I have an 8 inch dobsonian. respectable, but not a 15 incher, which you need a ladder to use. I've known some guys who were lens grinders. Wouldn't be surprised but he was there, too...
Yep, bet he was. His are in special buildings on his property, pretty big, but not like a little observatory. I take that back, they are like that, just not made for public viewing.