Author: Patricia M. O'Hare
From: Pat O'Hare
To: Board of Directors, Allegheny Regional Asset District
Subject : Re: Buhl Planetarium
Date : Sat, 25 Aug 2001 08:39:06 -0600
To ARAD:
As a former Pittsburgher and present member of the Allegheny City Society,
with family members currently living in Pittsburgh, and my family living in
Pittsburgh since 1830, I wold like to speak up regarding the Children's
Museum proposal to remove the Zeiss Projector from Buhl Planetarium. I am a
former employee of Buhl Planetarium, and I know how precious it is to the
citizens of the north side of Pittsburgh. The Zeiss was custom built for
it. If it is removed, there is no strong promise that it will ever be
reassembled. It may possibly end up in a dusty warehouse forever. And it
is entirely possible that no one will even know how to reassemble it!
The history of Buhl Planetarium should not go the way of the North Side's
Market House, and be wiped from the face of the earth. Hasn't enough of the
north side's history been eradicated by the city? Still, none of us, I
believe, oppose the Children's Museum's use of the planetarium building, but
they must understand that certain features of the Buhl, like the Zeiss
Projector and the Siderostat telescope should continue to be used.
I can remember when, as a child, my mother would take me to the sky shows at
the planetarium. To see that black monster rising up out of its pit was
horrifying, and at once fascinating! Immediately after, the entire star
view of the sky was projected onto the domed ceiling and an atmosphere of
awe filled the Star Theatre. It was a truly magical experience, no matter
what age the child, and something that those of us who witnessed it will
never forget.
I would support the Children's Museum's use of the Planetarium Building only
if the Zeiss Projector is left in place and used as it was when I was young,
to show the heavens at any time of the year, and not only in this century,
but how the stars looked at any time in pre-history, and then again, what
they will look like centuries from now. I would also ask that the history
of the Planetarium and what it stands for, would be respected. I suggest
that this issue be brought before the people of the north side and discussed
in a public hearing. I trust the people that I grew up with and worked
alongside to make the right decision and to make their own impassioned pleas
to the Board.
The Zeiss Projector itself is the heart of the Planetarium, and once we
allow it to be removed, there is a possibility that the building may be
gutted or even razed. We cannot allow this to happen to one more historic
North Side building.
Sincerely,
Patricia M. O'Hare
Huachuca City, Arizona