Evening star., 1933-10-31

Articles of Incorporation were duly
drafted and adopted and recorded in
accordance with law in 1908.
At the regular meeting Of the asso-
citation thereafter officers were elected
as follows: Mr. Macfarland, president;
Admiral Dewey, first vice president;
Rear Admiral Schley, second vice presi-
dent Francis S. Key-Smith, secretary
a, Mr.. Hoover, treasurer. There was
also board of trustees elected.
The purpose was to raise the neces-
sary funds with which to carry out the
object Of the association through volun-
tary subscriptions from individuals and
patriotic organizations. This proving
to be inexpedient, If not impossible, due
to the apathy of persons toward such
endeavors and projects. arrangements
were made with Charles H. Weisgerber
of Philadelphia. who had been instru-
mental in raising the necessary FUNDS
for the purchase and preservation OF
the home of Betsy Ross. to come to
work of raising the funds necessary for
the purchase of the Key home.
House Opened to Public.
The house was thereafter opened to
the public, with Mr. Weisgerber In
charge and kept open for three years
during which time strenuous endeaVors
were made to raise the necessary FUNDS
The formal opening celebration was
held on Flag Gay Junt IA. 1908, OF
about three months after the actual
opening Of the house to the public
Nearly 10000 persons witnessed the
formal opening when a copy OF the nag
of 1912 was raised to the pole erecteo
guests were many distinguished persons
and descendants of Key. Mayor j.
Barry Mahool of Baltimore and Justice
Thomas H. Anderson Of the Supreme
Court of the District of Columbia were
the principal speakers. Through the
interest and good offices of Admiral
Dewey. the Marine Band furnished the
music and the U. S. S. Dolphlne hred
from its anchorage in the river 2l-
gun salute to the flag as 1t was un-
furled. Mrs. Thomas c. Noyes, wife OF
Thomas c. Noyes Of The Star, sang
the Star Spangled Banner and the
press responded by giving the occasion
all necessary publicity.
Mr.. Weisgerber's efforts proving fu-
tile, he returned to Philadelphia after
three years and the association closed
the house returning its possessions to
Mr. Taggart and DR.. Ritchie's heirs.
This took place in the early Summer
of 1911 and l8 months later, Mr.. Tag
CART having in the meantime died and
his and DR.. Ritchie's heirs became own
ers-the property was demolished and
converted into a two-Story store build
ing. the third story being removed en-
tirely. Likewise all or the greater por-
tion of the west wall wit hits artistic
and attractive chimney and the office
building on the west were demolished
Commission Gets Title.
Within the past two years the Ma
tional Government through the ParE
and Planning Commission has acquired
title to the property in connection with
the development of the parking system
of the Capital and Nation. In connec-
ton with the plans for developing the
Capital parks, the Commission now pro-
poses to restore the old home by re-
building it to its former condition at g
cost of $25,000.
While not opposing the CommisSion's
plan the writer, nevertheless. thinks II
infeasible as there is not sufficient re-
manning of the building to permit it:
being restored nor is what remains ir
suitable condition to use in rebuilding
a new and reproduced structure like the
original.
Such so-called restoration would re-
quire at least the rebuilding Of the en-.
tire front and west walls with the ole
west chimney. the rebuilding Of the Of.
flee completely and all of the interior
walls, replacing floors, doors. door frame!
and most of the windows. the stair rail
ing and the entire third floor and dor