Imagine that your university really needs an Observatory. How can you get a wealthy individual to donate the funds to build one? Why not convince him that it would be a fitting tribute and the perfect location to spend his eternal slumber? Does that sound too hard to believe? Well, it happened!
The University of California wanted to build an Observatory atop Mount Hamilton near San Jose, California. A daring development officer approached James Lick, a land speculator who made millions during the Gold Rush, with the opportunity to fund the Observatory.
James Lick wasn't sold on the deal until he was offered the opportunity to be buried underneath the telescope. Amazingly, he finally accepted the offer and remains buried under the telescope to this day.
