Evening star., 1940-04-21
History Made
nOneGrOup
Of Mansions
Little White House
Shared Fame of
Great Center
By John Claeeft Proctor.

vi Cdl AClllCI
By John Clageff Proctor.
What is to become of the historic
Dolly Madison house, which has
stood for nearly century and a
quarter at the southeast corner OF
Madison place and H street, the
title to which has probably passed
to the Government by this time?
Not long since, we were told that the
Public Works Administration had
allocated $1,O50O00 for the purchase
and renovation of the holdings of
the Cosmos Club, which includes the
old Madison house on the corner
and the property south on Madison
place to the alley, which separates
the Tayloe house from the Belasco
Theater.
Naturally this would imply that
the Works Administration plans to
hold the property as it is, at least
for the time being. But what then?
Nobody knows. If the general prac-
tice of the Government is adhered
to-and we do trust that it will not
be followed so far as the Madison
residence Is concerned-then, sooner
or later, the wreckers will be tearing
down this famous structure and
Washington's antiquarians will be
searching the ruins for bricks, bal
listers and such things as they can
find in last resort to save even a
relic of the noted old mansion of the
wife of President James Madison.
To the Cosmos Club-even for the
million indicated in the transaction
the selling of this property pre-
sents a problem, for it is easier
sometimes to sell property than it
is to build and move elsewhere. But
that is not to the point-the agree
ment has already been made to sell,
and that's that! Wherever it moves
1t will not find a more fascinating
site than is the present one, sur
rounded with memories of the
fourth President and his captivating
wife.
Its Historic Value.
It was probably on account of its
historic significance that the club
bought this property in the spring
of 1886, paying for 1t an amount
stated to be $4,000, to which $15,-
900 more was added for necessary
alterations, made from plans drawn
by William M. Poindexter. One of
the principal improvements made
was the erection Of third story on
the dwelling, which originally was a
two-story -and-attic building sur
rounded by a garden of flowers and
shrubs. In the middle of November
1886, the alterations were nearing
completion and it is likely that the
club moved here about this time.
This well-knoWn scientific club OF
Washington was organized in 1873,
the initial meeting, rather an in
formal one, being held on November
16. at o1O M street NV, then, and
for many years afterward, the home
of Mai. John w. Powell, veteran
Union soldier, then serving as chief
of the I'd Division Of the Geological
Survey of the Territories, with offices
at 500 Seventh street. A further
meeting is said to have been held on
December 13, in the Medical Mu-
scum, Surgeon Generals Office, 5ll
Tent h street, well known as the
Ford Theater Building, where Presl-
dent Lincoln was assassinated. and
here Mai. Powell was elected presi-
dent of the club. However, ne held
this Office but short time, for IN
one month, on January 13, 1879,
Prof. Spencer F. Baird, secretary OF
the Smithsonian Institution, was
elected for the full term OF one year
Sketch Of Club.
Eight years after the forming OF
this scientific association, The Star,
on November 10, 1886. published an
account Of the club. and though 1t
may not be without errors. yet IN
substance it is so nearly correct that
It Is well worth repeating here. The
sketch, in part, follows:
1.-THE Cosmos Club originated In
the wear 1878, and arose from a
strong conviction on the part Of the
members Of the Philosophical So
ciety of this city that further de-
velopnent of the social side OF their
natures than the regular meetings OF
the society allowed wcIld be Goth
pleasant and useful. It was there
fore concluded to establish a reg
ular social club, where there would
be no formal exercises nor any
papers read, but where the members
could meet each other socially.
"At first the club was composed ex-
clusively Of members Of the Philo-
sophical Society. It was organized
under the title Of the Cosmos Club,
and q charter was procured. This
instrument provided that candidates
for admission as members should be
interested in science, literature or
art, and these qualifications are still
in force. The original members
numbered 80, and the limit Of men,
bership was fixed at $50, which limit
has now been nearly reached. At the
present time, in addition to those
representing literature and art, the
membership includes about all the
prominent scientific men in the city
and It is said that there are more
men Of distinction in science In thi,
city than in any other in the coun-
try.
'The several bureaus Of the Gov.
: srnment are the main cause Of the