In 1986, several amateur astronomers, generally unknown to one another but mostly from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, came together with the idea of building a telescope with a large-aperture mirror, housed in a domed observatory, and having a comfortable clubhouse to provide shelter and amenities for long nights of viewing. It had to be located in an area with dark skies, but within easy driving distance of Dallas-Fort Worth. This was strictly for the personal enjoyment of the group. With Barry Smith as its driving force, the group did what others said couldn’t be done--and here’s the story in pictures.
