SHERIDAN COLLEGE

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY
NEWS
Apatosaurus by artist
Daniel Eskridge

GEOLOGY, PALEONTOLOGY & ASTRONOMY April / May 2023

IN THIS ISSUE:
History of the Mohns Center . . . . . . . . . . 1 Dave’s Big Haul . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Early Diggers in the Buffalo Quarry. . . . . 4 Astronomy Project . . . . . . . . . . 7
Museum Opening Reception . . . . . . . . . . 6 In Other News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

HISTORY of THE MOHNS SCIENCE CENTER

at SHERIDAN COLLEGE
by Sue Simonich

Since 1949, Sheridan College has always been a place for dreamers, doers, and geniuses who make
our community a prized place to live and a mecca of learning.

In the 1960’s when outer space was described as the final frontier, Sheridan College’s science
department was led by Dr. Kenneth (Ken) Ohm, a brilliant scientist and dedicated disciple of space. He
was selected as Chairman of the Department of Physical Science at Sheridan College in the fall of
1966. Soon he was honored with a full professorship and appointments as Dean of Faculty and
Director of Sheridan College’s observatory. His connections to NASA won him opportunities to attend
Apollo space launches and to meet many of the early U.S. astronauts. He participated in NASA’s
Aerospace Education Services Project and applied to fly with NASA as a citizen observer on the space
shuttle in 1983. On more than one occasion he was lauded as Educator of the Year, recognized
nationally by the U.S. Congress and the State of Wyoming.

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 Ohm’s energetic style was embraced by the Sheridan community as he continually sought creative
ways to engage with students and ignite their enthusiasm for science. His educational outreach to the
community encompassed young and old, student and non-student. The sheer volume of Ohm’s
innovative programs was impressive and enthusiastically embraced by citizens of Sheridan as he led the
way for Sheridan College to step into the expanding field of astronomy. His indomitable drive and
energy fired the imaginations and curiosity of the community, but also attracted funding from like-
minded, mid-century philanthropists who believed in his vision.

As a dreamer and doer, Dr. Ohm spent ten years imagining, planning and campaigning for
development of an advanced astronomy program for Northern Wyoming. Sheridan’s location,
considered one of the best areas for “dark skies,” was perfect for research into deep space.

Sharing his ideas with various local business members and

citizens, his dream soon became a reality. Dynamic community
support was instrumental in the realization of his vision. In
collaboration with industrialist Leslie F. Mohns and
businessman George Ghikas, Dr. Ohm was able to accelerate his
projects. His connections to the community garnered private
donations earmarked for what would become the MOHNS
CENTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

One afternoon Les Mohns stepped into Ohm’s classroom and

handed him a check for $20,000 to seed the dream - ultimately
launching the science center into reality. Ohm’s Sheridan
network combined with other national organizations earned his
projects many admirers and generous donors. Les Mohns was
the iron horse behind development of the science center. Six
months later he donated another $20,000, and continued his
financial support until the facility was complete.

Ohm’s idea was to build an observatory away from city lights on the outskirts of Sheridan. An early
advocate for solar technology, he planned a program to expand development of alternative energies.
The science center’s research data was anticipated to contribute to future ‘state of the art’ solar
collection devices while broadening S. C. technology curriculums. Unfortunately, the solar research
program was sidelined. However, Ohm struck out on his own founding the Sun Company, and developed
some of the earliest technology in the western U.S.

The site for the science center was acquired through the Whitney Benefits Foundation.
Groundbreaking commenced in November of 1977 when Ohm, Mohns, Ghikas and Gordon Ward,
president of the college, were on hand with shovels to inaugurate development of the future science
center.

In 1978, another $10,000 for the project was granted by Illinois Tool Works of Chicago where Mohns
was a board member. Their donations were typically pledged to colleges and universities from which
future graduates could be recruited into the fields of scientific innovation and discovery. Mohns’
continued support was impressive. In September of 1978 he donated an estimated $82,000.00 worth of
stock to build the observatory and energy-sciences complex. He later added an additional gift of five
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thousand shares of Illinois Tool Works stock, with an estimated value of $124,400.00.
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 In the spring of 1979 Petro Construction Co. Inc. commenced construction of the facility. The
architect was Gordon Oliver of Sheridan. The college’s student body paid close attention to construction
of the building, noting the archway window of the lobby was reminiscent of restaurant architecture of
the era. Tongue in cheek, the students pranked the building with a sign joking about the coming of a
Taco Bell to campus.

STRONG COMMUNITY SUPPORT

As Dean of Community Services, and professor of astronomy, Dr. Ohm led a group of middle school
students interested in space exploration, who were committed to helping build the observatory. The
Stargazers and Planet Watchers Society of Big Horn School began raising funds for their coveted
observatory dome. A matching gift was presented by George Ghikas.
One afternoon, Ghikas invited Ohm to visit his shop on North Main Street, telling him only that he
had something he wanted to show him. Stepping into the shop’s storeroom, Ohm was delighted to find
a new 12.5” Cave Astrola telescope that Ghikas had purchased to complete the observatory equipment.

THE STAR MAN’S HOME - THE OHM DOME

Because of Mohns’ and Ghikas’ generosity and support of the

Sheridan community, the observatory dome was completed on
November 17, 1979. A crew of four engineers from the Ash Dome
Company put the finishing touches on the professional, motorized
observatory.

In July of 1980 when the telescope was installed, Dr. Ohm

stated, “It worked beautifully beyond my hope, and is proving
itself in a most spectacular way.” Tom Cox, a University of Wyoming mechanical engineering major, plus
Owen Williams and Larry Macha helped Ohm install the telescope so they could view the coming eclipse
of Jupiter by the moon. At the time, Sheridan College’s Astrola telescope was one of the largest in the
Intermountain West.

Upon completion, the observatory facility included a darkroom equipped with photographic
equipment including an astrophotography camera, with infra-red and solar monitoring devices. Exact
time signals from the shortwave radio station WWV, in Fort Collins were intercepted in the science
center’s radio room then sent upstairs to the observatory to align the telescope.

The Foucault Pendulum was approved by the college, and installed on October 1st 1980 by Steve
Craig, the foremost authority in Foucault pendulums in America. Craig was curator of the Museum of
the Golden Gate Academy of Science in San Francisco. At the time, the pendulum was the only one in
Wyoming and was 38th in the world. Sometime later, Academy Pendulums installed another device in
Rock Springs.

The grand opening of the complex occurred October 11, 1980, with an estimated 300 visitors touring
the new facility. Ohm’s extremely popular ‘Star Nights’ began in October of 1981, attracting huge
crowds. Before Dr. Ohm left Sheridan, many more space events took place with thousands of attendees.
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Leslie Frederick Mohns died on June 6, 1979, before the building was completed. He was owner of
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Damascus Steel Co. in Rockford, Illinois. He owned a ranch in Dayton, Wyoming. During the Korean War

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY  MOHN CENTER  SHERIDAN COLLEGE

he developed a method of manufacturing shell casings without seams - a major breakthrough in the
manufacture of ammunition. All total, Les Mohns was responsible for donating roughly $300,000.00 to
build the Mohns Science Center. Always striving to enrich the community he loved - the building was
dedicated in his memory.

As for Ken, responding to his mother’s health issues, he and his

family left Sheridan in June 1992. Now retired, he currently resides
in the Midwest with his wife Ruth where he has taken up the pen and
written several books. Always engaged in pursuit of science, he
continues to reach for the stars.

Many thanks to Dr. Ohm for sharing this history and for being a
tremendous asset to Sheridan College. In future editions, other stories
about Dr. Ohm’s contributions will be featured.

Historical photos provided by the Wyoming Room, Sheridan Fulmer Library, Sheridan, WY. See page 10.

FOREWORD to FEATURE ARTICLE

As you may know, the Museum of Discovery (MoD) has been

privileged to excavate fossils from the Morrison Formation south
of Buffalo, Wyoming. The formation weaves hundreds of miles
through Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, ranging as far south
as New Mexico. The Morrison formation was formed 150 million
years ago when the Jurassic’s Western Interior Seaway trapped
many prehistoric species in relic flood plains. Over eons their
remains were compressed into sedimentary layers of rock.

In the nineteenth century Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh engaged in the “Bone
Wars” which would, in the future, bring the science of paleontology to Wyoming. In 1932 Edward
Branson and Maurice Mehl reported a fossil trackway in Wyoming's Ten Sleep sandstone. Digs
throughout Wyoming have been ongoing ever since. This summer the Museum of Discovery will be
leading expeditions for local paleo enthusiasts to the Buffalo dig site. The following early history has
been distilled by Bill Matteson from an earlier paper written by paleontologist Bruce Erickson.

EARLY DIGGERS at THE BUFFALO QUARRY

by Bill Matteson, MoD, Collections Manager

In 1970, Lyle Bradley, a biologist from Minnesota, brought his high school students to Wyoming on a
fossil hunting trip. He knew the area south of Buffalo held rich exposures of trapped fossils in the
Morrison Formation. He received permission to excavate on a ranch near Poison Creek. For a time, he
returned every year and stayed for a week with his students to collect more specimens. In 1976 they
were joined by scientists Bruce Erickson and Tom O’Brien from the Science Museum of Minnesota
(SMM). They determined the quarry was worthy of extensive study and excavation. Consequently,
during the summer seasons between 1977 and 1990, well equipped crews arrived annually to remove
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tons of sauropod fossils that were later prepared and displayed at the Science Museum in St. Paul.
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 In one year, between June and September of 1977, a crew of eight removed thirty-nine field jackets
containing fossilized bones of Diplodocus and Camptosaurus - a plant-eating, beaked ornithischian
similar to Iguanodon. These jackets required 2500 pounds of plaster, which was supplied by a local
hardware store in Buffalo. The local Cenex station provided burlap feed sacks for the bandages.
Burlington Northern Railroad provided a semi-trailer for transporting the jackets back to Minnesota.

From the late 1970’s to the early

1980’s local rancher John Arno assisted
the crews. As soon as Arnos’ sheep were
moved to summer pasture in the
Bighorns he pitched in to help the
paleontologists. Using his ranch’s tractor
to remove larger field jackets from the
quarry, he loaded them for transport.
The ranch’s sheep shed was used to store
supplies and equipment from one year to
the next.

Every year a side of beef was put into

a cold storage in nearby Buffalo to feed
the crew who camped out in tents on
state land during field season. Breakfasts often included trout caught in nearby mountain streams.
Poison Creek provided water for mixing plaster, as well as providing a refreshing shower below a low
waterfall for dust weary workers.

A number of significant discoveries were made during those expeditions, including the nearly
complete skull and mandible of a sub-adult Diplodocid, and an osteoderm (meaning “skin bone”) from
an extinct crocodilian, Goniopholis. Today, osteoderms still serve as armorial protection for modern
crocodiles.

In the 1980’s excavations continued for the Diplodocus and Camptosaurus bones, but another little-
known and relatively small sauropod, Haplocanthosaurus created new excitement, becoming the second
most important discovery next to the juvenile Diplodocus skull. This specimen, along with remains of
other dinosaurs were excavated through the 1980’s. These finds spurred additional participation of
students and volunteers from Wisconsin and North Dakota. Field work continued on the quarry until
1990. At that point, Bruce Erickson suggested that Sheridan College take over the digging permit as the
Minnesota team had fulfilled their need and would not be returning. Visiting geology instructor Michael
Flynn wholeheartedly accepted the opportunity and remained full time at Sheridan College.

Field seasons for the Saint Paul team totaled 840 field days with 48 field crew members participating.
Their jobs included everything from excavation, to assisting with cooking and cleaning. On a few
occasions the crew was called upon to assist the U. S. Forest Service fighting local forest fires in the
mountains west of the quarry. Ultimately, an average of about 50,000 pounds of material were shipped
each season to SMM.
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Both the Diplodocus and Camptosaurus were eventually mounted at SMM. The first went on display
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in 1991. The second was unveiled in June of 1999 when the museum moved to its new location. Bruce

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY  MOHN CENTER  SHERIDAN COLLEGE

Erickson published a paper in 2014: History Of The Poison Creek Expeditions 1976 – 1990 With
Description Of Haplocanthosaurus Post Cranials And A Subadult Diplodocid Skull. In it he discussed
research findings, including a description of the lithology of the quarry, which during the late Jurassic
would have been similar to the Mississippi River delta. The quarry sits within the Brushy Basin member
of the Morrison formation. It consists of floodplain deposits of variegated mudstones, clay stones and
sandstone. The distribution of the fossil bones suggest that parts of dinosaur carcasses were carried into
river channels from the floodplains where they lived, died and eventually fossilized. Erickson’s paper was
published by The Science Museum of Minnesota and is readily available online. 1

In future issues of the MoD newsletter we will delve into the history of Sheridan College’s involvement in
the quarry, its key players, discoveries, and potential future.
_____________________________________

THE PENDULUM to SWING AGAIN

Dave Nicolarsen has been in touch with the Academy Pendulum company in San Francisco. When the
weather warms up the Academy technician will travel to Sheridan and make needed repairs to our
wonderful instrument. After inspecting the condition of the cable retaining the orb, it was determined
that professional maintenance is needed. Additionally, new information about the pendulum has been
acquired from Dr. Ken Ohm, which will be featured in a new display near the pendulum. Stay tuned!
_____________________________________

MUSEUM at the BIG HORNS RECEPTION

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY’S PALEO EXHIBIT – A GRAND OPENING

On the Evening of February 23rd, the grand opening of the Museum of Discovery's (MoD) new exhibit
at the Museum at the Big Horns (MABH) took place. A lovely reception was attended by about fifty
people who helped kick off our new paleo exhibit at MABH. The exhibit will be on loan for about a year
and features epochs of the earth's development beginning with the Jurassic period, sliding into the
Eocene. Speakers were Bill Matteson (above), Scott Newbold and Mike Bloodsworth. The exhibit
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opened to the public on March 1. We send sincere appreciation to Dani Stuckle, Director and Jessica
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Saltzman, curator, both of MABH, plus the community for their generous support.

1
https://docslib.org/doc/6095777/history-of-the-poison-creek-expeditions-1976-1990

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY  MOHN CENTER  SHERIDAN COLLEGE

DAVE’S BIG HAUL

Recently, geologist and museum director, Dave Nicolarsen returned from a month long junket to Mexico
seeking a little R & R and exploration of the Magdalena quarries where beautiful opals are dug. Since his
return, he has been sharing stories about his trip and specimens he collected with the Gem and Mineral
Club. On April 1st, a number of members descended on the lab at the Mohn Center to release the stones
from their rocky envelopes. Some spectacular specimens have been revealed.

Various opals Karen in the rhyolite pit looking for opals, in Magdalena, Mexico.

ASTRONOMY PROJECT
Pat Simonich has been busy inventorying the astronomy
equipment stored in the geology lab of the science building. So
far, he has come up with seven telescopes of several sizes and
various conditions. Pat is currently trying to recondition an 8”
Meade telescope, which has an electronics problem. There is
also a 10” Meade scope that needs calibration. All need to be
tested outside and pointed toward the heavens to check
collimation.
At one time, Sheridan College’s astronomy equipment was
state of the art. However, most were purchased 30+ years ago.
Time and technology marches on! The Meades are beautiful
instruments but many in the field consider them to be obsolete.
However, new kits for the electronics will bring them up-to-date
and make them serviceable again.
We are still trying to run down missing parts of the 12.5”
Astrola. The parts we are looking for are shown in the photo
above. They are: The stand, equatorial mount, drive motor, and counterweights. The tube itself is
currently standing sentinel (on end ) in the lobby of the Mohns Center. If anyone has a clue as to
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where the missing parts have been stored, we would be grateful to hear from you!
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IN OTHER NEWS

SPRING/SUMMER QUARRY SCHEDULE IN BUFFALO

Diggers unite! During this coming summer season Dave and Bill will lead
digs in the Buffalo Quarry. The schedule is as follows:
1. May 20-21
2. June 17-18
3. July 6-9
An alternate rain day is scheduled for July 15-16 if necessary. Camping is
allowed on BLM land, but there are no restroom facilities or water available
on site. Bring your own supplies, i.e. food, water, sunscreen, tents, etc.

GEM AND MINERAL CLUB

The Gem and Mineral Club is growing with
many new people joining the fun. Participants
are learning and sharing new skills and ideas in
the areas of lapidary arts and jewelry making.
There should be some stunning creations coming out of the
club in the future. If anyone is interested in becoming a part
of this group you can tell us what interests you by scanning
the QR code and filling out the survey. Click here or scan
the QR code. Kate, Karen, and Becki are pictured (right)
creating cabochons on some of our new equipment.

THE SECOND CLUB MEETING

On the evening of April 12th the second meeting of the Gem and Mineral Club took place. Some twenty-
five to thirty people attended. During the meeting club rules and fees were established. It was
determined that new members must attend a mandatory orientation before they will be allowed to
operate and use the equipment. In the future there will also be a jewelry orientation – details for which
will be decided at the next meeting. Orientations can be scheduled by contacting Mike or Dave at
bloodsworth@sbcglobal.net, nicokada@fiberpipe.net.

CLUB DUES and FEE SCHEDULE

An annual fee for membership will be assessed. $35.00 per individual or $50.00 per family. Shop usage
fees will be $5 per day and can be deposited in the Honor Donation Box.

FIELD TRIP
The Club will be travelling to Kemmerer to quarry fossil fish materials on July 28th -30th. Quarry fees are
$65.00 for a half day and $100.00 for a full day – plus tax. A block of rooms will be available at one of
the area hotels for members. Details to follow. Camping on the site will be available at no cost. There
is a porta potty available on site.

NEXT CLUB MEETING will be May 10th

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Monthly meetings will occur on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Geology
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classroom in the Sheridan College Science Building.

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WORK STUDY at the MUSEUM
We recently welcomed Kate Alsup on board as our work study student. She has been doing a great
job helping with data entry to update our fossil database. She is also studying fossil prep.

DOCENTS NEEDED
This year, both the Museum of Discovery and the Museum at the Big Horns will need volunteer
docents to lead tours and give talks to school students and the community at large. With the coming
summer season there will be many opportunities to ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike.
If you are interested in participating please send Dave an email.
Additionally, Linley Mayer, Director at the Fort Phil Kearney Museum in Banner is seeking individuals
willing to lead tours for school children. If you can help, send her an email: linley.mayer@wyo.gov.

FUTURE WEB SITE

In the coming months, the museum will be launching a web site to keep the community up to date
with the events at the museum. Also we will be employing an email client to send out notifications to
those interested in newsletters and activities. Watch for an email with the subject line ‘Museum of
Discovery’ in your in-boxes and add to your non-spam folder.

VOLUNTEER CORNER
The Museum’s Saturday call for volunteers to assist
with various projects has been a great success. Many
thanks to those who have given their precious hours of
time to conservation and other tasks at the museum.
On April 1st Rosemary and Eloise (below) teamed up to
reconstruct a dinosaur femur for a future display. Dave
looking on.

MANY THANKS
Appreciation is in order for the expert assistance from: Debra Raver of the Wyoming Room and Sheridan Library
staff member Andy who pulled together many historical articles about the Mohns Center. Thanks also to Carrie
Edinger of Sheridan County Land Trust for all her good ideas. Thank you all for your support!

Finally, the mighty Apatosaurus featured on the newsletter banner was gifted to us by Daniel Eskridge
who displays his digital art on Fine Arts America. His work is absolutely amazing. I encourage everyone
to visit his web site and/or support his beautiful work.
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HISTORICAL PHOTOS - DEVELOPMENT OF THE MOHNS SCIENCE CENTER

Upper left: Mohns Center 1979 Upper right: Dr. Ohm with Questar telescopes and students
Lower Left: Completion of the dome, Lower right: Dr. Ohm in the observatory.

Historical photographs and articles were published in the Sheridan Press, Some photos
courtesy of the Wyoming Room Special Collections at the Sheridan Fulmer Public Library.
Clippings from Dr. Ohm’s personal collection.
_____________________________________
NOTE: If as a volunteer you wish to get into the building at any time during the week and it
is locked - call Dave. He is usually around campus or close by. Call 307 751-7723.

_____________________________________
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The Museum of Discovery quarterly newsletter is written and/or edited by Sue Simonich.
If you have relevant information for the newsletter, contact Dave Nicolarsen
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nicokada@fiberpipe.net.

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY  MOHN CENTER  SHERIDAN COLLEGE