Moonwatch Memories

Moonwatch Memories from Ron Carman

Ron Carman, 2/25/2011

So far I haven't been able to find any pictures from the early days of the BAS. You probably know it was founded by Dr. Norman G. Foster in late 1957 and early 1958 as a Moonwatch organization. We were originally supposed to help observe and track the Earth satellites for IGY and we made many observations over the next few years. Our original site, on the Mitchell's farm a few miles south of Bartlesville between Highway 75 and Silver Lake Road (old 75) is now full of houses but I could still probably go right to it, except I might be in someone's living room and he might object - ha! I may even have a few old tapes from some of our observations, but can't guarantee how good they are after over 50 years.

Anyway, I'm glad to find out the club is revitalizing and if I were there you know I would be helping. However, the cold winters are the main cause of my moving to Texas. It can get pretty cold here, but seldom below freezing. Thanks for keeping me informed on how the club is doing!

Ron Carman, 6/6/2016

Fred and Kenneth were both charter members also. Fred graduated from Col-Hi in 1958 and I graduated in 1960. Ken graduated a year later; in 1961. Our observing site (which I helped work on) was located west of Hwy. 75 about half a mile south of the intersection with Price Road. The entrance road went by Mitchell's old house just about across from where Motel 6 now stands (I have been looking at Google Maps.) We drove on a dirt road maybe half a mile to get to the site which was near a hill top. I could still just about take you right to it, except now it could be in someone's back yard. Mitchell's new house (built in 1956) is still there, although Orville and Nora Mitchell are both long gone; may they rest in peace. I have seen their grave sites in Memorial Park Cemetery, not far from where my grandparents are buried.