The mission of the Springfield Telescope Makers is to foster the study of the heavens through amateur telescope making. Our founder, Russell Porter, observed in 1923 that "if an amateur starts out to build a telescope, he will find before his labors are over the he has become seriously interested in the wonderful mechanism of our universe, unlocked by a tool fashioned by his own hand."

The STMs  have promoted their mission through public courses in mirror making, star parties, community courses, and even college level astronomy courses.  Our major endeavor, however, is the Annual Stellafane Convention, now in its 71^st year.  Each summer, more than a thousand amateurs gather for a weekend of stargazing, lectures, and demonstrations, highlighted by awards for optical and mechanical excellence in amateur designed and built telescopes.

The STMs are devoted to improving the quality of the convention and its facilities. Our goal is the construction of a permanent indoor facility to allow our convention programs to proceed in a dry, comfortable environment despite the unpredictable Vermont weather. In order to the have Pavilion completed BEFORE the 2006 convention, the STMs are financing about half the buildings cost knowing that our loyal supporters will help us pay off the loan.

Pictured here is a photograph of the Flanders Pavilion from November 2005. We have erected a custom building designed and built by Morton Buildings. This original design has eight huge doors that can be opened as shown. We will also be placing more than five thousand concrete pavers on the floor to keep out dampness. This is where you can help out. For only $25 you can purchase a one-foot square concrete paver. A commemorative plaque will be on a map placed inside the pavilion showing exactly where your paver is. Each plaque can have three lines of text with up to 10 characters on each line. Buy one for every member of your family!

Name:_________________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________

City:______________________________________  State:______  Zip Code:________

Number of Pavers:___ x $25 = $___   Text for Map:__________/_________/________

Please make checks payable to:
The Springfield Telescope Makers/Flanders Pavilion Fund

You can mail your donation to:
STM Flanders Pavilion Fund
PO BOX 601, Springfield, Vermont 05156

The STMs invite you to join us in our effort to build the Flanders Pavilion.  Each paver stone purchased will be acknowledged in writing as documentation of your tax-deductible gift. All contributions will be gratefully accepted, and no donation is too small.  The STM's are an all-volunteer, tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)3 of Internal Revenue Service regulations. Your entire tax-deductible gift will go towards the construction.