Skyscrapers Celebrate 90th Anniversary
May 2022 :
In May 1932, Professor Charles H. Smiley of Brown University invited a number of people who shared an interest in astronomy to Ladd Observatory to discuss the organization of a group called the Rhode Island Amateur Astronomers. The first meeting of this new association met at Ladd on May 5 and laid the groundwork for the organization. After some discussion, the name “The Skyscrapers,” was suggested by Rev. Crawford, also adding Amateur Astronomical Society of Rhode Island to it. And according to those present, “It was considered one of the most appropriate names ever to have been chosen by any astronomical club in the country.” The minutes of that first meeting state that the name was chosen by vote. Unfortunately, I have not been able to uncover any records of other suggestions. I wish I knew what some of the other considerations were.
Rev. Crawford was elected Skyscrapers’ first President. “…for he had all the fine qualities of leadership, had built his own telescope and observatory, and was an enthusiastic astronomer.
During the first few years, Skyscrapers continued to hold monthly meetings on the campus of Brown University or at the University’s Ladd Observatory. Whether it was a lecture by one of the region’s top astronomers, or great views of the universe through Ladd’s 12-inch Brashear refractor, Skyscrapers members and guests were always treated to fine programs. Here’s a list of just a few of the distinguished guests during those first five years: Leon Campbell, Leah Allen, Prof. John Duncan, Dr. Clyde Fisher, John Pierce (ATM’s of Springfield, VT), Cecilia Payne, Dr. Fred Whipple, Harlow Shapley and R. Newton Mayall.
Several Skyscrapers members supported Smiley’s many solar eclipse expeditions, either by joining him on an expedition or making monetary contributions.
A momentous shift in the organization’s direction occurred in 1936. Noted local astronomer Frank Evans Seagrave had passed away on August 15, 1934. The estate, including Frank’s observatory with an eight-inch Alvan Clark refractor, was bequeathed to his cousin. Two years later the property was offered for sale. Skyscrapers offer of $1000 was accepted after an assessment of the facility was performed. In order to proceed with the purchase, the society had to incorporate. On November 17, 1936, Skyscrapers received their incorporation charter, which allowed the organization to purchase the estate of Frank Seagrave (a little more than one-half acre, observatory building, eight-inch 1878 Alvan Clark refractor telescope, and other miscellaneous equipment) in North Scituate, Rhode Island, on Peep Toad Road.
And the rest they say, is history.
If you want more details about the history of Skyscrapers and of Frank E. Seagrave, please review our 25-year anniversary and 75-year anniversary books on the Skyscrapers web site. You’ll be amazed at the rich history presented by both works.
Happy 90th anniversary Skyscrapers.
The photo was likely taken by Frederick “Jack” Hoffman as part of the evaluation committee’s investigation into the purchase of the property. Date of visit is believed to be between October 14 and 27, 1936.
