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Airdrie
Public Observatory
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The History
of
Airdrie Public
Observatory
1853 to
1945
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The history of Airdrie Public
Observatory started with the pioneers of the last
century.
1853
Airdrie was the first town
in Scotland to adopt the Public Libraries Act, using part
of the Town Hall for the library collection.
1856
Airdrie Public Library
opened in Anderson Street (now Airdrie Arts
Centre).
1895
Doctor Reid donated a 3.25
inch telescope to the public library.
1896
The first Airdrie
observatory fitted up on the Library roof. The
observatory was equipped for the use of a 3.25 inch
telescope.
1911
Doctor Reid died on March,
23rd, and left the telescope to Airdrie Library. In the
same year improvements were made to the observatory,
installing an electric bell, lighting and the addition of
a mechanical drive to turn the dome.
1913
On July, 31st Bailie Lewis
started a very successful astronomy class.
1919
Councillor Lewis adjusted
the principal telescope to the main meridian.
1920
The "New Library" opened in
the Wellwynd.
1924
Telescope fitted up in the
new observatory dome.
1926
The New Library opened to
the public.
1928
Orrery installed at the
observatory.
1936
The "new" 6 inch Cooke of
York refracting telescope, donated by Mr Coats of Coats
Ironworks, was installed and mounted onto an equatorial
mount. The work was supervised by Bailie Lewis. This
telescope was clock driven, as was the orrery. New
adapters with carriers and a telegraph were
fitted.
The British Astronomical
Association (BAA) West of Scotland Branch started to use
the observatory.
1939
War was declared on Germany
and the observatory was closed to the public.
1942
Ex-Bailie Lewis resigned as
Honorary Curator.
1943
Mr W H McLane was appointed
as Curator of the observatory and the Museum.
1945
The observatory was reopened
to the public and the Workers' Educational Association
began an astronomy class.
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1945 - 1982
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