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Steam water pump drawing water from well on West Saanich Rd.
The water used during construction was obtained from a well drilled on the site. This proved to be more practical than hauling water up the hill.
Site preparation, wheelbarrow on planks in foreground, Prospect Lake visible
Once there was a road to the top of Observatory Hill, construction on the telescope began. The first task is to prepare the site by removing trees and leveling the area.
Site preparation, view of broken rock and crude wooden forms started
Once there was a road to the top of Observatory Hill, construction on the telescope began. The first task is to prepare the site by removing trees and leveling the area.
Site preparation, men clearing rock with picks shovels and wheelbarrows
Once there was a road to the top of Observatory Hill, construction on the telescope began. The first task is to prepare the site by removing trees and leveling the area.
Site preparation, clearing rock, water tower in background
Once there was a road to the top of Observatory Hill, construction on the telescope began. The first task is to prepare the site by removing trees and leveling the area.
Site preparation, clearing rock
Once there was a road to the top of Observatory Hill, construction on the telescope began. The first task is to prepare the site by removing trees and leveling the area.
Site preparation, broken rock being cleared by hand, water tower in background
Machines used during construction were steam-powered. This water tower was used to keep a supply of water on hand.
Pier, pile of steel for pier frame work, showing crane tower and top of pier
A picture showing the massive concrete pier under construction. The lower part of the north pier has been poured and the metal frame of the form for the upper part is visible. The structure for raising the metal frame pieces is to the left. This was…
Pier, lower half cement, upper half with wood forms, dome perimeter forms, other side
In this picture the lower parts of both the north and south piers (combined in one piece) is completed and the forms for both piers appears to be completed.
Pier, lower half cement, upper half with wood forms, dome perimeter forms started
In this picture the lower parts of both the north and south piers (combined in one piece) is completed and the forms for both piers appears to be completed. The water tower is visible in the background
Pier, front view of lower half cemented, with wood forms, top half showing steel work
A picture showing the massive concrete pier under construction. The lower part of the north pier has been poured and the metal frame of the form for the upper part is visible.
Pier, finished, low viewpoint showing dome perimeter form
A picture of the completed piers. Visible is the large concrete pad on which the pier structure sits. This is hidden below the floor in the completed building.
Pier, finished, elevated viewpoint showing pier on cement pad, workmen on pier
A picture of the completed piers with three men that gives a sense of the scale. The concrete floor of the building is also completed in this picture.
Pier, finished, distant view with tall ladder leaning against pier
A distant view of the completed piers. A long long ladded is standing against the pier.
Pier, excellent view showing wood forms, steel structure, rock pile, and cement shute
In this picture ths shute used to move concrete into the completed forms.
Pier, edge view of cement with wood forms in place, water tower and crane tower
A picture showing the massive concrete pier under construction. The lower part of the north pier has been poured and the metal frame of the form for the upper part is visible. The water tower is visible in the backgroud
Pier, edge view of cement with wood forms in place, men mixing cement
Men mixing cement are visible in this picture. The bucjets of concrete needed to be raised up and poured into the finished forms.
Pier, closeup of cement arch way
This picture provides a good view of the archway between the two pieres. This archway is a notable feature when one is inside the completed telescope and dome.
Pier, assembling steel frame work, showing crane tower and partially formed pier
A picture showing the massive concrete pier under construction. The lower part of the north pier has been poured and the metal frame of the form for the upper part is visible
New 1950s Wing
Front view of new addition on 1950s wing.
Floor plans for 1950s wing
Architectural floor plans of first floor of 1950s wing.
Floor plans for 1950s wing
Architectural floor plans of second floor of 1950s wing.
Floor plans for 1950s wing
Architectural floor plans of the entire 1950s wing.
Floor plans for 1950s wing
Architectural floor plans of basement floor of 1950s wing.
Floor plans for 1950s wing
Architectural floor plans of sub-basement floor of 1950s wing.
Excavation of 1950s wing
Excavation for the 1950s wing.
Excavation of 1950s wing
Excavation for the 1950s wing.
Excavation of 1950s wing
Excavation for the 1950s wing.
Excavation of 1950s wing
Excavation for the 1950s wing.
Construction of Site Services building
A room that has been converted into the current kitchen.
Construction of Site Services building
Cabinets and shelf just outside of the furnace room/washroom.
Construction of Site Services building
Former kitchen and sink with hood fan. This space has now been converted into an office.
Construction of Site Services building
Furnace and washroom.
Construction of Site Services building
Cabinets and shelf in one of the offices.
Construction of Site Services building
Completed interior featuring the main work space. Work tables and cabinetry featured here.
Construction of Site Services building
Completed interior featuring the main work space. Work tables and cabinetry featured here.
Construction of Site Services building
Completed interior featuring the main work space.
Construction of Site Services building
Completed exterior after being panted and window installation. Sun shining directly onto the building.
Construction of Site Services building
Completed exterior after being panted and window installation.
Construction of Site Services building
Completed cement walls and chimney. Interior still unfinished.
Construction of Site Services building
Foundation of the floor with iron rods and pipes being placed throughout the building.
Construction of Site Services building
Foundation of the floor with iron rods and pipes being placed throughout the building.
Construction of Site Services building
Two construction workers building cement wall.
Construction of Site Services building
Cement walls under construction.
Construction of Site Services building
Wall being built. Construction worker can be seen carrying a cement block.
Construction of Site Services building
Preparing the ground for construction of building. Construction worker seen in the back.
Construction of Optical Shop and the completed building
Crane and flatbed truck inside the shop.
Construction of Optical Shop and the completed building
Crane inside the shop.
Construction of Optical Shop and the completed building
Construction workers and opticians inside the shop next to a flatbed truck.
Construction of Optical Shop and the completed building
Construction workers and Tom Bridge (closest to camera at the bottom of the photo), DAO's optician, inside the shop next to a flatbed truck.