Evening star., 1928-03-27
ARCHITECTS PLEAD
FOR LANDMARKS
Institute Will Seek Aid of His
toriC Societies in Pres
ervation Drive.

A movement to save Americas vsn-
tShirg landmarks Through cooperation
Of interested organizations has been
launched by the American Institute Of
Architects.
Announcement 70 this effect was
made today by A Lawrence Kochcr,
chairman Of the Institutes committee
on preservation of historic monuments
and natural resources, and former pro-
feSsor Of architecture in the University
cf Virginia.
From headquarters IN the Octagon
House here, the institute will cndeaVor
70 consolidate the efforts Of State and
county historical societies fine arts
commissions and patriotic organizations.
One Of the early steps in the cam
psirn. Ia enlist the support Of more
than 5000 members of the institute all
over the country. is under way now by
Mr.. Kocher He Is preparing for the
Institutes journal q graphic pTeSCnta-
ton Of "trag gedieS' actual and threat
ened among the historic structures OF
Annapolis. Md.
Would Save Annapolis.
Annapolis. he said. while not with
out its changes. has held On remarkably
10 the atmosphere Of its architectural
origin. Il has retained its wealth of
HhC~ kNCN NAGASNAAdAN ANNAAAttEo NAtAA '''AAAN
Of the charm Of the Colonial village.
Several Of the historic houses Of old
Annapolis are now on the market ST.
Johns COllege. dating back IN its found
ing 70 the days OF William and Mary. is
seeking 70 acquire the Hammond
Harwood. the Brice. Peggy Stewart and
Pi..kney houses as part of its holdings.
While the efforts Of this school are Of q
private nature, nevertheless. the acQulsl-
tioa 90 these houses would mean the
preservation by reveTent hands OF some
Of Americas s finest monuments.
The problem is one Of finance. Public
generosity can assure the saving Of these
dwellings, and appropriately make posi-
lac thru use as a part of our third
oioeSt institution of higher learning A
modest sum, as benefactlonS go now
adayS. should make possible the acQuiSi-
ton and restoration Of these buildings.
The American Institute Of Archi-
tects is not asked TO procure a single
dollar for the project but merely to
iTs50TSc the efforts Of the trustees. Such
encouragement should be forthcoming
aS a primary test of our interest in
Preservation. Aside from the potential
opportunity 70 render q service to the
cause Of architecture we. indeed. owe il
70 ourselves as architects to assume a
leadership IN 8 cause that looks 10 the
guardianship Of our few architectural
treasures,
Seeking Regional support.
among the regional organizations the /
activity Of which the institute purposes
20 coordinate are the Society for the
Preservation Of New England Antiuui- |
ties. the Association for the Preserva- |
tion Of Virginia Antiquities. the Land /
marks Club Of California and the New
York Monument Commission.
Cooperation will be sought from other
bodies, including the various park corn
missions, the Holland Society Of Ncw
York and the Daughters of the Amer /
ican Revolution
The training Of the layman in artis-
tic appreciation and in reverence for /
our early and contemporary architec-
ture is one Of the momentous tasks con-
fronting the American Institute Of
Architects" declared Mr. Kocher.
The committee. Mr. Kocher said.
will present q report 10 the sixty-hrst
annual convention Of the institute in
81. Louis, May is. II and l3