Main topic is Edwin Hubble and his work on variable nebulae, and the magnitudes of the Cepheids as an inspiration for other astronomers (Nicholas Mayall, Shane, Harlow Shapley). Extragalactic nature of spiral nebulae (Hubble) and red shifts discoveries; Shane's interest in galactic distribution, superclusters/clouds and spectral classifications. Briefly mentioned are Shane's directorships of Lick Observatory and Mt. Hamilton and relationships with the University of California, Berkeley Astronomy department. Also prominently mentioned are: Ira Sprague Bowen, Edwin Powell Hubble, Gerald Edward Kron, Armin O. Leuschner, Nicholas Ulrich Mayall, Charles Edward Kenneth Mees, Jerry Mulders, Allan Sandage, Harlow Shapley, Robert Smith, William Hammond Wright; and National Science Foundation (U.S.).