The Williamson County Astronomy Club is an informal association of amateur astronomers and space enthusiasts. The club's history, as presented here, is based on the collective memories of a number of the early members. Any omission of names, dates, places, or significant events in the club's 25 plus year history is completely unintentional.
The information here is quite incomplete and will be extended as time permits.
Club Formation
The club's beginnings go back to a group of Round Rock amateur astronomers who wanted a more informal setting to share their interests. The club first met in Round Rock, where most members lived, in October 1980 with members choosing the name "Round Rock Astronomy Club". Fourteen people attended the first organizational meeting. Two organizational meetings were held in October. Brian Cuthbertson and Randy Ricklefs, both members of the Austin Astronomical Society, provided information and advice during these initial meetings. Among the founding club members at the first meetings were Paul Roy, Dale Wester, Randy Ricklefs, Dick Foster, and Ray Nelson. Randy Ricklefs was chosen as the first temporary club chairperson.
Initially, no set meeting night was chosen and the club met at various times, dates, and places over the first few months. Members were notified of upcoming meetings via Post Cards mailed to their homes. The club finally settled into Wednesday evening meetings, usually at the Round Rock Public Library. As the club reached it six month anniversary, new club officers were elected. Marilyn Ricklefs served as chairperson, Dale Wester as vice-chairperson, Nancy Wester as Treasurer/Secretary, and Ray Nelson as co-secretary. Randy Ricklefs and Paul Roy were selected to coordinate meeting programs and speakers. These officers served for the next year.
During most of the first five years, the club had no formal observing site for holding star parties. Ad hoc locations were found and used for a few months at a time. Finally, permission was obtained from the US Army Corps of Engineers for use of the Scenic Overlook area at Lake Georgetown. This park area is normally closed after dark but Corps personnel would leave the gates open longer on star party nights to allow members to enter with their telescope equipment. The gates were closed until later in the evening when the park ranger would return to reopen the gates and allow everyone to leave. On some special evenings, the gates were left open for people to come and go as required. This was true during the apparition of Halley's Comet when several public star parties were held at the Scenic Overlook park.
The Early Years
Club Expansion
In October 1990, the name of the club was changed to better reflect the population of its membership. By now, the club had grown to include more members from Austin, as well as all of Williamson County.
Association With Southwestern University
In Early 1995, the club began its public outreach work with Southwestern University. The Establishment of the Fountainwood Observatory on campus initiated an ongoing effort by Southwestern to bring the joys of visual astronomy to the people of Williamson County.
Many of our former members have moved away from central Texas over the years. We know many are still very active in astronomy with their new local clubs. Past members are encouraged to check in with us from time to time. Send us an email and let us know what you have doing in your new astronomy club.