Historic Convention Photos 1970-1979

1970 Stellafane Convention

Photo from the Stellafane Archives by Jack Welch.

1970 Stellafane Convention Conventioneers examine telescopes in the field in front of the Stellafane clubhouse. Conventioneers examine telescopes in the field in front of the Stellafane clubhouse.

Photos by John Bortle.

1970 Stellafane Convention John Bortle (creator of the Bortle Dark Sky Scale) stands beside his 15x80 driven cometseeker binoculars, its design based on discussions with G.E.D.Alcock and Leslie Peltier John Bortle (creator of the Bortle Dark Sky Scale) stands beside his 15x80 driven cometseeker binoculars, its design based on discussions with G.E.D.Alcock and Leslie Peltier	1970 Stellafane Convention A classic 4.25-inch Schiefspiegler oblique reflector, a design popular among advanced ATMs at the time. A classic 4.25-inch Schiefspiegler oblique reflector, a design popular among advanced ATMs at the time.	1970 Stellafane Convention A rare rainy convention afternoon at Stellafane that overnight evolved into the origins of the legendary 'Stella-flood' ! A rare rainy convention afternoon at Stellafane that overnight evolved into the origins of the legendary 'Stella-flood' !
1970 Stellafane Convention One of many 4 to 6-inch catadioptric telescopes of the Gregory-Maksutov design popularized by John Gregory and seen at Stellafane Conventions in this era. One of many 4 to 6-inch catadioptric telescopes of the Gregory-Maksutov design popularized by John Gregory and seen at Stellafane Conventions in this era.	1970 Stellafane Convention Highly compact 4-inch relatively short-focus (f/8) refractor. Highly compact 4-inch relatively short-focus (f/8) refractor.	1970 Stellafane Convention This 8-inch Newtonian had a drive system that included a totally self-contained battery powerpack. This 8-inch Newtonian had a drive system that included a totally self-contained battery powerpack.
1970 Stellafane Convention An 8-inch Newtonian with an unusual off-set counterweight. An 8-inch Newtonian with an unusual off-set counterweight.	1970 Stellafane Convention Giving a heavily mounted 8-inch f/4 reflector a few final touches before judging. Giving a heavily mounted 8-inch f/4 reflector a few final touches before judging.	1970 Stellafane Convention A massive trailer-mounted 8-inch Newtonian. A massive trailer-mounted 8-inch Newtonian.

1971 Stellafane Convention

Photos by John Bortle.

1971 Stellafane Convention An 8-inch skeletal-tube combination Newtonian-Cassegrain reflector. An 8-inch skeletal-tube combination Newtonian-Cassegrain reflector.	1971 Stellafane Convention Hyman Roche of Scarsdale, NY admires a classic 4¼-inch Schiefspiegler Hyman Roche of Scarsdale, NY admires a classic 4¼-inch Schiefspiegler	1971 Stellafane Convention Stellafane judge Ralph Dakin looks over a rare cross-axis mounted 8-inch Newtonian - note that it uses an old automobile rear axle for its axis! Stellafane judge Ralph Dakin looks over a rare cross-axis mounted 8-inch Newtonian - note that it uses an old automobile rear axle for its axis!
1971 Stellafane Convention Massive and beautifully executed 16-inch Newtonian brought down from Canada. Massive and beautifully executed 16-inch Newtonian brought down from Canada.	1971 Stellafane Convention A beautiful 6-inch Gregory-Maksutov catadioptric telescope possibly on a re-purposed 1960's Tinsley mount. A beautiful 6-inch Gregory-Maksutov catadioptric telescope possibly on a re-purposed 1960's Tinsley mount.	1971 Stellafane Convention A 6-inch reflector carried on a classic Springfield Mount. A 6-inch reflector carried on a classic Springfield Mount.
1971 Stellafane Convention The 'All Weather' telescope garners a slightly startled look from a passing ATM. The 'All Weather' telescope garners a slightly startled look from a passing ATM.	1971 Stellafane Convention Just a few of an extensive grouping of original 1930's Porter figurine and sundial castings displayed at the 1971 Convention by Mrs. Caroline Porter Kier, Russell Porter's daughter. Just a few of an extensive grouping of original 1930's Porter figurine and sundial castings displayed at the 1971 Convention by Mrs. Caroline Porter Kier, Russell Porter's daughter.	1971 Stellafane Convention R.W.Porter's casting of the Palomar 200-inch and its huge domed observatory. R.W.Porter's casting of the Palomar 200-inch and its huge domed observatory.
1971 Stellafane Convention An ATM doing a Foucault mirror test, letters on casting's edge "F.F. & R.W.P" stand for Fred B. Ferson and Russell W. Porter, the two men responsible for making these items back in the 1930's. An ATM doing a Foucault mirror test, letters on casting's edge "F.F. & R.W.P" stand for Fred B. Ferson and Russell W. Porter, the two men responsible for making these items back in the 1930's.	1971 Stellafane Convention Two original Porter sundials. All these castings were displayed by Caroline Porter Kier. Two original Porter sundials. All these castings were displayed by Caroline Porter Kier.

Photos courtesy of John W. Briggs. From the office of the late Charles E. Scovil at the Stamford Observatory in Stamford, Connecticut. They were found in an envelope labeled, "Photos of building [the] new dome taken by Dave Perlman. Also a few of Stellafane, 1971."

1971 Stellafane Convention	1971 Stellafane Convention	1971 Stellafane Convention
1971 Stellafane Convention	1971 Stellafane Convention	1971 Stellafane Convention First prize for Newtonians and mechanical excellence went to Gerald Fifer of Riverside, California, for this 10-inch f/4. The mounting featured a polar-alignment telescope within the polar axle. See the October, 1971, issue of Sky & Telescope for more information. First prize for Newtonians and mechanical excellence went to Gerald Fifer of Riverside, California, for this 10-inch f/4. The mounting featured a polar-alignment telescope within the polar axle. See the October, 1971, issue of Sky & Telescope for more information.
1971 Stellafane Convention	1971 Stellafane Convention Jonas Carol of Rockville, Maryland, displayed this 5¼-inch f/16 Maksutov that took him 2½ years to build. It won first prize for optical excellence. See the October, 1971, issue of Sky & Telescope for more information. Jonas Carol of Rockville, Maryland, displayed this 5¼-inch f/16 Maksutov that took him 2½ years to build. It won first prize for optical excellence. See the October, 1971, issue of Sky & Telescope for more information.	1971 Stellafane Convention
1971 Stellafane Convention	1971 Stellafane Convention STM member John W. Briggs wishes he knew who the young men were in this photo uncovered in 2022. They displayed an 8-inch Newtonian using an automobile rear axle to form a cross-axis equatorial mounting. 1971 was John's first year attending the Stellafane convention, and he has never forgotten how these fellows said late Friday night, "We're going to bed, but we'll leave the eyepiece in it, and you can use it all you want." At the time, the 8-inch was like the Palomar 200-inch, as far as John was concerned. He has never forgotten their kindness, although it proved only typical of the Stellafane experience. STM member John W. Briggs wishes he knew who the young men were in this photo uncovered in 2022. They displayed an 8-inch Newtonian using an automobile rear axle to form a cross-axis equatorial mounting. 1971 was John's first year attending the Stellafane convention, and he has never forgotten how these fellows said late Friday night, "We're going to bed, but we'll leave the eyepiece in it, and you can use it all you want." At the time, the 8-inch was like the Palomar 200-inch, as far as John was concerned. He has never forgotten their kindness, although it proved only typical of the Stellafane experience.	1971 Stellafane Convention

Photo from the Stellafane Archives by Jack Welch.

1971 Stellafane Convention Nicely made telescope on display below the clubhouse. Nicely made telescope on display below the clubhouse.

1972 Stellafane Convention

Photo by Paul Valleli, STM (left) and Photos from the Stellafane Archives by Jack Welch (center & right).

1972 Stellafane Convention Bill Shawcross, editor-in-chief of Sky & Telescope, chats with Bert Willard. He is holding a 16mm movie camera. Bill Shawcross, editor-in-chief of Sky & Telescope, chats with Bert Willard. He is holding a 16mm movie camera.

1972 Stellafane Convention Conventioneers examine a telescope on the field. Conventioneers examine a telescope on the field.

1972 Stellafane Convention A Cassegrain on a large equitorial mount. A Cassegrain on a large equitorial mount.

Photos by Richard Sanderson.

1972 Stellafane Convention A crowd gathers around Norman James' ball-mount scope (Norman has his hand on the scope). Dave Kelly's large brown fork-mount Newtonian is to the right. A crowd gathers around Norman James' ball-mount scope (Norman has his hand on the scope). Dave Kelly's large brown fork-mount Newtonian is to the right.

1972 Stellafane Convention Norman James (with camera) and his 12½-inch ball-mount telescope. Norman James (with camera) and his 12½-inch ball-mount telescope.

Photos by John Bortle

1972 Stellafane Convention The crowd scene in the Telescope Field in front of the Pink Clubhouse. The crowd scene in the Telescope Field in front of the Pink Clubhouse.	1972 Stellafane Convention John Gregory, originator of the Gregory-Maksutov design (at left), and Paul Valelli of the ATMoB (back to camera) examine a 6-inch Mak. John Gregory, originator of the Gregory-Maksutov design (at left), and Paul Valelli of the ATMoB (back to camera) examine a 6-inch Mak.	1972 Stellafane Convention Short-focus 6-inch Newtonian with an unusual enclosed polar axis housing. Short-focus 6-inch Newtonian with an unusual enclosed polar axis housing.
1972 Stellafane Convention An elaborate equatorial mount carries a 10-inch Newtonian specifically designed for astrophotography. An elaborate equatorial mount carries a 10-inch Newtonian specifically designed for astrophotography.	1972 Stellafane Convention Vermont's former governor Joseph Johnson (in suit) talks with the crowd shortly before speaking at the Twilight Talks Vermont's former governor Joseph Johnson (in suit) talks with the crowd shortly before speaking at the Twilight Talks

1973 Stellafane Convention

Photos from the Stellafane Archives by Walter Scott Houston.

1973 Stellafane Convention Coelostat flat for solar telescope on south side of Porter turret telescope. The focusing mirror was placed in the upstairs window of Stellafane. Builder unknown. Coelostat flat for solar telescope on south side of Porter turret telescope. The focusing mirror was placed in the upstairs window of Stellafane. Builder unknown.	1973 Stellafane Convention Fred Lossing, Ottawa, Canada, right, examining a fork mounted tubeless telescope. Fred Lossing, Ottawa, Canada, right, examining a fork mounted tubeless telescope.	1973 Stellafane Convention Trailer mounted telescope in yoke mount at the 1973 Stellafane convention, builder unknown. Trailer mounted telescope in yoke mount at the 1973 Stellafane convention, builder unknown.
1973 Stellafane Convention Scene of the 1973 Stellafane convention looking northeast from the front of Stellafane. Scene of the 1973 Stellafane convention looking northeast from the front of Stellafane.	1973 Stellafane Convention Front of Stellafane at the 1973 convention with the focusing mirror of the solar telescope visible in the upstairs window. Front of Stellafane at the 1973 convention with the focusing mirror of the solar telescope visible in the upstairs window.	1973 Stellafane Convention Roger Tuthill and his 12-inch telescope. Roger Tuthill and his 12-inch telescope.
1973 Stellafane Convention Bert Willard, STM, (right) and George Wood, ATMoB, (left) tallying judging scores in front room of Stellafane. Bert Willard, STM, (right) and George Wood, ATMoB, (left) tallying judging scores in front room of Stellafane.	1973 Stellafane Convention Charlie Thayer, STM, (left), Jonathan Kern of New Orleans, LA, (standing), and Walter Wheeler, (kneeling), examine Jonathan Kern's award winning solar telescope used at the 1973 solar eclipse in Mauritannia, West Africa. Charlie Thayer, STM, (left), Jonathan Kern of New Orleans, LA, (standing), and Walter Wheeler, (kneeling), examine Jonathan Kern's award winning solar telescope used at the 1973 solar eclipse in Mauritannia, West Africa.	1973 Stellafane Convention Kay Houston, left, Marcia Wheeler, right, with daughter Elizabeth Wheeler, at the 1973 Stellafane convention. Kay Houston, left, Marcia Wheeler, right, with daughter Elizabeth Wheeler, at the 1973 Stellafane convention.

Photo by Richard Sanderson.

1973 Stellafane Convention Walter Scott Houston giving the Shadowgram Talk next to the Porter Turret Telescope. Walter Scott Houston giving the Shadowgram Talk next to the Porter Turret Telescope.

1974 Stellafane Convention

Photo from the Stellafane Archives by Walter Scott Houston (first 7) and Jack Welch (last).

1974 Stellafane Convention 6-inch Maksutov telescope in fork mount by G.C. Withelm, of Roanoke, VA. 6-inch Maksutov telescope in fork mount by G.C. Withelm, of Roanoke, VA.	1974 Stellafane Convention Anna Althea Houston eating corn at the 1974 Stellafane convention. Anna Althea Houston eating corn at the 1974 Stellafane convention.	1974 Stellafane Convention Tape-measure drive replaces the usual worm gear, builder unknown. Tape-measure drive replaces the usual worm gear, builder unknown.
1974 Stellafane Convention 6-inch tubeless catadioptric telescope by Don Dilworth. 6-inch tubeless catadioptric telescope by Don Dilworth.	1974 Stellafane Convention Two antique refractors, the left one by the Alvan Clark & Sons firm, displayed at the 1974 Stellafane convention. Two antique refractors, the left one by the Alvan Clark & Sons firm, displayed at the 1974 Stellafane convention.	1974 Stellafane Convention Diane H.Lucas, Wellington, OH, with the Porter folded refractor. Diane H.Lucas, Wellington, OH, with the Porter folded refractor.
1974 Stellafane Convention 20-inch modified telescope by Roger Tuthill. 20-inch modified telescope by Roger Tuthill.		1974 Stellafane Convention Conventioneers camp in the old hay field on Breezy Hill below Stellafane. Conventioneers camp in the old hay field on Breezy Hill below Stellafane.

Photo by John Bortle

1974 Stellafane Convention Japan's foremost meteor observer Yasuo Yabu of Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan receives a special Longest Distance Traveled to the Convention award. Japan's foremost meteor observer Yasuo Yabu of Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan receives a special Longest Distance Traveled to the Convention award.

1975 Stellafane Convention

Photos from the Stellafane Archives by Walter Scott Houston.

1975 Stellafane Convention Susan Addiss, Bureau Chief of the Connecticut Department of Health. Susan Addiss, Bureau Chief of the Connecticut Department of Health.	1975 Stellafane Convention Dual telescopes in fork mount at 1975 Stellafane convention. Builder unknown. Dual telescopes in fork mount at 1975 Stellafane convention. Builder unknown.	1975 Stellafane Convention Newtonian telescope made from a beer can. Entered in competition but did not win. Built by David Levy. Woman is likely Beverly Fox of Montreal - see 1976 photo of her. Newtonian telescope made from a beer can. Entered in competition but did not win. Built by David Levy. Woman is likely Beverly Fox of Montreal - see 1976 photo of her.
1975 Stellafane Convention 12½ inch f/6 Newtonian by Dave Kelly (at left). Plate glass mirror was made in 1971. 12½ inch f/6 Newtonian by Dave Kelly (at left). Plate glass mirror was made in 1971.	1975 Stellafane Convention Partial reproduction of Galileo's telescope at the 1975 Stellafane convention. Builder unknown. John Briggs, now an STM member, is wearing the Philips Andover shirt. Partial reproduction of Galileo's telescope at the 1975 Stellafane convention. Builder unknown. John Briggs, now an STM member, is wearing the Philips Andover shirt.	1975 Stellafane Convention Horizontally mounted optical apparatus, of uncertain function, perhaps a solar spectrograph. Date uncertain, probably 1975. Builder unknown. Horizontally mounted optical apparatus, of uncertain function, perhaps a solar spectrograph. Date uncertain, probably 1975. Builder unknown.
1975 Stellafane Convention John Bortle ponders a split-ring mounted Newtonian telescope, same as next photo. Builder unknown. John Bortle ponders a split-ring mounted Newtonian telescope, same as next photo. Builder unknown.	1975 Stellafane Convention Split-ring mounted Newtonian telescope at the 1975 Stellafane convention, same as previous photo. Builder unknown. Split-ring mounted Newtonian telescope at the 1975 Stellafane convention, same as previous photo. Builder unknown.	1975 Stellafane Convention Trailer-mounted Newtonian telescope, Barry Mathews, Canada, looking on. Builder unknown. Trailer-mounted Newtonian telescope, Barry Mathews, Canada, looking on. Builder unknown.
1975 Stellafane Convention First aid is provided by the Middlesex County, CT, Red Cross, arranged by Miriam Houston. First aid is provided by the Middlesex County, CT, Red Cross, arranged by Miriam Houston.	1975 Stellafane Convention Ray Mitchell, Assonet, MA, and his home made binoculars. Ray Mitchell, Assonet, MA, and his home made binoculars.	1975 Stellafane Convention Camping field at the 1975 Stellafane convention. Camping field at the 1975 Stellafane convention.
1975 Stellafane Convention Looking northeast from Stellafane at the field of telescopes at the 1975 convention. Looking northeast from Stellafane at the field of telescopes at the 1975 convention.	1975 Stellafane Convention Fred Lossing, Ottawa, Canada, and his fork-mounted Newtonian telescope. Fred Lossing, Ottawa, Canada, and his fork-mounted Newtonian telescope.

Photo by Richard Sanderson.

1975 Stellafane Convention Beer Can Telescope by David Levy - entered but did not win. Beer Can Telescope by David Levy - entered but did not win.

1976 Stellafane Convention

Photos from the Stellafane Archives by Walter Scott Houston.

1976 Stellafane Convention Fred Lossing, Ottawa, Canada, and his fork-mounted Newtonian telescope. Fred Lossing, Ottawa, Canada, and his fork-mounted Newtonian telescope.	1976 Stellafane Convention 16-inch tubeless catadioptric telescope by Don Dilworth. 16-inch tubeless catadioptric telescope by Don Dilworth.	1976 Stellafane Convention Spherical mount Newtonian telescope by Norman James. Irving Price, AAI, left, and Norman James, right. Spherical mount Newtonian telescope by Norman James. Irving Price, AAI, left, and Norman James, right.
1976 Stellafane Convention People gathered on stone wall in front of Stellafane at the 1976 convention. Front Row: unknown, Charlie Wariwick, Roger Sinnott, S&T (hand on wall), Dennis di Cicco, STM, S&T (sitting on wall), Art Rubin (standing). People gathered on stone wall in front of Stellafane at the 1976 convention. Front Row: unknown, Charlie Wariwick, Roger Sinnott, S&T (hand on wall), Dennis di Cicco, STM, S&T (sitting on wall), Art Rubin (standing).	1976 Stellafane Convention Looking northeast over the field of telescopes and people from Stellafane at the 1976 convention. Looking northeast over the field of telescopes and people from Stellafane at the 1976 convention.	1976 Stellafane Convention 14-inch Newtonian telescope built by Peter Talmage, Kenebunkport, ME, showing his Crayford-type eyepiece focuser. 14-inch Newtonian telescope built by Peter Talmage, Kenebunkport, ME, showing his Crayford-type eyepiece focuser.
1976 Stellafane Convention 14-inch Newtonian telescope built by Peter Talmage, Kenebunkport, ME. 14-inch Newtonian telescope built by Peter Talmage, Kenebunkport, ME.	1976 Stellafane Convention People sitting on the outcropping of the Porter turret telescope. Mike Simmons in dark shirt. People sitting on the outcropping of the Porter turret telescope. Mike Simmons in dark shirt.	1976 Stellafane Convention 6-inch F/4 Newtonian split-ring mount telescope designed and built by Barbara Schutt, junior, with the assistance of her father. 6-inch F/4 Newtonian split-ring mount telescope designed and built by Barbara Schutt, junior, with the assistance of her father.
1976 Stellafane Convention Janet A. Mattei, director of the AAVSO, speaks with Dennis E. Haworth of the Greater New Bedford Astronomical Society. Janet A. Mattei, director of the AAVSO, speaks with Dennis E. Haworth of the Greater New Bedford Astronomical Society.	1976 Stellafane Convention People examining an obscured telesope. A control panel with many wires seems to open. People examining an obscured telesope. A control panel with many wires seems to open.	1976 Stellafane Convention Selling replicas of the Springfield town seal for the bicentennial celebration. Russell W. Porter designed the original town seal. Selling replicas of the Springfield town seal for the bicentennial celebration. Russell W. Porter designed the original town seal.
1976 Stellafane Convention Maksutov telescope in all-aluminum machined fork mount with a weight driven RA drive, builder unknown. Maksutov telescope in all-aluminum machined fork mount with a weight driven RA drive, builder unknown.	1976 Stellafane Convention Fork mounted 12-inch f/9 Pressmann Carmichael Cassegrain telescope by Dave Kelly (another view of this scope a few pictures later). Fork mounted 12-inch f/9 Pressmann Carmichael Cassegrain telescope by Dave Kelly (another view of this scope a few pictures later).	1976 Stellafane Convention 6-inch Newtonian telescope in wood fork mount with builder, Jim Hassert. 6-inch Newtonian telescope in wood fork mount with builder, Jim Hassert.
1976 Stellafane Convention Guide scope and astrographic camera mounts, builder unkown. Guide scope and astrographic camera mounts, builder unkown.	1976 Stellafane Convention Fork mounted 12-inch f/9 Pressmann Carmichael Cassegrain telescope by Dave Kelly. Roger Tuthill on left, Dave Kelly behind telescope. Fork mounted 12-inch f/9 Pressmann Carmichael Cassegrain telescope by Dave Kelly. Roger Tuthill on left, Dave Kelly behind telescope.	1976 Stellafane Convention Mike Simmons, Carmel Valley, CA, displaying the optics assembly of his new optical design of a wide field astrographic camera. Mike Simmons, Carmel Valley, CA, displaying the optics assembly of his new optical design of a wide field astrographic camera.
1976 Stellafane Convention 3-inch Fraunhofer telescope tube assembly, circa 1826. Mounting not original, by American Iron Casting, about 1850. Shown by Geoff R. Chester of the Smithsonian's Albert Einstein Planetarium, on the left. Jim Daly, STM, is on the right. Chester later became Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Naval Observatory. 3-inch Fraunhofer telescope tube assembly, circa 1826. Mounting not original, by American Iron Casting, about 1850. Shown by Geoff R. Chester of the Smithsonian's Albert Einstein Planetarium, on the left. Jim Daly, STM, is on the right. Chester later became Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Naval Observatory.	1976 Stellafane Convention "The Compleat Ladies Telescope" displayed by Beverly Fox, Montreal, Canada. "The Compleat Ladies Telescope" displayed by Beverly Fox, Montreal, Canada.

Photos from the Stellafane Archives by Jack Welch.

1976 Stellafane Convention Looks like it might have been a damp day. Looks like it might have been a damp day.	1976 Stellafane Convention George Keene, from Rochester, NY, judging a telescope. George Keene, from Rochester, NY, judging a telescope.	1976 Stellafane Convention The talks were under the tent behind the Stellafane clubhouse. The talks were under the tent behind the Stellafane clubhouse.
1976 Stellafane Convention Roger Tuthill on left wearing glasses. Roger Tuthill on left wearing glasses.	Photo at right by Paul Valleli, STM.	1976 Stellafane Convention George East, Sal LaRiccia and Bert Willard (curator) in the Porter-Hartness Museum. (The date on this photo was blurred, and could have 1976 or 1978) George East, Sal LaRiccia and Bert Willard (curator) in the Porter-Hartness Museum. (The date on this photo was blurred, and could have 1976 or 1978)

Photos courtesy of Nick Oshana.

1976 Stellafane Convention	1976 Stellafane Convention	1976 Stellafane Convention
1976 Stellafane Convention		1976 Stellafane Convention

1977 Stellafane Convention

Photos from the Stellafane Archives by Walter Scott Houston.

1977 Stellafane Convention STM president, Alan Rohwer, honing his executive skills by shoveling out the outhouse in preparation for the 1977 Stellafane convention. STM president, Alan Rohwer, honing his executive skills by shoveling out the outhouse in preparation for the 1977 Stellafane convention.	1977 Stellafane Convention STM members, left to right, Terry Hurd, Walter Wheeler, and Charlie Thayer take a break from preparing for the 1977 Stellafane convention. STM members, left to right, Terry Hurd, Walter Wheeler, and Charlie Thayer take a break from preparing for the 1977 Stellafane convention.
	1977 Stellafane Convention STM members, left to right, Charlie Thayer, Walter Wheeler, and Terry Hurd preparing the grounds for the 1977 Stellafane convention. STM members, left to right, Charlie Thayer, Walter Wheeler, and Terry Hurd preparing the grounds for the 1977 Stellafane convention.	1977 Stellafane Convention George Scotten, STM, mowing grass in front of Stellafane in preparation for the convention, probably 1977. George Scotten, STM, mowing grass in front of Stellafane in preparation for the convention, probably 1977.

Photos John Bortle.

1977 Stellafane Convention Longtime conventioneer Walter Wheeler is seen making his traditional Stellafane Saturday afternoon treat of homemade Sherbert ice in the campground. Longtime conventioneer Walter Wheeler is seen making his traditional Stellafane Saturday afternoon treat of homemade Sherbert ice in the campground.	1977 Stellafane Convention The Saturday crowd on the hilltop examines the many scopes in front of the clubhouse. The Saturday crowd on the hilltop examines the many scopes in front of the clubhouse.	1977 Stellafane Convention A classic all-machined scope and mounting with a weight-driven clock drive in the true tradition of Stellafane scopes in the mechanical competition. A classic all-machined scope and mounting with a weight-driven clock drive in the true tradition of Stellafane scopes in the mechanical competition.
1977 Stellafane Convention The ATMoB's 16-inch wooden (mostly of 2x4's !) Dobsonian. Pictured beside it left to right: Dennis diCicco, his wife and William Shawcross of Sky & Telescope mgazine. The ATMoB's 16-inch wooden (mostly of 2x4's !) Dobsonian. Pictured beside it left to right: Dennis diCicco, his wife and William Shawcross of Sky & Telescope mgazine.		1977 Stellafane Convention Former Vermont governor Joseph Johnson (yellow shirt), a regular attendee of conventions from the 1950's through the 70's, examines the ATMofB's 16-inch Dob. Former Vermont governor Joseph Johnson (yellow shirt), a regular attendee of conventions from the 1950's through the 70's, examines the ATMofB's 16-inch Dob.
1977 Stellafane Convention New York ATM Nick Bulzachelli (in shorts) stands beside a big 12½-inch fork-mounted Newtonian. New York ATM Nick Bulzachelli (in shorts) stands beside a big 12½-inch fork-mounted Newtonian.	1977 Stellafane Convention Massive trailer-mounted 12-inch Cassegrain. Massive trailer-mounted 12-inch Cassegrain.	1977 Stellafane Convention Close-up of transportable 12-inch Cassegrain's mechanism for raising the mount's polar axis from its stowing position for transport to polar alignment when in the field. Close-up of transportable 12-inch Cassegrain's mechanism for raising the mount's polar axis from its stowing position for transport to polar alignment when in the field.

1978 Stellafane Convention

Photos from the Stellafane Archives by Jack Welch.

1978 Stellafane Convention Ed Turco of Seagrave Memorial Observatory, North Scituate, RI, sets up his small reflector in a wooden tube. Ed Turco of Seagrave Memorial Observatory, North Scituate, RI, sets up his small reflector in a wooden tube.	1978 Stellafane Convention Bob Horton, age 17 in orange and yellow rugby shirt, looks at a large reflector on an equitorial mount. Bob Horton, age 17 in orange and yellow rugby shirt, looks at a large reflector on an equitorial mount.	1978 Stellafane Convention Another large reflector. Another large reflector.
1978 Stellafane Convention The mount is bigger than the scope! The mount is bigger than the scope!	Photo at right by Charles B. Adams of Whitinsville, MA	1978 Stellafane Convention Aurora at Stellafane August 1978, taken by Charles on his first visit to Stellafane with his older brother. Vertical banding is quite apparent in this photo. Aurora at Stellafane August 1978, taken by Charles on his first visit to Stellafane with his older brother. Vertical banding is quite apparent in this photo.

Photos by John Bortle

1978 Stellafane Convention Canadian hobbyist Dr. George Fortier admirers a fine 12½-inch Newtonian Canadian hobbyist Dr. George Fortier admirers a fine 12½-inch Newtonian	1978 Stellafane Convention An ATM explains his 5-inch short-focus refractor's design aspects to fellow hobbyists. An ATM explains his 5-inch short-focus refractor's design aspects to fellow hobbyists.	1978 Stellafane Convention Mount Ascutney is seen emerging from the morning fog by convention campers in Miller's Field. Mount Ascutney is seen emerging from the morning fog by convention campers in Miller's Field.
1978 Stellafane Convention Scotty Houston jokingly checks the health of New York's John Bortle the morning after an all night observing session. Scotty Houston jokingly checks the health of New York's John Bortle the morning after an all night observing session.	1978 Stellafane Convention ATMs examine a quintessential Dobsonian scope. ATMs examine a quintessential Dobsonian scope.

Photos courtesy of Nick Oshana.

1978 Stellafane Convention	1978 Stellafane Convention	1978 Stellafane Convention
1978 Stellafane Convention		1978 Stellafane Convention
1978 Stellafane Convention	1978 Stellafane Convention	1978 Stellafane Convention

1979 Stellafane Convention

Photos from the Stellafane Archives by Jack Welch.

1979 Stellafane Convention Left to right: Ralph Dakin, Allan Mackintosh, Dr. Ferdinand Baar. Left to right: Ralph Dakin, Allan Mackintosh, Dr. Ferdinand Baar.	1979 Stellafane Convention The “Boston Common Telescope” displayed by John Briggs. The “Boston Common Telescope” displayed by John Briggs.	1979 Stellafane Convention Nice homemade Newtonian on a German Eqitorial Mount. Nice homemade Newtonian on a German Eqitorial Mount.
1979 Stellafane Convention A trailer mounted scope. A trailer mounted scope.	1979 Stellafane Convention Hal Robinson, ATMoB, with his multi-telescope mount. Hal Robinson, ATMoB, with his multi-telescope mount.

Photos by John Bortle

1979 Stellafane Convention This remarkable trailer-mounted tri-schiefspiegler drew a lot of attention from Stellafane attendees. This remarkable trailer-mounted tri-schiefspiegler drew a lot of attention from Stellafane attendees.	1979 Stellafane Convention This scope is a rarely seen example of a modern 6-inch reflector of the Gregorian design. This scope is a rarely seen example of a modern 6-inch reflector of the Gregorian design.	1979 Stellafane Convention Nice 8-inch Newtonian came equipped with a long-focus 4-inch guidescope. Nice 8-inch Newtonian came equipped with a long-focus 4-inch guidescope.
1979 Stellafane Convention Observers use this 3-inch spectrohelioscope on Saturday Afternoon to gain an H-alpha look at the Sun. Observers use this 3-inch spectrohelioscope on Saturday Afternoon to gain an H-alpha look at the Sun.	1979 Stellafane Convention A classic 8-inch Newtonian constructed mainly from classic hardware store parts rather than the usual commercial parts. A classic 8-inch Newtonian constructed mainly from classic hardware store parts rather than the usual commercial parts.