Lowell Observatory and Flagstaff

Carl Lampland worked at Lowell Observatory from 1902 until his death in 1951. In addition to his chief work as astronomer, Lampland was the Lowell Observatory librarian and assisted Percival Lowell and the Observatory staff in other ways. Many changes in personnel and equipment took place during those 49 years. Here are a few letters describing some of those changes and Lampland's other work and interests.

Since the weather in Flagstaff is a prevalent topic in Lampland's correspondence, his letters referencing this topic are also included.

This exhibit is a small sample of Lampland's correspondence. All of his letters pertaining to Lowell Observatory and Flagstaff are available as PDF files on our Collections page.

Lampland had many interests besides astronomy and in his pursuit of knowledge he encountered some interesting individuals in his correspondence, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was Acting Secretary of the Navy in 1919.

Acting Secretary of the Navy Franklin D. Roosevelt's reply to a request by Senator Ashurst at Lampland's behest for a copy of the American Practical Navigator

Lowell Observatory Personnel Updates

Discussion on hiring, training and keeping staff assistants

Dr. Slipher receiving awards in Washington and England

December, 1933 update on the staff at Lowell Observatory

Lowell staff contributing to the war effort

Flagstaff Weather

The Slipher building with the first floor covered by snow (date unknown)

Record breaking winter snowfall in Flagstaff. Observatory road was closed to motor traffic for about a month.

1934 was an off year for snowfall and Flagstaff had to ship in water for a good part of the year

Practical form of telescope dome where heavy snowfall is a problem

Botanical Excursions with Percival Lowell

Dr. Lowell's last work on botanical specimens, his interest in botany, and his death a day after examining the latest specimens

Dr. Lowell made some important and interesting discoveries about the distribution of trees in the Flagstaff region.

The Death of Percival Lowell

Dr. Lowell very ill, please come up at once

November 12, 1916, a day of sadness

Death of Dr. Lowell

Article George R. Agassiz wrote in the Boston Transcript regarding the death of Dr. Lowell

Lampland writes of Dr. Lowell's death and his legacy

Dr. Lowell's death

Letter of eulogy and "Percival Lowell: A Memorial" by Dr. Clay MacCauley

First anniversary of Percival Lowell's death

One of Dr. Lowell's dear friends from Japan, Mr. Miyaoka, visited his grave and placed flowers upon it

Photo of Tsunejiro Miyaoka at Percival Lowell's grave site with Stevens-Duryea in background

Percival Lowell's Stevens-Duryea (Big Red)

Percival Lowell's Stevens Duryea, photographed in front of the Rotunda of the Main Building.

June 30, 1989

Sliphers and Lamplands in the Stevens-Duryea

Backseat left: Verna Lampland, Emma and Marcia Slipher

Front driving, V.M., with David Slipher, Carl Lampland

Order for a new Stromberg Carburetor for Stevens-Duryea Model Y

Disappointed with the performance of the car since installing the new carburetor

Request for estimate to paint and enamel various parts of the Model Y Stevens-Duryea

Re-enameling of the hood, fenders, tool and battery boxes of the Stevens-Duryea

Missing battery box in the return shipment of re-enameled parts of the Stevens-Duryea

Lowell Observatory Library

Request for maps contained in Upton's Star Atlas for Lowell Observatory's new library

Request for information on cataloging and putting to shape a small library at the Observatory

Very important for the work of the institution to build up the Observatory's library

Century Dictionary for the Lowell Observatory Library

Thanks for various publications which the Senator has provided

"A large number of the members of the House have lost their heads."

Latest activities in the Lowell Observatory Library to enlarge and improve the exhibits.

The Normal School/Arizona State Teachers College/NAU

Request for donation to Northern Arizona Normal School, precursor to NAU

Presentation of the scholarship prize in memory of Dr. Lowell

Plans for the 1930 Lowell Prize given each year at the Normal School (Northern Arizona University)

Homecoming at the Arizona State Teachers College in full swing with the rally, bonfire, parade, and football game