New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-03-26

leges the great obligation due all who for long
period active, energetic and untirng IN their
efforts to obtain the large amount Of money neces-
sary for the erection of the armory, and IN care
fully and ntelligently supervising its construction.
During long period in the cary part OF the his
tory Of this regiment there was no regmental ar
mory in the city, and its several companies rented
such for their drills and meetings
most available for military purposes. The members
not only purchased their uniforms and equipments,
but were assessed for all expenses incident to a
military organization such as rent, fuel, attend
ance and regmental music The considerable
pense attending military service during the first
half of the century secured for membership citizens
OF and business position. and served 10 in
their activity and interest in military affairs.
thereby establishing the organization upon a firm
foundation, and introducing the sound business and
military principles which it has been the aim and
effort of their successors preserve and perpetuae.
1T not until 1860 that tie 7th Regiment Sc
cured at the expense of the city. regnental ar
mory. and that its companies gathered from
various parts of the city under roof at Temp
kns Market NOW the armory of the 6Sth Battalion.
Compared with anything previously known in the
city. its quarters Tompkins Market were large.
commodous and attractive. During the twenty
years within its walls the regiment continued to
increase in strength and prosperity. and its fame
was augmented by patriotic action during the great
Civil War. and many occasions when the peace
and order OF this country threatened.
"As early as 1867 Colonel Emmons Clark, then
commanding this regiment recognized the i'm
portance and necessity Of new armory in a more
desirable location and afording more extensive and
improved accommodations. and in March. 1865.
committee was appointed by the Board Of Officers
TO obtain a site for the same Reservoir Square
(now Bryant ParlO was selected the most de-
srable location, and for several years an earnest
effort made the legislation necessary
to authorize its use for that purpose hut without
success In 1874, under an act Of the Legislature.
the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund leased to
the officers of the It'll Regiment the block OF ground
now occupied by its armory, and In 1919 the Mayor
and Common Council authorized appropriation
OF $4,000 for the erection Of an armory thereon.
but the Board of Estimate and appointment
failed TO make the appropriation In January 1876.
dcspairing OF aid from the city the regiment boldly
determined to the armory from it's own funds
aided by subscriptions from tho citizens Of New
York. An appeal to the public and to active and
veteran members Of the regiment for subscriptions
met a generous response. and, although the year
was one OF great financial depression nearly 10000
was subscribed IN few months
"A Building Committee was organized of which
Jackson S. Schultz was chairman and Major
George Moore Smith secretary. and the work was
commenced in the spring Of 1871. on the 18th day OF
October the cornerstone was .aiI win distin-
guished ceremonies, Hoa william NJ. Evarts being
the orator Of the occasion. During the year 1913
the armOry fund increased to over S2lD09o. dus
largely TO the activity ana energy OF EGNdtt Kemp
Esq, a veteran of the Sixth Company, in securing
subscriptions In 1879 authority was obtained from
the Legislature FOR the field officers Of the rcgi-
ment TO issue bonds to the amount OF $4,000 for
the completion Of the armory. the payment Of which
was guaranteed by allowance from the city of
$4,000 year for fifteen years in lieu OF rental for
an armory. Meantime work proceeded rapidly upon
the building and II was far completed that in
December. 1879. great fair for the benefit Of the
fund held wIthil its walls. which was officially
opened by the President of the United States AMI
proved 70 be the most popular and attractive social
event OF the period realizing over $4,000 net to the
fund. From the aUJverdneI event ava Oihrr sources
was obtained the whole amount (sso5 900 extended
colonel Appleton then pays warm tribute to
Colonel Clark and closes the order by saving:
Upon the trustees of the new Arrnory Fund
has devolved the important duty of receiving and
distursing the moneys expended In erecting and
furnishing the building. and paying the princir1i
and interest OF the bonded Indebtedness incur~ed L
1873. The original trustees were Colone! Washlnp,on
X. VcrmLye. Royal Phelps and Robert Lenox Ron
nedy. Colonel Vcrmilye was succeeded BY W W As
tor ana soon after the completion OF the armory den
eral Fitzgerald, Colonel Emmons ClarK and Edward
Kemp became the trustees OF the fund and havc /
performed the duties OF their office until tho last
OF the bonds were paid ard cancelled ia January
lsyi The commanding officer takes this o,,portunif,
70 express TO them the thanks OF this regiment for
their long and faithful services trustees of ~
7th Regiment New Armory Fund" Wv
Ihis result is TO be celebrated at the arnory ncy,