Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1944-04-13

"A half centurys activity in the
development of the historical and
cultural life of the District and the
Nation was marked last night by
the Columbia Historical Society at
its 50th anniversary dinner held at
the Mayflower Hotel.
President Roosevelt recognized the
occasion with gift of an auto
graphed photograph of himself, and
a congratulatory message was re-
ceived from New York's Gov. Dewey.
The Importance of the society's
contribution to the District and the
Nations welfare was stressed by
Solicitor General Charles Fahy, who
served as postmaster at the cele-
bration.
Invaluable Material.
1.-THE result Of the society's efforts
constitute not only notable addi-
ton to recorded history but to litera-
ture as well, and resides now in
many volumes of the society's pub
locations" Mr.. Fahy declared.
Needless to say, the history of the
Capital City has largely touched as
well the history of the Nation and
these publications are invaluable
material for students and lovers of
American history.
For its tireless efforts In af-
fording source of larger knowledge
and inspiration, we pay OUT tribute
to the first SO years of this organ
ization, and salute Columbia as
she passes along the road into the
future, confident that her activities
will continue with equal usefulness
and that they will be bound in the
years ahead, as in the years that
are gone, to scholarship and to
truth" he told the assembled guests.
Mr.. Fahy reviewed the orga1iza-
tion's beginning in 1894 when So
well-known citizens formed a new
historical society.
1.-THE society was indeed we'll in
augurated," Mr.. Fairy said. Its
purposes and the deep interest of
its members gave substance and fas-
cination to its development. Unlike
SO many organizations begun with
high purpose and soon dissipated by
lack Of resolution, Columbia matured
in strength"
Aided by the society's contribu-
tons to the understanding of our
history. i've are better armed to
march onward with events that will
fill the annals to be recorded when
the present has become the yester.
day. and another great period in
the progress of the world will have
passed in triumph" Mr.. Fahy said.
Noyes Sends Message.
Theodore w. Moves, editor of The
Star and only surviving charter
member of the organization, was
unable to attend the dinner, but, as
president of the Association of Old
est Inhabitants, he sent message
to the gathering warmly commend
ing the society's progress during the
past so years.
1.-THE Columbia Historical Society
has had long, honorable and useful
career and has had many notable
citizens among its members" Mr..
Noyes' message said. Its historical
research and its published reports
on District of Columbia history are
of high value and represent a dis
tlnct service rendered to the COM
munity."
Mr.. Noyes said that great need
exists for acquainting the present
and future generations with a true
historical picture of this community
set apart as the seat of the United
States Government. Proper his
torlcal background is most essential
in guiding the people and the Con-
gress to legislate intelligently and
equitably for these voteless and I'M
represented American citizens" the
message stated.
Concluding, Mr.. Noyes wrote !:
May the society live on through
the centuries and continue ALWAYS
true to its trust of preserving and
teaching the true history of the
District of Columbia to the present
and future generations"
During the broadcast portion of
the program, the society, led by its
president, F. Regis Noel, rendered
Mr.. Moves an ovation for bie CON