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You are Here: History
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Establishment
When James Oddie established the Observatory,
he invited Captain Baker, a retired sea captain to become the first Superintendent.
Captain Baker built a workshop and foundry, and constructed a number of
telescopes on site. He also gave astronomy lectures and provided
viewing opportunities. He was an expert telescope maker, and his greatest
instrument, the 26-inch "Great Equatorial Telescope", is still in use.
After Captain Baker's death in 1890 and the financial depression of the
'90s which bankrupted Oddie, the Observatory suffered a period of neglect.
John
Brittain, a lecturer in astronomy at the School of Mines, rekindled
public interest in the Observatory and persuaded the Town of Ballaarat
East to take responsibility for it. |
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Consolidation
Brittain raised considerable community support
enabling the buildings to be completely renovated in 1914-15, when the
spectacular stained-glass windows were fitted. Other donations included
furniture, furnishings and scientific instruments. Brittain
was appointed Superintendent, a position he held until his death in 1943.
The next major addition to the Observatory came in 1916 when the Jelbart
Brothers, a prominent Ballarat engineering firm, donated an exceptionally
fine 5 -inch brass refractor.
Generous and widespread community support made possible the erection
of a brick dome to house the instrument.
This telescope remains a favorite for many people |
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Alex Caird
After a period in which there was no supervision, Alex Caird
was appointed in 1947 and immediately set about the rehabilitation of the
buildings and instruments.An outgoing and popular figure, he welcomed many
to the Observatory. After his death in 1957, a further period of neglect
followed. However, in 1958, following the initiative of members of
the Astronomical Society of
Victoria, the Ballaarat Astronomical Society
was formed.
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Today
The Observatory was re-established as a thriving centre for astronomical
activities.This included the formation of a very keen radio astronomy section
which was active for a number of years when radio astronomy was making
great progress in Australia and overseas.
In 1995 a six person Observatory Management Committee was formed under
the auspices of the Ballarat
City Council, which provides two members. The Ballaarat
Astronomical Society also has two members and another two members provide
historical and tourism perspectives. |
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All photographs and
content © Copyright Ballaarat Astronomical Society 1998.
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