The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1901-09-28
THE COURIER.
STATE HISTORY.
J. A. BARRETT.


into prominence the nature Of the part
played by this institution in saving ma
terial relating to Nebraska. The soci.
ETY., indeed, was organized long ago by
prominent Nebraskans who saw that
the work should then be begun. But
the young state was in its buoyant ado
lescence, when it could not pay atten-
ton to it's autobiography. From 1878
until 1893 the work Of the society had to
be adjusted to small quarters, little rev.
enue aud small interest on the part OF
the public. Through the efforts OF its
members and patrons the Nebraska
State Historical society was made a
state institution in 1883, and from that
time the important work OF gathering
matter on the history Of Nebraska be-
came one of the duties Of the state.
An annual appropriation OF 500 for
the years 1888 and 1884 initiated state
expenditures for historical work in Ne
braska. 1t might be said that the set
ting apart of the historical block in 1867
Was an expression in dollars and cents
of the states interest in the work. But
it is an old story how the Legislature
later gave the historical block to the
city of Lincoln for market square.
Very slowly the generosity of legisla-
lures increased. The excellent work Of
Professor George E. Howard, during
the time secretary of the historical soci-
ETY. from 1885 to 1891, accomplished
great things for the organization OF the
work and the collection into the library
of the society of rare sets Of colonial ar
chives. Through his efforts we're secured
entire series of publications, such as
the Massachusetts Historical Society
publications which reach from 1892 10
the present.
A new era in the development Of the
society's work began in 1893 when two
very important changes were made. The
board Of officers of the society ap-
pointed a person to till the office OF
assistant secretary and librarian, created
that year, who should give his attention
entirely TO that work. At the same
time, through the generosity OF the
regents of the university and the efforts
of the officers of the society and uniyer-
sity, large quarters were set apart for
the use of the society in the library
building of the university. Thus the
society came into possession OF its fire.
proof rooms. and efforts were redoubled
to gain proper recognition before the
legislature. The nature of the work is
such that the amount done is in direct
proportion to the appropriations avail
able. The public have right to expect,
therefore, that the appropriations of
80. 800, $1,000 and $4,000 in 1897, 1899
and 1901 will produce commensurate re-
suits. The officers feel sure that this is
true.
The ''office force" as distinguished
from the board Of five officers, president,
two vice presidents. secretary and treas
urer, elected by the historical society.
consists Of assistant secretary and
Librarian, Jay Amos Barrett, who has
general charge of the work, and who has
occupied this office since its creation in
1893. Miss Daisy M. Palm has for two
years handled the large newspaper mail
and had charge of the work of classify
ing, arranging. labelling, etc, the files Of
accumulated papers. She has been
made newspaper clerk" by the board.
In the general work aside from the
newspapers it was found necessary to
have the help OF another man. The