Monday, February 29, 2016

Inside the Portland Observatory

Here are shots from inside the Portland Observatory in Portland, Maine; I posted a photo of the tower itself a few days ago. The tower is 86 feet tall, and made of wood.
Originally built in 1807, the most recent restoration was completed in 2000, and the replacement wood can be distinguished by its lighter color.
The tower is not anchored to the ground; instead it's held in place by rock ballast beneath the main level. You can see the rocks through this opening and mirror in the lower level. Believe it or not, this has held the tower secure through numerous hurricanes!
at

11 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 29, 2016 at 8:24 AM

    What lovely glimpses inside.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sylvia KFebruary 29, 2016 at 10:10 AM

    Amazing place and it has been around for a long time, hasn't it!!! Great captures, Al, as always!! Hope your have a great new week!! Enjoy!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Linda W.February 29, 2016 at 1:17 PM

    Always like to see photos from the "other" Portland.

    ReplyDelete
  4. eileeninmdFebruary 29, 2016 at 2:00 PM

    Great series, nice that the tower was restored. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

    ReplyDelete
  5. carol l mckennaFebruary 29, 2016 at 2:24 PM

    Very creative shots inside the Portland Observatory in Maine ~ thanks,

    Happy Week to you ~ ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sallie (FullTime-Life)February 29, 2016 at 2:27 PM

    That's amazing that it isn't anchored ... And that it holds anyway through hurricanes! Portland Oregon is a wonderful not-to-be-missed City, it sounds like this other Portland is a great place too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Photo CacheFebruary 29, 2016 at 2:59 PM

    Interesting. That part of the country is fascinating to me.

    ReplyDelete
  8. sonia a. mascaroFebruary 29, 2016 at 3:11 PM

    Great photos from inside the Portland Observatory, Al!
    Have a nice week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
  9. AndreaFebruary 29, 2016 at 9:07 PM

    Amazing structures!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Pat TillettFebruary 29, 2016 at 9:36 PM

    It is really great that they are going to a lot of trouble to maintain this great old building. The fact that it has ballast instead of a foundation is very interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  11. alfonsoMarch 1, 2016 at 11:26 AM


    Great tower.
    It was a good idea that anchorage with rocks.

    hugs

     · LMA · & · CR ·

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment - I love reading them and look forward to viewing your blog. If you only allow Google+ comments I won't be able to leave a comment in return.