The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-11-09
POND PUT CEMEN
ON ROUND TOWER
SAYS HE ACTED WITH HIsToRI-
CAL soGIETY,s APPROVAL,
Members Of That Organization, How
ever, Did Not Understand That the
Historic Structure Would Be Defaced
and Feel Deeply Mortified That Their
Approval Was Given Thru Misunder-
standing.

quartermaster of the department Of
Dakota, and now assistant to the quar-
termaster general at Washington ac-
cepts the entire responsibility for the
80 modernizatlon' of the old tower at
Fort. Smelling, whose appearance is
terested in preserving historic land
marks. He appears rather proud Of
his work and says the changes were
made at his recommendation in order to
preserve and utilize the buildings.
His explanation of the plan of the
work is that it was necessary for pre-
serving the masonry mason of the buildings
grated by the elements. In order to Sc
cure government funds for the work it
was necessary to put the buildings to
practical use, so it was decided to use
the round tower as an office, and the
hexagonal tower as a storeroom.
n al correspondent, Colonel Pond said
he could not understand why objection
is being made to his restoration work,
as his plans had the approval Of mem
bers of the Minnesota Historical So
ciety. Colonel Pond states that he had
frequent interviews with them on the
subject and they were invited to make
plans met with their approval. Colonel
Pond added Hbut am WILLING to take
the responsibility for everything that
has been done, and you can put it all
on me.' .'... - r.s. a.
Society Members Mortified.
Warren Upham, secretary of the Min
nesota Historical society, corroborates
Colonel Ponds statement of the ex-
animation of the plans, and their APP
proval by a committee of the society.
Mr.. Upham says: ' III .@~rt
cit is evident, however, that we did
not thOroly understand the matter, for
my own expectation was that the exter-
nal appearance Of the towers was to be
preserved, and that cement was only to
be, used in patching and pointing up the
old masonry. l had no thought of the
has been, and it does not seem to me as
| if that were necessary for it's preserva-
ton. Our thought was conferred on the
preservation of the buildings, but we
certainly expected that this would be
done with the least alteration possible
! In order to make them disable the in
teriors had to be altered; that we un-
The understanding Of other members
! of the society was the same as that of
| Mr.. Upham, and the outcome Of their
efforts is matter of modification to
them. The subject will be brought up
at the next meeting of the society, Nov
ations can be made they may take &C.
tion on it. 49,, t"
I Won't Remove the Cement. -
Colonel Pond was asked whether any
attempt would be made to remove the
thick coat of cement which now disfg,
ures the, buildings He replied g Most
certainly: not" aThe reason given fol
/ the removal Of the ivy, which was done
before Colonel Pond undertook his
work, was that it was: assisting the frost
to, break up the .sdft limestone. The
as its roqts were SPREADING under the
building and forcing the stones out Of
I place. Colonel Pond suggests that the
'fivy can be replanted and trained ovel
the reconstructed building, as the ,ce
ment easing is proof against dangers
from such sources He admits that the
tower would undoubtedly look more
picturesque with ivy climbing over il
than it does now. -
/ Colonel Pond contends that the ole
tower, as restored, is a more ancient
type Of building than the original de
sign. It is now he says, perfect re
production of the old Spanish fortress
and castle. AS to the hardwood foor
and plate glass .windofs, they go will
the utilitarian objects Of the "restora
fion - ~ - d.