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
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The telescope undergoes a trial assembly at Jones & Lampson in Springfield. 1: Oscar Fullam,
2: Russell Porter, 3: Unknown
Trial Assembly of the Telescope
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The parts arrive on Breezy hill by truck. 5: John M. Pierce, 6: George Perry
Parts arrive by truck
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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
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The truck is being unloaded at the constructions site. 1: George Perry, 3: John M. Pierce
Unloading the Truck
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Half of the heavy R.A. bearing is being placed on the ground. 2: George Perry, 3: John M. Pierce
Unloading the Main Bearing
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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
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Building the wooden forms for the turret. 4: Russell Porter
Building the wooden forms for the turret
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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
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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
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Everyone is busy as some mix concrete and other pour and settle it in the forms.
Mixing & Pouring Concrete
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The mixing & pouting of concrete continues in the shot taken very shortly after the previous
one. 9: Russell Porter
Mixing & Pouring continues
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As the pour continues, concrete can be seen on the forms.
1: Russell Porter, John M. Pierce
Concrete seen on the forms
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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
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The ramp is being readied to haul the main bearing into place.
1: C. A. Longe, 2: Russell Porter
Getting the Ramp ready
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The main bearing beginning its journey up the ramp.
3: C. A. Longe, 4: Russell Porter, 8: Ernest Flanders
Heave-Hoo!
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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
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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!
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All of the mechanical parts have now been assembled onto the main bearing.
The mechanical parts installed
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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
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The temporary steps lead us to believe this was taken in the winter of 1930-31.
Winter of 1930-31
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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
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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
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