Ohio History Journal

574       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

 

terial down to this Library. The task now seems so large that

it seems to this committee unlikely that the consolidation can

be effected before the summer of 1925. The intervening months

will be used in preparing plans, securing the appropriation, do-

ing the physical work, and rearranging the Society's books and

material, all of which is preliminary to receiving the University's

collection.

The situation with regard to Museum of Natural History

is somewhat otherwise. The space which will probably be al-

located to the new Natural History Museum will be new, clean

and fresh. It will require cases, undoubtedly, but much of it can

be installed as soon as the rooms are ready and funds for mov-

ing are provided. Since the appropriation for the salary of the

curator of Natural History has not yet been used this year, since

no one has been appointed, it is possible that that money could

be re-allocated for cases, and preparation of Natural History

material, and a start thus made earlier than will be likely in the

case of the Library. This conclusion is also strengthened by the

fact that the various natural history departments on the campus

are anxious to get their exhibits out, in order to use their space

for class work, which will tend to accelerate the movement.

This committee sees in carrying of its project into execu-

tion a long and arduous task -- one which will be in fact a proc-

ess of growth, rather than any sudden decision to be made. It

sees as the result of this work, a rapid material gain by the So-

ciety and a great accession to public interest in its work."

(Signed)   "EDWARD ORTON, JR."

On motion the report was received, approved and

ordered placed on file.

Colonel W. L. Curry read the report on

FORT LAURENS.

as follows:

Your Committee on Fort Laurens begs leave to report as

follows:

That a house has been erected for residence of the Superin-

tendent of the grounds, but the amount appropriated for that

purpose was not sufficient to complete the building entirely, and

it is not yet occupied. It is estimated that it will require an ap-

propriation of two hundred dollars to complete the house.

The roadway around the grounds has been carefully im-

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Thirty-Ninth Annual Meeting           575

 

proved by scraping and leveling and is in good condition for au-

tomobiles or other vehicles during the dry season. It is hoped

that at an early date it will be improved by cement so that it will

be in good condition during all seasons of the year. This his-

toric ground is very attractive for tourists, many of whom drive a

long distance to view this historic Fort erected by the soldiers

of the Revolution and visitors drive around the circle every day

during the summer and fall months.

Hon. Oscar M. Hines, member of the Legislature from

Tuscarawas county, who introduced and had charge of the bill

which was passed by the Legislature appropriating the $3,000

which has been expended for the erection of the residence and

improvement of the grounds is deeply interested in the project.

He reports that he is of opinion that an appropriation of about

$200 will be required to complete the residence, but no estimate

has been made of the expense of improving the roadway and

planting of trees as proposed. Your committee is very desirous

that an effort should be made to secure an appropriation by the

Legislature during the next session, to complete the improve-

ments as above noted.

As is well known to members of this Society, it was largely

through the efforts of the Society of the Sons of the American

Revolution that the appropriation of $3,000 was secured. As the

Secretary and Registrar of that Society I have conferred with

prominent members of the Society and assure you that they will

renew their efforts in favor of an appropriation to complete the

improvements.

It is therefore suggested that a careful estimate be made of

the amount required and that a member of the Legislature be

requested to introduce a bill on behalf of the members of this

Society for that purpose.

The Society of the Sons of the American Revolution pro-

pose preparing and having published a little historical booklet

relating to the erection of the Fort, and occupation by the Army

of the Revolution, to be not only distributed to Tourists but to

the Public Schools in the State. They also propose planting a

historical tree on the mound.

Respectfully submitted,

(Signed) W. L. CURRY,

Chairman of the Committee.

The report was received and ordered placed on file.

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