Unknown Astronomy Building from 1888 Discovered on Campus of Michigan State University
In a surprising turn of events, construction workers at Michigan State University stumbled upon the foundation of an old astronomy building from the late 19th century. The structure, which had been the first observatory on campus, had remained a mystery, with its exact location unknown. However, in June, while installing hammock poles, workers came across the foundation, shedding light on this forgotten piece of history.
The round building, complete with a tiled roof, was constructed in 1881 and was used as an observatory until its removal in the early 20th century for unknown reasons. It was built by a former professor and his students, though not much is known about its duration of existence or the observations it may have yielded. The discovery of the foundation has sparked curiosity among archaeologists and historians, who are eager to uncover more information about this enigmatic structure.
To explore this historical treasure further, the university has decided to transform the site into an undergraduate field school. Led by Stacey Camp, a professor of anthropology, and her students, the excavation will continue next summer. Not only will the students have the opportunity to learn about the practice of archaeology and receive credit for their work, but they also hope to find artifacts associated with the past students who studied in the observatory.
Professor Camp emphasized the importance of finding items such as pencils, glass bottles, or ceramics that could help date the time period when the observatory was in use. This information would provide valuable insights into the activities and interests of the students who once frequented the observatory.
The director of the university’s archaeology program, Professor Camp initially didn’t think much of the workers hitting something hard while installing hammock poles. However, after further investigation, it became clear that the old observatory had indeed stood in the same area. The campus archaeology program conducted shovel-testing, opening small holes in the ground to confirm their findings. When they hit a rock-like surface, it became evident that they had unearthed the observatory’s foundation.
Ben Akey, a graduate student and the university’s campus archaeologist, played a vital role in researching the building’s history. After the second hole was opened, Akey was convinced that the structure they had uncovered was indeed the observatory. The round foundation and its unique curvature were distinctive features that provided confirmation.
The circular building, measuring 16 feet wide, was constructed by Rolla Carpenter, a former professor who taught civil engineering, astronomy, and other subjects. With assistance from his students, Carpenter built the observatory at a cost of $125, including the telescope, which amounted to a total expense of $450.
While the exact date of the observatory’s removal remains unclear, research suggests it likely occurred in the 1920s. As more staff members return to campus, the excavation of the entire foundation will resume, bringing forth even more intriguing findings.
The discovery of this forgotten observatory has also presented undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to gain practical field experience. Morgan Manuszak, a rising senior studying art history and anthropology, participated in the excavation this summer and hopes to join the field school. She expressed her enthusiasm for the chance to engage in a dig as an undergraduate, as this type of experience is usually reserved for graduate students. The ability to uncover history right on their own campus is a rare and invaluable opportunity for the university’s students.
As the excavation continues, the uncovering of artifacts and the learning opportunities for the students promise to shed light on the often-overlooked history of Michigan State University.