Doug DeHaven The 1913 Victor Portable Stereopticon, also known as a Magic Lantern, is more than a piece of vintage technology—it’s a window into history, education, and innovation. This remarkable device, ahead of its time, projected vivid images from glass slides, captivating audiences and delivering knowledge in an era before televisions or digital screens.
My Victor Stereopticon has a unique story tied to Pittsburgh’s Buhl Planetarium. Among the glass slides in my collection are originals once used by the planetarium’s former director, Arthur L. Draper. These slides served a critical purpose during wartime, as Draper used the stereopticon to train military personnel on orbital insertion. It’s fascinating to think that this seemingly modest device played a role in advancing the knowledge that helped shape space exploration strategy.
The stereopticon itself is a marvel of design. Built for portability, it features a compact but sturdy housing with precision-crafted lenses and a lamp mechanism to illuminate the images on the slides. The intricate details and craftsmanship reflect the foresight of its creators, who sought to make science and storytelling accessible to all. Even over a century later, it remains a functional and visually striking device.
Using the stereopticon today with those original glass slides is like stepping back in time. Each slide, with its crisp detail and vibrant colors, tells a story not just of the stars and planets it depicts but of an era when education relied on ingenuity and hands-on demonstration. Seeing those celestial images projected in the dim glow of the stereopticon evokes the awe and curiosity felt by audiences long ago.
This 1913 Victor Portable Stereopticon isn’t just a relic—it’s a testament to the power of technology to educate and inspire. From early 20th-century classrooms to wartime training sessions on orbital mechanics, this device has illuminated minds and sparked imaginations. Preserving and sharing its story ensures that its light continues to shine.
Correction to the following video, the Rocket is not a Satern V, it is instead a Vanguard rocket, the one on the right was the less seldom known Juno II rocket!
After some Google image seaching of the library archive, I found these are all slides taken from The Collected Writings of Fred L. Whipple! how facinating.
When I get a chnce to scan in these massive glass slides, I will update this post!
