The Owl Club, also called the Microscope Club, was an avocational group formed in 1879 that met at the PSNH. From left to right they are, Joseph P. Thompson, Dr. Charles D. Smith, Charles B. Fuller, Charles W. Fenn, and Albert I. Burbank. The Owl Club’s mission was to study the practical application of microscopic manipulation, and to compare slides and methods of creating slides.

Charles B. Fuller trained as a wheelwright and carriage painter. He was a self-taught naturalist specializing in marine biology who became PSNH’s Keeper of the Cabinets, or collections manager, in 1859. He served for 35 years until his death in 1893.

Fuller’s nickname was “Casco Bay Fuller” because of his particular expertise in Casco Bay biology. He was also a member of the Brush’uns, a group of professional and amateur artists in Portland.