HISTORY OF THE TWIN CITY AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS: 1960 - 2010
Fifth Edition (version 5.0, September 2010)
by Carl J. Wenning, TCAA Historian
This is a historical review of 50 years of major trends within and significant events conducted by the Twin City Amateur Astronomers, both as a group and as individuals. The work relates important historical information about various persons who have contributed significantly to establishing and achieving the goals of the club. It contains numerous pictures and appendices, thanks to the generosity of a number of club members, newsletter editors, and associates.
Carl J. Wenning, Historian
Downloads:
History Of The Twin City Amateur Astronomers: 1960 – 2010
A Brief History of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers
Content:
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1960 - The Founding of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers
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The Years of Activity, 1961-1965
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The Hidden Years, 1965-1972
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Years of Transition, 1973-1978
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Years of Public Service, 1979-1984
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Years of Reflection, 1985-1989
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The End of an Era, 1990-1994
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Changing Gears, 1995-1998
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Constructing Sugar Grove Observatory, 1998-2001
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Telescope Troubles, 2002-2003
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Education/Public Outreach and Service, 2005-2006
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Travels and Recognitions, 2007 - 2009
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The Semi-centennial Year, 2010
Epilogue
So ends the first 50 years – a half century – of the existence of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers.
Anyone who has ever been an active member of this club can be proud of the fact.
The club has expanded the awareness of members and non-members by its many years of public service.
The club has certainly influenced some of its younger members to pursue further education by expanding
their horizons beyond the small world in which they live. The club has also provided its members with
friendships that will last a lifetime. Each member of this club can recall the past with pride,
can live in the present to its fullest in harmony with other members, and can look forward to a future full of promise.
The purposes for which the TCAA was formed were to: promote in every way among its members and the
general public an interest in, and knowledge of, astronomy and its allied sciences;
advance amateur astronomy and observational techniques;
render assistance to other individuals or organizations working in the same or related fields;
and do everything necessary and proper to further such on a formal or informal basis.
Given the club’s 50-year record, there is no question that the members – past and present – have
filled that mandate with distinction. The future, like the past of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers, is bright.