(Editor's Note: First in a series)
On May 14, 1935, the Chattanooga News headline touted "Observatory In City Is Urged," noting that Chattanooga's first astronomical observatory would be designed by "Clarence T. Jones, architect and permanent president of the Barnard Astronomical Society." The accompanying architectural rendering explained that the newly proposed Public Works Administration (PWA) project would be "equipped with a powerful telescope" and would cost about $15,000.
Its telescope would be the largest in the South, except for the Leander McCormick Observatory at the University of Virginia. The plans for both the building and the telescope had been submitted to Commissioner T.H. McMillian with the request that the observatory be included with the Department of Education's PWA program.
To comply with PWA educational programming and facilities requirements, the observatory needed to be located near a school. Jones and the leadership team of the Barnard Astronomical Society proposed in their letter to Commissioner McMillian that the observatory be built near the Brainerd Junior High, alleviating the problems with smoke and hazy conditions in Chattanooga. Location near an existing school also would lessen maintenance costs.
In a unique appeal for funding, Jones included a two-fold educational plan; one curriculum for public and private school students and one designed for an adult population interested in astronomy and fascinated by stories about "outer space" and its future exploration. Anticipating large public gatherings had led to the design of a lecture hall that could seat 250 and an expansive dark room allowing adult students to develop their "night sky" photos. All lectures would be free and open to residents from the surrounding region.
In a nod to practicality, Jones explained that the telescope needed for such a facility usually would cost between $8,000 and $10,000 but, because of the expertise in the local society, the telescope would be built on-site by volunteer labor and primarily donated materials for less than $1,000. Building on volunteer support for the project, a letter signed by more than a thousand citizens was attached to the proposal for funding.
For many of Chattanooga's science-minded community, the proposal for an observatory seemed like a natural step forward. For years, many of them had gathered at Clarence T. Jones' Glenwood home to take advantage of his private observatory. In 1932, the Chattanooga Daily Times reported that Jones and fellow astronomy enthusiast W.I. Wilson, city engineer, were planning a special gathering for a solar eclipse that would happen on Aug. 31. The two friends would provide a "ringside seat, so to speak, for the rare event."
Jones would handle the instruments for focusing "safely and comfortably" while Wilson would handle the cameras for recording the eclipse. Jones had modified a tracking system for his largest telescope that would allow the group to view the sun and the shadows produced by the moon "with precision." The only thing he could not guarantee was "clear weather."
Educational leaders also stepped forward to endorse the proposed observatory. James Park McCallie, in a letter to the newspaper in 1935, suggested that the "very study of these marvelous things brings one into closer relation with the Deity and the majesty of God has been recognized by all the great astronomers from Kepler and Newton down to Lowell, Campbell, Young and Adams of our modern day ... this worthy educational and cultural object will bring the study of God's great universe into the reach of the boys and girls of our city and will make Chattanooga unique among the cities of the south."
Later that year, in November, the proposed observatory gained another supporter, the Tennessee Academy of Sciences, following Jones' "paper presentation" to the scientists who had gathered in Nashville. The announcement that same month that the Public Works Administration had approved the proposed plan caused a spontaneous celebration across the city as Chattanooga's newspapers and radio stations broadcast the news.
The site was confirmed — a knoll southwest of Brainerd Junior High, just east of Missionary Ridge.
Members of the Barnard Astronomical Society representing different professions stepped forward to volunteer their technical skills. Marion C. Wall, mechanical engineer, had begun work months earlier, collaborating with Jones about the best design and functional systems. Strickland Pattern Works, Eureka Foundry and various other firms in Chattanooga volunteered use of their furnaces and labor to support the observatory's construction. The most difficult task — grinding and polishing the mirrors for the 20 ½" reflecting telescope — would be completed by Jones.
Now the work could begin.
Linda Moss Mines, Chattanooga and Hamilton County's official historian, chairs the America 250 Celebration, 2024-2026. For more on local history, visit Chattahistoricalassoc.org.
