The Washington herald., 1907-03-01

Memorial Association Starts
Move to Buy Place.
THE OFFICERS ARE SELECTED
Residence of Author of "Star-Span-
EIed banner" VIII be Converted
Into Place of National Interest if
Present Plans Are Carried Out-Ad-
miraI Dewey Among officials.

/ Inltldi steps 1OT the preservation OF the
old Francis Scott Key mansion. In
/ Georgetown, where the author of The
Star-Spangled Banner lived at one time.
were taken at a meeting last evening, at
/ the University Club, when officers and
trustees of the Francis Scott Key Me-
mortal Association were elected and plans
outlined for purchasing the property.
Papers for the incorporation Of the asso-
citation were filed January Il. by +. s.
Key Smith, a great-grandson Of the
author of the national anthem
Henry B. F. Macfarland, District Com
missioner. presided, and was elected pres
ident of the association. Admiral George
Dewey was selected as first vice president
and Admiral Schley was made second vice
president. William D. Hoover was
chosen treasurer, and F. S. Key Smith
was selected secretary. \ board Of
trustees was elected. as follows
Commissioner Mcfarland. Justice Bar
nard, William D. Hoover, Stuart Me
Namara, and Mr.. Smith. Others who at
tended the meeting were Justice Thomas
A. Anderson, William Henry Dennis, G.
L. Phillips. of Baltimore. and Henry
QuaTles Nicholson, editor Of the Mary
land Monthly Magazine
bylaws Adopted.
Bylaws were adopted. and it was de-
cided to make the initiation fee Of mem
bership to the association 81 a year Each
of those present paid his subscription TO
the fund for the year and Treasurer
Hoover now has in his possession the first
of the proposed fund of S25, 600 or more.
The Key house stands in NJ street, near
the Aqueduct bridge. The property is in
the control Of Hugh Taggart, an attorney,
and it is understood that the house may
be purchased for 5000. The building is
now rented, the lower part being used as
fruit store. After the house has been
bought and furnished with much Of
the colonial furniture that Francis Scott
Key himself used years ago, The old resi-
dence viii be maintained for the inspec-
ton Of the public
The movement for the preservation of
the historic mansion will be advertised
extensively throughout the country. BY
this plan it is believed a sufficient sum
viii be raised to develop the plans Of the
association members as decided upon last
night.
As nearly as possible the old house will
be remodeled and renovated throughout
to appear as il did when il was occupied
by the author Of the nations greatest
patriotic song. Much of the furniture
that was in the household of the writer
has been heated by Mr.. Smith Others
who are interested will make an effort
10 purchaseait and locate the chairs.
tables, and beds again in their former
positions.
+. :. Key Smith Starts Plan.
r 5 Key Smith. a Washington attor-
ney, whose mother is the daughter of
Francis Scott Key, jr.. has been the prime
mover in the idea TO raise an amount for
buying the old homestead. After this has
been accomplished by the Memorial Asso-
citation, the old house and its furnishings /
will stand as a silent monument to the /
honor OF the author Of The Star-Span- /
sled Banner"
Mr.. Smith first thought of the plan five /.
years ago. Until six months ago nothing 4
was accomplished. He read that the Mas I
sachusetts legislature had appropriated /
money for preserving the former home Of /
Samuel Smith, composer Of My Country (
tbs of Thee" Since then he has been .
working 10 organize the Key Memorial /
Association Several months ago invita- 4
lions We're extended TO prominent men TO .
lake an interest in the undertaking. His /
request was heartily complied with. and
asst month the Incorporation papers were /
fled.
Mr. Smiths mother was Miss Alice Key.
a daughter of the oldest son Of the au-
thor. His father was DR.. James Smith. /
IF Mantua. Northumberland County, Va.
Smiths Point, Va, was named for his .
grandfather.
Several of the officers made addresses
asst evening, in addition 10 Commissioner
who, in opening, gave an idea
If the purpose of the association and Of
he hearty support it had received from
III those interested. Admiral Dewey said
hat "The Star-Spangled Banner was
low officially recognized as the national