Lick Observatory, Mt. Hamilton, Cal.
Lick Observatory, Mt. Hamilton, Cal.
| 20 October 1897 (USA)
Lick Observatory, Mt. Hamilton, Cal. Trailers

From F.Z. Maguire catalogue: The background of this picture is the Lick Observatory, Mount Hamilton, Cal. This observatory, the gift of James Lick, of Pennsylvania, was constructed at a cost of $700,000, being equipped with one of the most powerful telescopes that has ever been produced, and is famous the world over. The view of the Observatory is very complete, showing the style of architecture, including the glass covered dome in which are placed the various astronomical instruments. Every Saturday night throughout the year is set apart for visitors to inspect the Observatory and look through the great glass. This view shows a coach load driving up and alighting.

Reviews
Michael_Elliott

Lick Observatory, Mt. Hamilton, Cal. (1897)The title pretty much tells you all you'll need to know about this Edison picture that clocks in at just 26-seconds. The Lick Observatory was built by a man named James Lick for around $700,000 and it apparently contained one of the strongest and most powerful telescopes in the world. In the short running time we see the outside of the observatory and then a horse carriage pulls up beside it. That's all we get to see so I'm curious who Edison was selling this thing to. I'm sure actually showing the telescope might have gotten a few people to put their nickles in the movie machine but just showing the outside of the building seems like it would have had some paying customers rather unhappy that they didn't get more for their money.

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