Porter Turret Telescope
Construction Photos

The Porter Turret Telescope was constructed in 1930, during the great depression in the United States. Springfield, Vermont was the heart of the precision machine tool industry in the country at this time, and most of the club members worked for Jones & Lamson, a major tool maker in Springfield, and consequently had access to the machine tools needed to construct such a mechanically large instrument during a period of slack work. These photos from the Stellafane Archives chronicle the construction of this unique instrument. It is assumed but not proven that the photos were taken by Oscar Marshall, who served as the club photographer and is not in any of the photos.

The Right Ascension bearing being machined at Jones & Lampson in Springfield. Note the 1920 date hand written on the print: Porter moved to Springfield in 1919, so he didn’t waste any time in launching his turret telescope project. This is the earliest reference we have seen to the beginning of the telescope. so this effort was spread over 10 years. Machining the Main Bearing	The telescope undergoes a trial assembly at Jones & Lampson in Springfield. 1: Oscar Fullam, 2: Russell Porter, 3: Unknown Trial Assembly of the Telescope	The parts arrive on Breezy hill by truck. 5: John M. Pierce, 6: George Perry Parts arrive by truck
There appears to be some discussion with the truck driver while a couple of other members look over the load. 6: John M. Pierce, 9: George Perry Talking with the Truck Driver	The truck is being unloaded at the constructions site. 1: George Perry, 3: John M. Pierce Unloading the Truck	Half of the heavy R.A. bearing is being placed on the ground. 2: George Perry, 3: John M. Pierce Unloading the Main Bearing
Everett Redfield sits in the clubhouse while construction continues outside. Redfield was the club cook, so he was likely keeping an eye on a hearty meal he was cooking for the workers in the clubhouse kitchen. Everett Redfield	Building the wooden forms for the turret. 4: Russell Porter Building the wooden forms for the turret	With the concrete forms complete, Porter makes some inspirational remarks. 1: Fred Barber, 2: Russell Porter, 3: Ralph Flanders, 4: George Perry, 6: Ray Ranney, 13: Roy Lyon, 14: Ernest Flanders Forms Complete, Porter makes some inspirational remarks
Scaffolding now added to assist in the concrete pour, a group photo is taken. 2: Oscar Marshall, 3: George Perry, 5: C. A. Longe, 7: Howard Finn, 9: Ernest Flanders, 11: John M. Pierce, 12: Russell Porter, , 15: Fred Barber Group Photo before the concrete pouring begins	Everyone is busy as some mix concrete and other pour and settle it in the forms. Mixing & Pouring Concrete	The mixing & pouting of concrete continues in the shot taken very shortly after the previous one. 9: Russell Porter Mixing & Pouring continues
As the pour continues, concrete can be seen on the forms. 1: Russell Porter, John M. Pierce Concrete seen on the forms	The concrete work is done, the forms removed, and the wooden building is largely done. Work starts on the ramps to hoist the main bearing into position. 2: Russell Porter Building Complete	The ramp is being readied to haul the main bearing into place. 1: C. A. Longe, 2: Russell Porter Getting the Ramp ready
The main bearing beginning its journey up the ramp. 3: C. A. Longe, 4: Russell Porter, 8: Ernest Flanders Heave-Hoo!	Taking a short break to plan the final movement of the bearing into its concrete housing. 1: Ernest Flanders, 5: Russell Porter Planning the final ascent	With the concrete socket now clear of staging, the main bearing is hauled upward to its final position. 6: Ernest Flanders, 8: Russell Porter Just about in!
All of the mechanical parts have now been assembled onto the main bearing. The mechanical parts installed	With a still drying concrete dome, we see our first view of the Porter Turret Telescope with optics in place. Ernest Flanders sits at the base. Dome complete, optics installed	The temporary steps lead us to believe this was taken in the winter of 1930-31. Winter of 1930-31
The permanent steps are now in place and club members are painting the telescope. We believe this was in early 1931. Permanent Steps in 1931	The Completed Porter Turret Telescope. The shingle roof would indicate this picture was taken in the early 1970's or later. The Completed Porter Turret Telescope

High-resolution photos from the Stellafane Archives provied by Bert Willard, club historian. Identification of people in the photos by Bert Willard and Matt Considine.

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