1871 The great Chicago fire broke out in October. The Chicago Astronomical Society did not meet for 2 1/2 years. Elias Colbert succeeded to the directorship of the observatory. 1874 The Society reconvened and raised $5,000 for renovations of the dome by selling life memberships. 1875 The dome was completed. The observatory provided time signals (one of the most useful services astronomers provided and contributions to Astronomische Gessellschaft 1876 S. W. Burnham, a talented amateur astronomer and double star observer, became the acting director, without pay.