Mount Wilson (California) a new Mt. Wilson Hotel. In 1908 a 60-inch (1524 mm) telescope was completed at the summit, and in 1910 the Solar Tower was erected. In 1913 the hotel burned down and was replaced by a second hotel that lasted until its demolition in 1966. The Toll Road opened to automobiles in 1912 and lasted until 1936. In 1917, the 100-inch Hooker Telescope was completed and saw first light and would be the world's largest telescope until the opening of the 200-inch Hale Telescope at Palomar Observatory in 1948. In 1919, American astronomer Edwin Hubble arrived at Mt. Wilson and,
Telescope Hill the tower and enjoy the view. The first fire observer was Al Lucas, who served for two years, followed by Frank Forsyth, who served until 1948. Starting in 1922, the Suffolk County fire observers were supervised by State District Fire Ranger Clarence Dare of Selden. During World War II, a new cab was built below the original cab to be used for fire watching, and the original was used by Civil Defense observers. Nazi "U-Boats" were spotted three times from Telescope Hill, one of which was captured after being spotted. As suburban growth spread through the area and fire tower