The 12-inch lens was originally ground and polished between 1887 and 1889 by Alvan Clark & Sons for an amateur astronomer, who died before the telescope could be assembled.

Its present dome was dedicated in 1953 and it is named after the father of a supporter of the observatory, Mr. George Jewett of Spokane.

Additionally, the telescope is open for use to any students who have been instructed in its use, as well as to the public on monthly star party nights.

In Popular Culture The observatory figures in the 2013 American romantic comedy film, At Middleton.

This article about a specific observatory, telescope or astronomical instrument in the United States is a stub.