Abe Lincoln's son - Robert's Observatory

A short walk from the mansion is Robert Todd Lincoln's obervatory.

Anothe view of the observatory. Note the pier in the back.

Down hill to the mansion.

Terrific views from the observatory.

Walkway down to the mansion.

Quite a beautiful place!

The front of Hilden's Observatory.

The observatory lie a short walking distance to Hildene - Robert Todd Lincoln's summer home.

Great view of the nearby mountains.

The observatory lies on a hillside - a nice view all around.

Rear view of the observatory.

If I remember correctly this was the telescopes original pier. I don't remember why it was replaced. It resides outdoors for some reason at the time I took this image Aug 2008.

The dropoff here behind the observatory is noteworthy!

Tourists look at the beautiful countryside.

Lincoln Observatory at Hildene, in Vermont.

This is interesting....

6 inch Brashear refractor - Warner & Swasey Mount.

Doug Harrigan gives a tour of the observatory.

A very beautiful and well designed mount by Warner & Swasey.

Rare original bulb that illuminated the setting circles on the Brashear Telescope.

For 6 inches this instrument is impressive.

Close-up of the large brass or bronze setting circle. Note the fine teeth of the polar drive. We even have brass or bronze beveled gears.

A great image to study the telescope.

A peak underneath. I am impressed by the large width of the brass focusing rack. Of course everything is heay duty .

Dome width and controls.

Setting circle and vernier.

The two beveled gears pictured appear to be made of bronze or brass. I wondered what the wear factor might be here, after 100 years of two of the same metals rubbing against each other. But things look pretty good.

6 inch refractor has beautifulmetalwork at the tail stock of the instrument. Note the wooden knobs.

Close-up of the Declination housing, circle and RA circle.

Visitor looks at the telescope.

If I remember correctly this maybe the original observing chain that Robert Todd Lincoln himself may have occupied during his observing sessions.

Doug tells the instruments history.

Brashear eyepiece

6 inch double made by John A. Brashear.

Doughas Haringan - Chairman of the Hildene Astronomy Club.

Another view of the eyepiece.

Observing at the eyepiece. Al Paslow in the observers chair at Robert Todd Lincoln's telescope.

I'm having a great time....