Sometime in the 1920's, with astronomy having been neglected at the University, the observatory was torn down and the telescope mothballed. It was very nearly lost and destroyed during this period, but in the late 1950's its existance was made known to John Stull, a ceramic engineering Ph.D. who was teaching physics. Over the next several years the telescope was used at several locations on campus, put up and taken down each night. Finally, in 1966 Prof. Stull and the University established the modern Observatory.
What is now called the Stull Observatory began with the construction of two domes, one for the 9 inch Fitz telescope and the other for a 16 inch newtonian reflector. The Fitz was rebuilt in 1970, with a metal tube replacing the badly damaged wooden one. (The orginal tube is currently being restored by James Gort.) In 1971 the 16 inch newtonian was replace with the current 20 inch "Metzger" newtonian.
In the interim, a (heated!) classroom building was constructed (1968) and a 16 inch Ealing "Educator" cassegrain (the "Grindle") had been purchased (1969), and ultimately modified. 1976 saw the addition of the 14 inch newtonian (the "Olson") telescope, while the "Rose" heliostat was added in 1978.
In 1992, after difficulties with the orginal 29 inch mirror, our largest telescope, the 32 inch newtonian ("Austin-Fellows") telescope was completed. We believe this instrument to be one of the 2 largest telescopes in the state of New York. In 1996, thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation, a computerized telescope control system was installed on this, our finest telescope.
Since 1992 the Observatory has purchased two, commericial 8 inch schmidt-cassegrain telescopes as well as significant amounts of electronic support equipment.
The dates and facts outlined above do very little to address the enormous personal effort that the Stull Observatory represents. Every major telescope currently in use at our observatory was either built or substantially rebuilt by John Stull. Furthermore, his personal generosity has made the rest of the facility possible. It was fitting, therefore, that in 1993 the observatory was formally named for Prof. Stull. Professor Stull continues his valuable contributions to our efforts even in retirement.