Trees at Yerkes Observatory Wisconsin Historical Society, WHi(X3)38159 (1935) The Trees at Yerkes
Observatory of its day. Still important, its great refractor telescope Williams Bay is the largest one in the United States. During the period from 1912 to 1915, the land- t one time in the 1980s, there were at least seven scape architect fi rm of Frederick Law Olmsted drew Astate record trees on the splendid park-like up a landscaping plan for the grounds. Olmsted, pio- grounds of Yerkes Observatory on the shores of Lake neer landscape architect in the nation, was famous Geneva in Williams Bay. This imposing site is still for his design of Central Park in New York City. The the resident observing facility of the Department Yerkes plan was a grandiose one, and its implementa- of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of tion was somewhat scaled down. But Edwin Frost, Chicago. director of the Observatory at that time, who loved It was the dream of George Ellery Hale, who owned trees almost as much as he loved stars, was enthusi- a small private observatory, to establish a larger astic about carrying it out. one accessible from Chicago, but far enough away to Besides the state record trees, which were a benefi t from clear night skies. With the active coop- white fi r, yellowwood, goldenraintree, European and eration of William Rainey Harper, the fi rst president fernleaf beech, Japanese pagodatree and a European of the University of Chicago, Hale prepared the plans littleleaf linden, the grounds boasted other interest- and enlisted the fi nancial backing of Charles T. Yer- ing trees such as Kentucky coffee trees, ginkgos, kes, a wealthy Chicago businessman. Construction in cut-leaf beeches and chestnuts.
Williams Bay began in 1895, and when fi nished, the Sources: Judy Lola, Williams Bay observatory was the most modern and complete one Dr. W. W. Morgan, Williams Bay
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