory started as a private building. It was first built for a person named Charles Ezra Hequembourg in Dunkirk, New York. Later, it was sold to another private owner, Elmer Harrold.

Mr. Harrold decided to give the observatory to Mount Union College. He did this after his daughter graduated from the college. In 1923, a new building was constructed on the college's campus in Alliance, Ohio. This new building became the second home for the observatory's telescope.

Years later, in 1969, that second observatory building was taken down. The telescope found a new home once again. It was moved to a building called East Hall at Mount Union College, where it continues to be used.

Different Homes of the Clarke Observatory

The Clarke Observatory's telescope has been part of three different observatory buildings. Each one played an important role in its history.

First Observatory (New York)

• Location: This first observatory was in Dunkirk, New York.
• Built: Construction started in 1897.
• Original Owner: A person named Charles Ezra Hequembourg built it for his own use.
• Telescope: It had a special telescope called a 9-inch refractor. This telescope was made by George N. Saegmuller. It was mounted in 1897.
• Dome: The dome of this observatory was made of bronze.
• Owners: Charles Ezra Hequembourg owned it from 1897 to 1907. His wife, Mrs. Hequembourg, owned it from 1907 to 1914.

Second Observatory (Ohio)

• Location: This observatory was built in Alliance, Ohio.
• Built: Construction began in 1923.
• Donated By: Elmer Harrold gave the original telescope to Mount Union College.
• Telescope: The same 9-inch Saegmuller telescope from New York was moved here.
• Owner: Elmer Harrold owned it privately from 1917 to 1919 before donating it.

Third Observatory (Ohio)

• Location: This is also in Alliance, Ohio.
• Built: This building was constructed in 1969.
• Telescope: The original 9-inch Saegmuller telescope was updated. It got a new 8.5-inch lens. This work was done by the J. W. Fecker Company of Pittsburgh.
• Director: James P. Rodman was in charge of the observatory at one point.

More Information

You can learn more about the Clarke Observatory's telescope history by visiting this website: Clarke Observatory Telescope History