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.
