The Flanders Pavilion

Pavilion viewed from Sue's Field
March 2006

What is the Flanders Pavilion?

The Flanders Pavilion is a 6,000 square foot post-free building we are using in place of "the tent" for dry and comfortable lectures, talks and demonstrations at the Stellafane Convention. Its 16-foot high ceiling and spacious 60 foot x 100 foot size makes it feel more roomy and spacious then the tent. With eight large doors, the building will has easy access and once inside you will not feel confined or cramped. Our goal, as always, is to improve the convention experience for our attendees, and we believe this new facility has improved the quality of the convention immensely.

Extensive site preparation included re-grading the land, installing drainage pipes throughout and under the building, and adding a large quantity of special grade gravel to insure the site will stay dry and comfortable even in the most severe bad weather.

Ralph, Ernest and Fran Flanders

The building is also providing much needed secure storage for our equipment and convention "stuff" during the remainder of the year. It sits well on the site and is an attractive addition to our property.

The Flanders Pavilion is named for STM founding members U.S. Senator Ralph Flanders (R-VT) and his brother Ernest, and for Ernie's spouse, Fran Flanders, STM member and major donor.

The Flanders Pavilion at the 2006 Stellafane Convention

It's Dry!

[May 2006] The northeast states received record breaking rainfall in May 2006. Throughout and after this torrential rain, the Pavilion remained dry, and the area outside the Pavilion was well drained and remained puddle free. We are confident now that the design of the comprehensive drainage system we installed in this area prior to erecting the Pavilion works very well, and we can all look forward to having a dry and comfortable building to hold conventions events in!

Current Status

[March 2008] The Pavilion is a success! We have used it now at the 2006 and 2007 conventions, and it is working well for us. While we are still making improvements to both the interior and surrounding grounds, the dream of the Pavilion has fulfilled it's promise - providing a large, unobstructed meeting space that is dry, comfortable and can be darkened when needed for presentations.

You may view additional photos of of this new building on our Flanders Pavilion History Page.

How can You Help

The Springfield Telescope Makers took a big risk in taking out a large mortgage to get the Pavilion built. We have additional expenses in order to complete the facility, as outlined above. We are counting on our friends and conventioneers to help us pay for this facility; everyone who attends convention will benefit from it.

Please consider making a donation to help us defray the cost of this building. We have several ways for you to donate, and any donation, big or small, will help us pay down our mortgage (see data at left).

• New Monthly Donation Option: We are now offering a monthly donation option, if you would like to donate a small amount on a monthly basis. More about the Monthly Donation Option.
• Any Amount: Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted, please contribute what you can. Every bit helps, and all of it goes directly to help pay off our mortgage.
• Pavers: For a $25 donation (5 for $100), you can buy a one-foot square floor paver, and your name will be placed on a commemorative plaque mounted inside the Flanders Pavilion showing exactly where you paver is. (Click the word Paver to view our mail-in paver order form).
  Or, purchase Pavers online using your credit card through PayPal: Please be sure to fill in the inscription information when checking out, up to three lines of 10 characters each.
• Larger Gifts: Special recognition is a available for larger gifts:
  • Become a Pillar of the Stellafane community honored with the dedication of a main structural support in your name with the donation of $1000.
  • Become a Founder and be acknowledged on an engraved plaque with the donation of $500.
  • Messier Club members will be acknowledged in a permanent display with the donation of $110.
  • Builders Club members will be acknowledged in a permanent display with the donation of $50.

Thank you for supporting our Pavilion Fund and helping to make convention better for all conventioneers!

The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. are an all-volunteer, tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)3 of Internal Revenue Service regulations. Therefore, your entire tax-deductible gift will go towards construction of the Flanders Pavilion.