Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-06-06
PLAN FOR MEMORIAL
Association of Oldest Inhab-
itants Discusses Scheme.
PARK PROPOSED AS SITE
Would Preserve Building Owned by
Gen. Washington.
TO OBSERVE FOURTH AT HOME
Proposal to Celebrate Independence
Day Outdoors Vetoed-Seven
Members Are Admitted.
70 OBSERVE FOURTH AT HOME

west side of North Capitol street between
B and c streets which originally was the
property of George Washington.
The suggestion that the association &C
qure this building. when the square on
which it is located is condemned by the
government for the purpose of enlarging
the Capitol grounds and utilize the ma
terial in the construction of a memorial
building to he loca ted in one Of the public
parks, was made at meeting of the as
soc:ation last night by NJ. /. Weller,
member of the condemnation commits
sion
Although no action was taken, several
members expressed approval of the sug-
sestion. Mr.. Weller stated that he will
bring the matter up later in such form
hat 1t may be acted upon.
The meeting of the association last
night at its headquarters in Union
CINE house, 10Th and III streets northwest.
was largely attended. Mr.. Weller,s plan
Tor preserving the old Washington prop
erty being the subject of the principal dis
cussion. 1t was stated by Mr.. Weller
that the property originally consisted of
two buildings. the construction of which
was started under the supervision of Gen.
Washington. although he did not live to
witness their completion The speaker
stated that when the federal government
is ready to condemn the square in which
the property is located he thought the
building could be purchased for a reason
able sum. and suggested that If the AS
ISOLATION Of Oldest Inhabitants could not
raise the necessary amount among it's own
members, outside assistance be solicited.
Material Well Preserved.
Mr.. Weller pointed out that much of
the material in the building, which was
selected by Gen. Washington, is in a
splendid state of preservation and that
1t should be used in the construction of
a memorial. SO that future generations
may have an opportunity to see the types
Of houses that Gen. Washington person.
ally built in this city.
James Croggon proved that he has an
intimate knowledge of many of the in
teresting incidents associated with the
development of the National Capital
when he related the history of the sew
eral transfers of the old Washington
property, giving the names of the vari-
Gus purchasers and the dates of the sales
Judge Charles S. Bundy also partci-
pated in the discussion relative to Mr.
Weller's suggestion. This speaker re-
ferred to Washington's achievements,
other than those connected with his ac-
complishments a soldier and states
man. and declared that the National Capt.
ia is developing into the metropolis
which Gen. Washington believed it des-
tined to become He said Gen. Washing
ton assisted in the development of steam
boat navigation, as. twenty-five years be-
fore Hudson propelled steam craft up
the Hudson. he had been present at the
successful operation of a steamboat built
by James Rumsey and navigated for the
first time in the Potomac river at Shep
herdstown. This boat made four miles
against a current. declared the speaker.
and Gen. Washington issued certificate
stating that he had witnessed the sue
cessful tryout of the invention.
Outside of the discussion concerning
Gen. Washington and the plans for pre-
serving the North Capitol street prop
erty the association devoted it's principal
attention to the consideration of plans
for the observance of the Fourth of July,
at which time the organization will hold
its annual meeting and elect officers for
a year. 1t was first proposed that the
association hold an out-of-doors meeting,
but after the facilities offered by number
of available outside meeting places were
discussed the members decided that it
would be best to hold the meeting In the
headquarters at 10th and III streets. The
committee which will arrange a program
for the celebration is composed of An
drew II. Raglan. Washington Topham and
John B. Mccarthy.
Honor n. A. Wizards Grandsons.
On motion of Mr.. Ragan. who. in the
absence of President Moves. presided. the
association elected to honorary member
ship Henry Augustus Willard, second.
and William Bradley Willard, grandsons
of the late Henry Augustus Willard. Re-
Gently members of the association were
guests of the two new honorary members
and their father. Henry X. Willard. at
reception in memory OF the nlnetieth
birth anniversary OF the late Henry Au-
gustus Willard.
In speech expressing appreciation of
the associations action Henry X. Will
lard last night stated he hoped his sons
will be honorary members only until they
are eligible to become active members
and that at that time they will become
actively identified with the work of the
association
Elected to membership last night were
Lewis F. Fealy of 1918 18th street north
west, j. Marion Fowler of kenilworth,
d. c.: A. l.. Schiaiering Of 1888 7th street
northwest. Thomas c. Simpson of JOS
10th street southeast. Joseph Won Glu-
mer of the Savoy. Robert D. Weaver OF
2400 Wisconsin avenue and Joseph 5.
Van Arsdale of the Imperial.
Applica tions for membership were re-
ceived from the following: William J.
Acker. 913 10th street northwest; L. {.
Rines, 1882 Biltmore street; Robert Il.
Middleton. 1441 Both street northwest:
John B. Larner, 1903 10th street north
west; BENJAMIN G. Pool. $40 Rhode Is
land avenue: John c. Gaghan, 1923 LIST
street northeast; Samuel Cross, BIB Sth
street southeast: Milford Fishman, Oak
ley. Md, and VIII B. Davis, so 18th
street.
The committee appointed to consider
the applications consists of B. D. Drane.
DR.. Samuel S. Mar and Benjamin r.
Klopfer.
Secretary Benjamin F. Reiss reported
| that four members have died since the
last meeting. They are James G. Bowen,
William A. Linton, Duance Z. turner
and James S. Topham.