The history of Hudnall Planetarium is intricately linked with the history of Tyler Junior College and the history of Tyler, Texas itself.  An interesting insight into the history and culture of the Hudnall can be gleaned by reading a 1985 TJC Interoffice Memorandum written by Frances Friedman, to Dr. Raymond Van Cleef & Albert Baade.  The subject of the memo was a “Comprehensive Report on Hudnall Planetarium”.  At the time the memo was written, Frances Friedman was the Director of the Hudnall.  Dr. Van Cleef & Albert Baade were Tyler Junior College administrators.  The memo is rather lengthy and is reprinted here in its entirety.

 

 

Interoffice Memorandum                                                      Tyler Junior College

 

Date:   July 10, 1985

 

To:      Dr. Raymond Van Cleef

            Albert Baade

 

From:  Frances Friedman

 

Subject: Comprehensive Report on Hudnall Planetarium

 

 

HISTORICAL

 

Technical requirements:

 

When the Board of Trustees of Tyler Junior College elected to install a planetarium on the college campus in 1963, it became necessary for the Board to have a thorough understanding of the technical requirements, staffing, operational objectives, ad financing to assure the successful operation of the proposed program.  The project involved a complex and difficult technological field, but the members of the Board were able to abstract the technical terms into comprehensive language necessary for developing policies governing each specific requirement.

 

The essential elements of the planetarium system to be installed in the split-level building were integrated to function within a 30 ft. dome configuration.  Concentric seating for one hundred adults around the astronomical projector in the center of the demonstration chamber was the dominate element of the system.  The projection screen consisted of compoundly curved and perforated aluminum panels suspended within the dome.  The perforations provided superior acoustical properties and facilitated the introduction of air conditioning.  Sound is supplied through multi-speaker units mounted behind the perforated screen.  The console is housed in the northeast section of the demonstration chamber and controls all of the instrument (astronomical projector), instrument-related auxiliaries, and special effects.  Auxiliary elements for special effects, which are very great in cost, were constructed by I. L. Friedman at no cost except for the materials.

 

All of these essential elements consisting of concentric seating, cove lighting, sound system, control console, projection screen, and planetarium projector were purchased as a single package deal from the Spitz Space Systems, Inc. at a cost of approximately $35,000 including installation charges.  The Model A3P Spitz astronomical projector is capable of producing a realistic reproduction of the night sky as seen from any point on earth and for any desired date in the past or future.  This reliable instrument cost only $18,375 as a part of the $35,000 package, and it has operated since November 24, 1963 without the additional expense of costly service warranties.  Savings on the annual service warranties resulting from a maintenance program by I. L. Friedman at no cost to the college have exceeded the initial cost of the projector.  It is possible that the current trade-in value is near its original cost contingent on trade negotiations.

 

It was realized at the time or purchase, and should be noted at this date, that each of the essential elements could be replaced without replacing the entire system; however, any replacement would have to be compatible with a 30 ft. dome and with the other elements of the system.  A new astronomical projector must be capable of covering a 30 ft. screen without reducing the one hundred person seating capacity of the present system.

 

 

 

Financing:

 

Tyler Junior College made an unusual contribution to public education on November 24, 1963, when it opened the doors of Hudnall Planetarium.  It was unusual, not only because at that time it was one of the largest planetariums in Texas, but because it was financed to a large extent through the generosity of civic-minded individuals, namely Mr. Jimmy Hudnall and Dr. Jim Vaughn.

 

The initial purchase of the astronomical projector, projection screen, cove lighting, sound system, seating, and other essential elements was made with the funds contributed by Mr. Jimmy Hudnall.  In later years, Mr. Hudnall made additional contributions resulting in the exterior copper-clad dome replacing a plastic covering with had deteriorated from weathering.

 

A generous contribution by Dr. Jim Vaughn provided the funds to develop a downstairs exhibition area housing ten display cases in which astronomical concepts are exhibited to supplement the regular programs presented in the demonstration chamber.  At a later date, Dr. Vaughn purchased a Celestron C-8 telescope with its associated equipment for research in developing current planetarium programs.

 

The planetarium has operated on a minimal cost basis.  The director has conducted programs, scheduled reservations, operated the lobby sales counter, and performed other duties usually done by additional staff members in other planetariums.  Scripts, art work, and auxiliary effects were produced by the director at additional cost savings.  Maintenance of the sophisticated equipment has been performed by I. L. Friedman without cost to the college.  The sound system has been maintained by George Wilson, Director of Media Services.

 

 

 

Role and Function:

 

The most important role for Hudnall Planetarium, in accordance with the Board’s policy and as directed by the administration, has been to serve as a public relations vehicle to bring prospective students to the campus.  The most important function in carrying out this role was educational.  It was planned as a center for space education to serve the entire East Texas area.  Although it was to serve as a space age classroom for regular college students attending Tyler Junior College, it was to be of educational value for people of all ages in the East Texas community.

 

The administration realized at an early date that in order to carry out this role and function, it would be illogical for several reasons to impose a large admission fee.  With a seating capacity of only one hundred adults, the planetarium could not generate a substantial income, and it was observed that several other planetarium have not continued to function on this basis.  The greatest benefit to the college could be derived in utilizing the planetarium as a recruitment vehicle, and subsequent years proved the wisdom of the Board’s policy.  The planetarium has had an important role in bringing prospective students to the Junior College campus.

 

A public school program was to be provided with appropriate planetarium presentations on each grade level from the first grade through the twelfth grade.  Other colleges from freshmen through graduate school would be offered presentations on an appropriate level.  Teachers were invited to make special reservations for their classes and attendance to these planetarium programs would be free of charge.  In addition to these free programs designed specifically for students, special programs were offered on designated Sundays to the general public and to special club organizations at other times.

 

The original objectives of the planetarium are being met in serving the educational needs of different segments of the community.  Two different college accredited astronomy courses are presented each year.  Tyler Junior College astronomy students are offered the unusual opportunity of seeing various astronomical concepts presented in a realistic manner in the planetarium.  Very few colleges or universities have this capability.

 

The planetarium is not restricted to astronomy students.  Several other TJC classes attend planetarium presentations.  We have one program on mythology of the night skies that was shown to English classes as they study mythology.  Technical writing classes, journalism classes, surveying classes, and orientation classes also attend.

 

Surveying students learn to “use the stars”.  The planetarium can put up a sky for any season, any hour, and any location: therefore, it certainly gives them a more accurate view of constellation and star positions than charts in their textbooks.

 

Programs have been designed specifically for the grade level in attendance.  There have been programs for all ages from first grade through college.  The programs are locally produced and tailored to meet the educational needs of each class.  The planetarium has worked very closely with many school districts in developing programs compatible and integrated into their earth science programs.  Packets of instructional materials have been presented to visiting teachers to supplement their individual programs.  These programs have been presented each year to approximately 18,000 – 20,000 students.  More than 433,000 have attended at least one program since November, 1963.

 

During school hours,, Mondays through Friday noon, programs are presented free of charge, not only to classes, but also to civic groups, clubs, etc.  In addition, a series of programs are presented to the general public.  The planetarium receives a nominal admission charge for the public programs.  The planetarium is not open during the summer months and college holidays because there would be a minimal attendance by school children for the cost of operation during that time. 

 

There has been enthusiastic support from the news media.  Hudnall Planetarium has had coverage from dozens of television presentations on KLTV, scores of interviews on several East Texas Radio stations, and hundreds of news releases through ore than 100 Texas newspapers both dailies and weeklies.  We are especially indebted to the Tyler Courier Times-Telegraph which has enabled u to achieve our mutual objectives of serving the entire East Texas community.  We have been described in the State Highway literature, East Texas Chamber of Commerce brochures, Tyler Chamber of Commerce, and several popular magazines.  During recent years some East Texas newspapers have devoted several pages in their Sunday magazine sections describing our operations.  The front cover of the Tyler telephone directory exhibited the demonstration chamber of the planetarium. 

 

Audience attendance is an important factor in determining the impact that the planetarium has had in serving the community.  Hudnall Planetarium has enjoyed the unique distinction of over-capacity crowds at almost every public program.  The traditionally limited seating capacity of most planetariums could be considered as the reason for the standing lines.  However, the chief reason for our audience acceptance has resulted from the locally produced programs which have been designed to appeal to each individual audience.  My years of experience in offering these programs have provided me with a better understanding not only of our clientele, but has allowed me to better examine the priorities, goals, and my own ability to prepare programs.  Planetariums which operate with automated equipment, “canned” programs, and sensational presentations have only a brief period of good audience attendance.  Several of these facilities have been forced to close after a few years of operation without sufficient audience attendance.

 

 

 

Future Operations:

 

To insure the continuity of successful operation, it is necessary to reevaluate our priorities in establishing new goals for the future.  While our operations have served the educational needs of many segments of the community, there are several areas which could be better served.  Long-range objectives in meeting new goals should include:

 

1.  development of programs designed for the students of Tyler Junior College which would be compatible with the annual college calendar of events;

 

2.  production of special programs for scientific, professional, and cultural societies of the East Texas area;

 

3.  offering public school teacher workshops for the East Texas public school districts which would update teaching materials relative to new astronomical concepts resulting from recent space discoveries;

 

4.  development of programs designed specifically for public school students from the 7th – 12th grade levels covering current celestial events and emphasizing the scientific, social, and cultural values affected world space endeavors;

 

5.  meeting the needs of the handicapped public school students including those who are hard of hearing;

 

6.  inviting club groups, civic organizations, retired citizens groups, etc. to make reservations for private presentations designed for their organization.

 

7.  innovation of a method to alleviate standing clientel ticket lines on specified Sunday public programs.

 

As a short-ranged goal to meet these long-range objectives, several projects are currently in production for presentation during the 1985-1986 college year.

 

1.  To support the proposed calendar of events for the college, a public program is being produced, “Gala” Tyler Junior College 60th, Texas Sesquicentennial, and Return of Halley’s Comet.

 

2.  We are working with the student enrichment committee, chaired by Mary Waldrop, to develop a special program on Halley’s Comet for the science students of Tyler Junior College.

 

3.  By request, a program on Halley’s Comet will be presented to the East Texas chapter of the American Chemical Society.

 

4.  Teacher workshops will be developed to update astronomical concepts and assist them with classroom materials.

 

5.  Invitations will be mailed to all area school districts offering the program on Halley’s Comet for grades 7-12.

 

6.  Invitations will be mailed to all area school districts offering the cultural program, Skywatchers of Ancient Mexico, for grades 7-12.

 

7.  An electronic device will be installed which will be compatible with public school equipment to improve the audio reception for the hard of hearing students.

 

8.  A reservation system is being developed for all public programs on specified Sundays in order to alleviate standing lines; however, we do not anticipate that this system will completely solve the problem.

 

 

 

PROPOSAL FOR NEW EQUIPMENT

 

A report covering the future operation of Hudnall Planetarium must include data relative to the present condition of the equipment if it is justified.  Should the replacement of any of the basic components including the astronomical projector be justified, there would be many factors for consideration including the 30 ft. dome building configuration, requirement for modification to existing bench arrangements, compatibility with existing lighting, sound, and auxiliary equipment.  Furthermore, the new equipment should be able to at least meet the capability of the current projector and operate with a comparative measure of reliability.

 

The current astronomical projector, model A3P Spitz, was installed in September, 1963 and is 22 years old.  The original price was $18,375 as a part of the total $35,000 packaged deal.  At the present time, it is operating satisfactorily with regular maintenance and can be expected to continue to function during the next year without a major expense.  It is my opinion that it can continue to function for several years with proper maintenance, and I have not asked that it be replaced at this time.  Obviously an instrument of that age must be carefully operated and serviced.  Even with careful attention it will eventually require replacement.

 

Preliminary figures based on quotations from vendors, which will be further explained in this report, indicate a basic cost factor for the replacement of the Spitz A3P which cost $18,375 originally to be $203,700 - $313,000 installed.  These figures do not include a new sound system nor any of the auxiliary projectors which we now own.  It should be understood that these figures do not cover the possible replacement costs of other elements including seating, projection screens, sound system, lighting, and special effects projectors.  Replacement lamps for the cover lighting have been purchased recently and will not be required.  It is anticipated that the concentric seating benches will require reupholstering as they have been recovered only once in 22 years.

 

Another option to be considered is the dismantling, rebuilding, and reinstallation of the present A3P instrument which can be done by Spitz Space Systems at a quote of $45,000 - $50,000 including shipping, installation, and a one year warranty.  If this operation is properly carried out, it is reasonable to assume that the instrument could operate for another twenty years.

 

I have invited three of the world’s leading manufacturers of planetarium systems to offer quotations of costs and specifications to replace our A3P Spitz projector should a decision be made to do so.  The companies responding were Spitz Space Systems, U.S.A. , Minolta Corporation of Japan, and Carl Zeiss of West Germany.  I have condensed the lengthy quotations from these institutions but their specifications have been filed for future consideration.

 

Following are important factors to be considered in the purchase of a new instrument:

 

1.  reputation of the companies with regard to the reliability of equipment, availability of replacement part, and record of service response should it be required;

 

2.  impact of new equipment on existing facility including building configuration, seating, and other elements;

 

3.  flexibility of new equipment if new equipment needs to be modified, moved, or repaired at a future date.

 

These factors will be considered in my report relative to comparing each vendor’s offering as listed.

 

1.  Spitz Space Systems, Inc., Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

History:  Spitz has been in the planetarium business for 45 years and has 850 installations worldwide.  It has 34 planetarium installations in Texas.  Spitz maintains a large parts inventory at its facility in Pennsylvania and parts can be shipped within 24 hours of the request.

 

Instruments:  Model 512 and console ---$203,700

(including installation and warranty)

The figure quoted includes several standard auxiliary projectors; however certain optional projectors and sound systems can be obtained if desired.

Solar Orrery -----------------------------$7,000

Azimuth Projector -------------------------2,700

Additional (2) Constellation Projectors ----1,900

Sound System ---------------------------11,300

 

 

2.  Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Osaka, Japan (Sasake Asso., Melbrook, N.Y.)

History:  Minolta enjoys a reputation as a producer of high quality, reliable, and accurate planetarium projectors on a world-wide basis.  It has built some of the largest installations including the University of Arizona, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and the Minolta Infinum Planetarium at Tsukuba, Japan.  On a local basis, however, this company does not maintain a service and part facility to offer as rapid availability of parts and service as does Spitz.

 

Instrument:  Model MS10 and console ---$313,000

(including installation and warranty)

The figure quoted included several standard auxiliary projectors; however, certain optional projectors can be obtained if desired.  A sound system would be purchased from another source.

Azimuth Turntable -----------------------$38,740

Comet Projector -----------------------------540

Twinkling Device ---------------------------1,850

Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto Projectors -------930

Seasonal Sun Projectors --------------------1,540

Note:  The prices listed are exclusive of duty and wiring.

 

3.  Carl Zeiss, West German

History:  Zeiss is the oldest producer of very high quality planetarium projectors and has built projectors for some of the largest planetariums in the world.  At this point in time, however, this company has not quoted a price for an installation within our 30 ft. dome.  According to the information I have obtained, Zeiss introduced the Model 1015 about four years ago to fit into 30 ft. domes.  Zeiss has not sold a single installation in the United States since 1972.

 

 

 

SUMMARY

In accordance with your instructions, I have presented the historical background of Hudnall Planetarium including its role and function and some new goals to improve service to the community.  Estimates from leading planetarium producers for the replacement of the planetarium projector, should this action be decided, have been given.  Costs of other options, including the refurbishing of the present instrument, have been presented.  I hope this information will be of some value in future planning of the planetarium program.  A drive to fund the costs of replacing the planetarium instrument would have to furnish $240,000 minimum.  If other elements are to be replaced at the same time, it is reasonable to assume that approximately $300,000 would be required to restore the planetarium to its operational condition and capability when it opened November 24, 1963.  Installation of a new astronomical projector would not appreciably increase the capability to reproduce the night sky than the current A3P projector.

 

One should not expect a computerized automated system, highly sophisticated T.V. projections, or awesome Omniplex presentations from either of these astronomical projectors.  These are completely different systems designed to serve a different purpose.  The layman tends to confuse Omniplex installations (movies) such as the one in Ft. Worth, Texas; San Diego, California; Richmond, Virginia; and other cities with the astronomical projection system.  These installations start at about $650,000 and most run into millions of dollars.  Omniplex type installations serve a different purpose than the traditional planetarium.  Our 30 ft. circular dome is designed so that the central projector in itself and with its control is quite sufficient for educational presentations in a planetarium program operated by an educational institution.

 

If you have any questions relative to this report, I will be very happy to answer them.  My files are available for further study of any technical specifications you may wish to obtain.

 

Thank you