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Largest Telescope in the World
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Text on front reads: "Telescope with 40 in. Lens, Largest in the World. Williams Bay on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin." On reverse: "The 40 inch telescope of the Yerkes Observatory has the largest lens in the world. The instrument is 63 feet long and with attachments for photographic work 6 feet are added. The tube weighs 6 tons and the moving parts weigh 20 tons. It is so delicately balanced that it can be moved with one hand." A view of the interior and telescope at the Yerkes Observatory, established in 1892. In 2020 the non-profit Yerkes Future Foundation took ownership and began restoration and renovation.
August 19, 1948
E. A. Bishop Post Card Company (Racine, Wis.)
Publication Information
Physical Description
Collection Information
Copyright Information
W013YFP
WHi 151274
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Yerkes Observatory Telescope
1907
Text on front reads: "The 40-inch telescope of the University of Chicago Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin. The object-glass has a diameter of 40 inches, the tube is 63-feet long and weig...
Interior of Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay on Lake Geneva
circa 1910-1919
View of the gallery and telescope in Yerkes Observatory. A crowd of spectators are standing around the room. Caption reads: "Interior of Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay on Lake Geneva, Wis."
Yerkes Observatory
1936
A view of Yerkes Observatory at Williams Bay, Lake Geneva. It was the "largest refracting telescope in the world," according to "Wisconsin: A Guide To The Badger State."
Yerkes Observatory of the University of Chicago
1907
Text on front reads: "Yerkes Observatory of the University of Chicago at Williams Bay, Wisconsin." Founded in 1892 by astronomer George Ellery Hale and financed by Charles T. Yerkes. It was built i...
Yerkes' Observatory
circa 1910-1919
Colorized elevated postcard view of Yerkes Observatory near the shore of Lake Geneva. Caption reads: "Yerkes' Observatory, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin."
Yerkes Observatory
1905
View across field towards the observatory. Caption reads: "Yerkes Observatory, Lake Geneva, Wis."
