Observatory of Instruction

Other Names: The Working Observatory, Observatory and Transit Building, Prospect Street Observatory

Date of Commission: 1877

Date of Occupancy: 1878

Other Dates in Building's History:

1877: Professor Charles A. Young from Dartmouth appointed first director of the Observatory.

18 June 1877: Site of the Working Observatory and attached professor's house will be from the estate of John C. Green. Plans prepared and the building will include a 9 1/2" glass, three transits, clock room and a platform with a comet-seeker.

8 Nov 1877: Building completed.

1928: Alterations and addition to the Observatory made by the Matthews Construction Company.

1949: New welded steel dome with electrical drive installed.

1963: Observatory demolished to make way for Robertson Hall.

Other Agent(s): I. E. Jersey (builder of)

Materials: Clapboard Siding; Slate

Function: Astronomical Observatory; Professor's House