background
Showing posts with label historic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label historic. Show all posts

Monday, March 6, 2023

The Morrison Observatory was originaly constructed in 1875 by Pritchett College, a small local institution in Glasgow, Missouri. It was named after the benefactor Bernice Morrison who, in 1874, pledged $100,000 to build a world-class observatory at the college. Within a year, the college delivered on her stated goals.

The observatory was outfitted with the best instruments available at the time which consisted of a beautifully crafted 12.25" Clark Refracting Telescope housed beneath a hand-cranked rotating dome that was modeled after the one found at Harvard's Observatory. Clark Telescopes, made by the legendary Alvan Clark company were the centerpieces of all of the top observatories of the day such as Harvard, Lowell, and Yerkes. One year later, in 1876, a 6" Meridian Telescope, built by Troughton & Sims was installed in a separate part of the building. With this addition, the observatory was able to generate income by selling the accurate time to local railroads and other institutions throughout Missouri. The Meridian Telescope is a large single axis transit telescope whose primary function was "to accurately mark the position of a star as it crossed the zenith at the observatory's 39 Degrees North Latitude". There was a lounge chair built for the comfort of the observer who would send a telegraph to the railway signalling devices to accurately mark the time. The position of the telescope was accurately determined through the use of large dials on the side whose marks were illuminated by a complex series of glass prisms which directed the light from attached lamps. There is also a closet directly behind the telescope which was built to house the clock on which the time was locally recorded. This clock was built by notable horologist Charles Frodsham, clockmaker to the Queen of England, who started the Charles Frodsham & Co in London, which "remains in existence as the longest continuously trading firm of chronometer manufacturers in the world". Notable among the oservations made at the Morrison Observatory is that of Jupiter's Great Red Spot which was documented by Dr. Henry Pritchett in 1878. By 1907, however, the Morrison Observatory was no longer in use.

Pritchett College failed financially in 1922 but nearby Central Methodist College gained possession of the observatory in order to preserve and restore it. Central Methodist, however, was 12 miles away which was not exactly convenient so in 1935 the observatory itself was moved to an ideal spot where it was re-constructed within a 10 minute walk from campus where it still stands today.

NOTE: This trip occurred during the time period to which my future biographers will refer as "the broken collarbone era". As such it is not my greatest work behind the camera and I fully intend to revisit someday to do the place justice using both of my arms.

NOTE 2: This observatory is not abandoned and multiple people live here at any given time. It is often open to the public so I highly recommend that you go and you slip them some cash donations while you're at it. As was the case with my previous post, this location features gratuitous amounts of "cool old stuff" and therefore qualifies as "blog worthy" due to its absurd level of awesomeness. This is now one of my favorite places ever.

Source(s): 1, 2, 3

Begin Historic Photos

Morrison Observatory
Morrison Observatory Historic Photo

Morrison Observatory
Morrison Observatory Historic Photo

-

Morrison Observatory
Morrison Observatory Historic Photo

Morrison Observatory
Morrison Observatory Historic Photo

Morrison Observatory
Morrison Observatory Historic Photo

End Historic Photos

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Here I am attempting to capture Saturn (which was clearly visible and crystal clear in the eyepiece) with my phone.. with only one usable arm while precariously balanced on the movable stair/platform that provides observers access to the eyepiece.

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Morrison Observatory copyright 2024 sublunar
Morrison Observatory by sublunar

Monday, January 30, 2023

Rockcliffe Mansion was constructed from 1898 to 1900 in Hannibal, Missouri for the wealthy lumber baron John J. Cruikshank, Jr. The mansion is a large 2 1/2 story double-brick house with white trim situated at the top of a large hill in the center of town with a commanding view of the area. The front of the house features a two story portico of paired Corinthian columns with a second floor balcony. The East side of the house features an expansive single story "porte cochere" with Tuscan columns. Originally the porches were connected but a fire destroyed that portion. Inside, there are more than 30 rooms and 10 unique ornate fireplaces. The interior is detailed in rich Mahogany and Quarter Sawn Oak in the Late Victorian and Art Nouveau styles. The main staircase rises to a large Tiffany stained glass window on the north facade and from there it splits into two rounded staircases to the second floor. The light fixtures throughout are an unusual dual purpose gas/electric type. The hall and reception room are oak while the library and dining room are mahogany. The "Moorish Room" features scalloped horseshoe and ogee arches on Corinthian columns and the room has its own custom Tiffany stained glass windows on the east wall. It is said that Louis Tiffany himself designed the entirety of the Moorish Room. Throughout the rest of the house, you will find the highest quality down to the smallest detail; all plumbing fixtures by J.L. Mott Iron Works and hardware by Yale and Towne. Most of the furnishings and fixtures in the house today are the antique originals despite the house being abandoned for 43 years.

Rockcliffe Mansion was considered "the most imposing, beautiful and costly residential structure in this part of the state" and fortunately it remains today as an outstanding example of the Georgian Revival style. The site was originally home to another lumberman, Sumner T. Mcknight who built an "imposing Italianette mansion" on this very spot in 1878. Cruikshank had this original house moved about 80 feet to the west, a major undertaking for the time, prior to building his own mansion in its stead. The McKnight mansion still stands nearby where it was originally relocated. The grounds of Rockcliffe were designed by O.C. Simonds, noted "landscape gardener" of Chicago. The house was designed by renowned architectural firm Barnett, Haynes and Barnett of St Louis. The opening reception was held in June 1901 wherein the Empire Orchestra played for the 700 people in attendance. On June 2, 1902, "Mark Twain" himself made an appearance here for about 300 guests and delivered a lecture from the main staircase.

John J. Cruikshank, Jr was the son of lumber business owner John Cruikshank who had moved to Hannibal from Alton, Illinois. Hannibal was well suited to the variety of lumber companies already in operation whose harvested logs from Wisconsin and Minnesota were floated down the river to Hannibal where they were then trasnferred to and conveyed by railroads to be distributed further west and south. John J. Cruikshank Jr took over his father's firm in 1864 an by the 1880s was said to be worth half a million dollars at the time.

The Junior Cruikshank died in 1924 at which point this house was left vacant. It remained abandoned and deteriorating for 43 years thereafter. During this time, local children were known to dare each other to venture inside the crumbling old house and go all the way to the top floor where they would take something to prove their bravery, usually ripping off a piece of a map in the schoolroom. This is a well-known pastime dating back probably as far as you can go in history and which is generally known as "urban exploration" today. Rockcliffe during this time was also the target of rocks thrown through many of its windows yet this mischief miraculously spared the stained glass. Futher miracles include the fact that otherwise very few of the original artifacts inside were stolen or destroyed and even the library retained all or most of its books during the 43 year vacancy.

By the 1960's, Rockcliffe Mansion was under threat of the wrecking ball; demolition was scheduled and nearly begun. A mere two weeks prior to the scheduled demolition, three local families came together to save the house and begin the restoration. Apparently one of the heirs of the property had later gone bankrupt and attempted to sell off all the valuable artifacts inside the house before their efforts were thwarted. As the house itself was nearly demolished years earlier, the entire collection of antiques inside it was also nearly broken up and sold individually to private collectors. Fortunately, both fates were narrowly avoided. The new owners are continuing to actively restore and preserve the building.

NOTE: This location (as well as the one in the next upcoming post) is, obviously, not abandoned. Rockcliffe Mansion is an awesome (seasonal) "Bed and Breakfast" located in Hannibal, Missouri and I highly recommend you stay here if you ever have the opportunity.

Source(s): NROHB, HABS and their current website.

Begin Historic Photos

The first photo here is from some time during Rockcliffe's 43 year period of abandonment. I'm going to assume the persons in the photo are the undisputed urbex champions of their generation.

Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo

The following photos were found scattered across the internet and are from various time periods.

Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo
Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo

Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo
Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo

Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo
Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo

Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo
Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo

Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo
Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo

Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo
Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo

Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo
Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo

Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo
Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo

Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo
Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo

Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo
Rockcliffe Mansion Historic Photo

End Historic Photos

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Notable among the design choices here are the copious amount of bazongas on display, an aesthetic of which the current author fully approves. They sure don't make things with the same quality and attention to detail anymore.

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar

Rockcliffe Mansion copyright 2024 sublunar
Rockcliffe Mansion by sublunar