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Polaris Telescope shop

Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2020 3:35 am
by Alpena67
Thought I would share a short story about my first experience with Unitron refractors. I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and my Grandparents lived in Dearborn, Mi. My parents bought me my first telescope in 1976 from K-Mart; it was a Focal brand 50mm/600mm focal length altazimuth refractor. This is what got me interested in Astronomy and observing. Around 1978 I discovered the Polaris Telescope shop on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, Mi. My grandfather took me down to the store to see what was there. The proprietor was an older gentleman named Walt and his main line was Unitron refractors of which he had several there from 60 - 102mm. I was 11yrs old and just in awe of these telescopes. They were regal looking and beautiful to the last detail. Although I didn’t have the money to buy one of these beautiful instruments Walt still took the time to encourage me about Astronomy and said my grandfather and I could come up one evening and look through one of the Unitrons if we liked. I wish we had taken him up on that. I got some brochures and stopped in occasionally but never had the opportunity to get one. As I recall the store was open into the mid 1980’s before it closed. The shop was old and dusty with telescopes set up and parts everywhere you looked but just awesome for anyone into Astronomy. Thanks to my Grandpa and Walt for memories I still cherish to this day. I plan to get a Unitron scope at some point and would like to pick up a 3 or 4” Equatorial when the right one comes along. Thanks for letting me share.

Re: Polaris Telescope shop

Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2020 3:54 am
by bladekeeper
That's a great story, Rich! Thanks much for sharing it! :)

Re: Polaris Telescope shop

Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2020 4:42 am
by Lady Fraktor
They are beautiful telescopes and unfortunately getting harder to find today.
I would love to have one myself.

Re: Polaris Telescope shop

Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2020 2:37 pm
by Unitron48
Great story...great memories! Check out my website, Unitron History Project, at: https://www.unitronhistory.com/. Lots of information and some feature stories!

Dave

Re: Polaris Telescope shop

Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2020 1:04 am
by Alpena67
Wow; your site is excellent Dave, very cool. I never knew they had a 9” scope. I think it’s great to share all this information so that it is never lost.

Re: Polaris Telescope shop

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2021 4:13 am
by Easyironman
I grew up in Dearborn, Michigan and Polaris telescope shop was nearby. I too visited with my dad and met Walter Grabow in that dusty shop with beautiful Unitron telescopes in lightly stained birchwood cases.
In 1976 at age 16 I purchase a 3" equatorial from him with my monies saved up from a Detroit Free Press paper route. It costs me about $814 which I still remember to this day. I still have this scope in pristine condition.
Thank you for your post.

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