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Teachout Library and Observatory -- 1900 A new library building was completed in 1900, at Hiram College, and included observatory facilities. A dome sat atop a tower above the treetops. The low, flat-roofed structure at the left side of the library is a transit observatory. The facility was beautiful but its location, atop the building's boiler room, was not good. Soot and heated air dirtied the telescope's lens and roiled the air. This view is from the southwest looking northeast. Photo courtesy Hiram College archives. |
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This view of the original Teachout Library and Observatory is from the northeast looking southwest. A portion of the original foundation was incorporated into a newer building on campus including the distintive curved base of the observatory tower. This site is the highest elevation on campus and in Hiram. Photo courtesy Hiram College archives. |
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Lathrop Cooley (1821 - 1911?)
Upon the occasion of his 80th birthday, Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) minister Lathrop Cooley purchased a high-quality telescope for the new library building. During dedication ceremonies, Mr. Cooley remarked, "This instrument is erected here so that you may climb the steep of heaven and walk among the stars." Mr. Cooley, an active minister in Disciples of Christ churches, was also a successful businessman, philanthropist, real estate investor, and a benefactor and trustee of Hiram College. Photo courtesy Hiram College archives. |
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A Grand New Telescope
Colman Bancroft, professor of mathematics, at the eyepiece of the Cooley Telescope, about 1901. Photo courtesy Hiram College archives. |
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Library Burns - 1939
In February 1939 a fire seriously damaged the Teachout Library. Fortunately for astronomy, the Cooley Telescope was isolated enough from the main building that it escaped serious damage. The wood-framed, metal-skinned dome was removed and the telescope shipped off to Warner and Swasey for cleaning and checking. Photo courtesy Hiram College archives. |
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Donor Makes new Observatory Possible
On April 9,1939 came the announcement that Ella M. Stephens would donate funds for the construction of a new observatory facility to house the Cooley Telescope and support astronomy at Hiram College. The observatory was to be named in memory of Miss Stephens' family. The architect's initial rendering differs in several details from the building as it was finally realized. Image courtesy Hiram College archives. |