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REPORT ON SITE FOR BUILDING

W. 0. Jones, Dr. J. S. Leonhardt, Professor H. W. Caldwell, and C. S. Paine.
   Meeting called to order by the chairman, Mr. Kennard.
   The report of the executive committee as prepared for the city council was submitted by Mr. Kennard, and read by the secretary as follows.

To the Mayor and City Council of the City of Lincoln:
   Some time ago the Nebraska State Historical Society, the Nebraska Territorial Pioneers Association and the Lincoln Commercial Club all appointed committees to act in conjunction with the committees appointed by the mayor and by the city council, the said committees to take such steps as in their judgment would secure a site, to be approved by the governor, for the location of the State Historical Society building.
   All four committees met in joint session at the Commercial Club rooms, and after a full discussion of the subject an executive committee was appointed to secure propositions for sites for said Historical Society building.

Proposition No. 1.

Block 27, lots 1, 2 and 3, with a possibility of getting lot 4 of Mr. Kimball, who has the matter of a proposition on lot 4 under consideration. Price, $21,000.

Proposition No. 2.

Being the south half of the block on which is situated the university Temple. Nine houses on this half block, some of which are quite valuable. The price asked for this half block as it stands is $56,000.

Proposition No. 3.

Same being lots 3, 4, 5 and 6 in block 37. This is quite a central location and comparatively cheap property for $20,000. One house situated on said lots.

Proposition No. 4.

This is at the east corner of the capitol park, and comprises lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 fronting the capitol on the east, and being one half of block 124, one small house being on lot 9, and three houses on lots 4 and 5. Price for the whole half block, $37,000.

NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Proposition No. 5.

   Being lots 1, 2, 3 and 4, subdivided, and fronting the capitol on the west. Price for same, $31,000. Four houses situated on this ground.

    We have made some effort to get propositions from the board of education for the east half of the high school block, but it seems so indefinite and uncertain that we have left this out of consideration at present, but it may be taken up later, either by the committee or by your honorable body.
   This comprises the result of the work of the executive committee. It has taken much more time and work than the committee anticipated when entering upon its duty, because many of the owners of the property were nonresidents, and a great deal of correspondence has been necessary to get quotatations on same, and put it in comparatively tangible shape.
T. P. KENNARD, Chairman.

   This report was approved on motion of Dr. Leonhardt, seconded by Professor Caldwell.
   Motion by H. F. Bishop, seconded by the secretary, to appoint a committee of five to present the report of the executive committee to the city council and secure early action by that body on the proposition to purchase for the Historical Society the site to be recommended by the committee.
   Dr. Leonhardt; moved as a substitute that the general committee resolve itself into a committee of the whole to report to the city council, through the chairman, and urge early action by that body. Seconded by Mr. George. After some discussion the substitute was withdrawn, and the motion of Mr. Bishop to appoint a committee of five was carried unanimously. The chairman appointed as such committee, Dr. J. S. Leonhardt, Will Owen Jones, H. F. Bishop, B. A. George and Charles W. Bryan.
   The following resolution, presented by the secretary, was unanimously adopted.

   Resolved, That it is the judgment of this committee that the site indicated as proposition 4, in the report of the execu-

PROPOSAL OF ARCHITECT

tive committee, the same being lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, block No. 124, fronting capitol park on the east, offers the most available site for the proposed building of the State Historical Society, and that we therefore instruct the special committee, who are to go before the city council, that they use all honorable means to secure the adoption of this site, and its purchase by the city for the purpose named.

On motion, the committee adjourned to meet at the call of the chairman.

CLARENCE S. PAINE, Secretary.

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

   A regular meeting was held at the rooms of the Society, April 14, 1908. Present, Dr. George L. Miller, president, Governor George L. Sheldon, Professor H. W. Caldwell, Lorin A. Varner, James E. North, and the secretary.
   The meeting was called to order by the president and the minutes of the last meeting of the board were read and approved.
   The report of the secretary for the first quarter of the year was submitted, accepted, and ordered placed on file.
   At this point Dr. Miller spoke briefly with reference to the plan of establishing a permanent reserve, embracing the site of Fort Kearny, and the location there of a state military institute.
   The following communication from George A. Berlinghof, with reference to the selection of an architect for the proposed Historical Society building was then presented.

Honorable Members of the Board of Directors of the State Historical Society, Lincoln, Nebraska:

The Undersigned herewith submits the following proposal to Your honorable board for your consideration, to wit:

NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

   Agrees to prepare and furnish as many tentative floor plans, elevations and sectional drawings for the entire and complete new Historical Building until the same meet with your approval, after which approval will prepare complete detail plans, including working drawings (drawn to a scale of 1/4" to 1 ft.), all complete 3/4" scale diagram and all full size detail drawings inclusive, separate plans, elevations, sections and diagrams showing the entire installation of the heating and ventilating system, the electric wiring, sanitary and sewage system, together with complete specifications for all of the different kinds of work entering into or that may be needed in the erection and construction of your entire and complete new Historical Building for the sum of 3 1/2%, and will superintend the erection and construction of the building as customary to architects, for the sum of 1 1/2% making a total of 5% on the cost of the complete building, under the following conditions:

    1. Will prepare and furnish detail plans and specifications for the entire building and prepare the same in such manner as to enable your honorable board to erect and construct your building from time to time in sections or wings.
   2. Agrees to furnish three complete sets of detail plans and specifications of the entire building, also three complete sets of detail plans and specifications for the various wings, these to be filed with the secretary for future reference.
   3. As a guaranty of of good faith, (assuring the faithful performance of my services as architect and superintendent and the safe and sound construction of the building), agree to leave the entire fee due me from time to time on the wing or section under construction in the possession of your honorable board until said wing and section has been completed and accepted.
   4. As a further guaranty of good faith will furnish to your honorable board a good and valid surety company bond, in a sum later agreed upon, this also guaranteeing my services as architect and superintendent and the safe and sound construction of the building.
   5. I will furnish a duplicate set of plans on tracing linen, and deposit the same with board for permanent use.

Respectfully submitted,
GEO. A. BERLINGHOF,
Architect and Superintendent.

Mr. Berlinghof was invited to appear before the board to speak upon the question.
Moved by the secretary that the president be author-

MORRILL AND LAMBERT DONATIONS

ized to appoint a building committee of three, with Mr. Geisthardt as chairman, to have prepared, and to submit, plans for the construction of the building, subject to the approval of the board. Seconded by Mr. North. After some discussion, it was moved by Mr. North to amend the motion so as to instruct the committee to select Mr. Berlinghof as architect. After the amendment was discussed it was withdrawn. The vote then recurring on the original motion, it carried unanimously. The president appointed as such building committee, S. L. Geisthardt, Professor H. W. Caldwell, and C. S. Paine.
   Motion by Professor Caldwell that we now proceed to the election of an architect. Seconded by Governor Sheldon. Carried.
   After various names had been suggested, the secretary placed in nomination George A. Berlinghof, the nomination being seconded by Mr. North. There being no other nominations, Mr. Berlinghof was unanimously elected.
   The secretary then presented the following resolution and moved its adoption.

   Resolved, That the secretary be directed to convey to Hon. Charles H. Morrill the thanks of this board for his active interest in the work of this Society, and especially for his valuable contributions to the museum of the Society.

    Carried.

   The following resolution presented by the secretary was adopted.

    Resolved, That, in consideration of the valuable donation made to this Society by the late William B. Lambert and family, the following members of Mr. Lambert's family be elected life members of the Society, without payment of fee: Mrs. William B. Lambert, Schuyler C. Lambert, Mrs. Grace Lambert Spencer, all of Neligh, Nebr., and be it further
   Resolved, That the thanks of this Society be conveyed to

NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Mrs. Lambert and the members of her family for this valuable collection of newspapers, books, maps, pamphlets, etc., and be it further
   Resolved, That the secretary of this Society be directed to convey to Mrs. Lambert and her family a copy of these resolutions, and furnish the same to the press for publication.

   On motion of the secretary the following resolution was adopted.
   Resolved, That the secretary be directed to convey to Mr. T. A. Stratton the thanks of the Nebraska State Historical Society for the valuable collection of relics placed with this Society as a permanent loan.

   The secretary presented the following resolution and moved its adoption.

   I respectfully recommend that all of the newspaper collections of the Society and all the work in connection with such newspapers be placed under the direction of Mr. William E. Hannan, who has for the past year had practically entire control of this department of the work and has handled it in a manner highly creditable to himself and with profit to the Society.
   Professor Caldwell objected to consideration of the resolution, and it was thereupon withdrawn.
   The following resolution, presented by the secretary, was adopted.
   WHEREAS, Believing that the best interests of the Nebraska State Historical Society demand, and that right business principles approve, that the responsibility for the expenditure of the finances of the Society should be centralized, therefore be it
   Resolved, That no bills or expenses shall be contracted or incurred, or money expended by any head of department or member of the office staff, unless on or by the advice and approval of the secretary of the Society, or a majority vote of the board of directors of the Society.
   Resolved, That it be declared to be the sense of this board that every proper effort should be made to induce the next Nebraska state legislature to create the office of state historian and place the same under the direction of the Nebraska State Historical Society.

   Mr. North moved that there be appropriated out of

NEW MEMBERS

the funds of the Society and paid to the secretary the sum of $500 in recognition of his services to the Society from April 1, 1907, to January 1, 1908. The motion was seconded by Mr. Varner and carried unanimously.
   The following resolution, moved by the secretary and seconded by Mr. North, was adopted.

   Resolved, That it is the sense of this board that whenever the city of Lincoln shall tender to the Nebraska State Historical Society the west half of block 124, Capitol Addition, the city of Lincoln, absolutely free of all incumbrances, that this board will then accept said one half block in lieu of block 29, or Market Square, as a site for the proposed Historical Society building, as provided in H. R. No. 431, legislature of 1907; and we further express our willingness to lease to the purchasers of the three houses at the corner of J and Sixteenth streets the two lots (lots 4 and 5, block 124) upon which they stand, for a term of five years at an annual rental of one dollar.

   The secretary moved that the following named persons be elected to membership.

ACTIVE.

Margaret Davis, Lincoln.
Mrs. David Anderson, South Omaha.
D. Webster Baker, Benedict.
Victor B. Caldwell, Omaha.
Mrs. Mary Fitzgerald, Greenwood.
Carson Hildreth, Franklin.
Miss Stella B. Kirker, Lincoln.
George L. Loomis, Fremont.
Byron L. Morgan, Fremont.
Herman E. Stein, Hastings.
Mary H. Williams, Kenesaw.
Mrs. Minerva J. Beachley, Lincoln.
Silas L. Wright, Bethany.
Jerome D. Grimes, Chambers.
Harry G. Shedd, Ashland.
Charles R. Besse, Red Cloud.
George A. Berlinghof, Lincoln.
John C. Byrnes, Columbus.
Adoniram J. Brown, Geneva.

Daniel C. Heffernan, Hubbard.
William H. Harrison, Grand Island.
Emmet H. McCreary, Omaha.
Isaac Pollard, Nehawka.
Ernest M. Pollard, Nehawka.
Ernest H. Phelps, Lincoln.
Mrs. Winona S. Sawyer, Lincoln.
Orlando Tefft, Avoca.
Abraham L. Van Osdel, Mission Hill,
South Dakota.
Frederick M. Weitzel, Albion.
Hiram O. Paine, Ainsworth.
John Wright, Lincoln.
Joseph T. Votova, Edholm.
Harry A. Stone, Omaha.
Daniel M. Nettleton, Fairfield.
Mrs. Anna Berlinghof, Lincoln.
Andrew J. Durland, Norfolk.

NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Alfred Blackbird, Macy.
Willard A. Harrison, York.
Mrs. Annie Vio Gates, Auburn.

Arthur C. Mayer, Grand Island.
Charles F. Manderson, Omaha.

CORRESPONDING.

William O. Hart, New Orleans, La.
Heman C. Smith, Lamoni, Ia.
Merton J. Clay, Chicago, Ill.

Professor Clarence W. Alvord,
Urbana, Ill.
Frank E. Stevens, Sycamore, Ill.

HONORARY.

David M. Johnson, Otego, Kan.
William F. Cody, Cody Wyo.

Gen. Richard C. Drum, Bethesda, Md.

   Professor Caldwell moved that the secretary be instructed to cast the ballot of the members of the board present for the election to membership of those parties whose names had been presented. Seconded by Mr. North. Carried. The ballot was so cast.
   Meeting declared adjourned by the president.
CLARENCE S. PAINE, Secretary.
   Approved September 19, 1908.

CALL FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA, MAY 14,1908.
   There will be a special meeting of the board of directors of the Nebraska State Historical Society held at the rooms of the Society, Tuesday, May 19, at 1 P. M.9 for the purpose of considering the following business:


    First, the formal acceptance of the building site tendered by the city of Lincoln.
   Second, the leasing to J. E. Miller of a part of that site.
   Third, the approval of a contract with the architect for the erection of a building on said site.
   Fourth, the consideration of a communication from the director of field work.
   Fifth, the consideration of a communication from Ezra Meeker, requesting the approval of H. R. 11, 722.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS

sixtieth Congress, first session, and such other related matters as may properly be considered under this call.

Yours very truly,

CLARENCE S. PAINE, Secretary.

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

    A special meeting of the board of directors was held at the rooms of the Society, May 19, 1908. Present, Dr. George L. Miller, president, Chancellor E. Benjamin Andrews, James E. North, Professor H. W. Caldwell, L. A. Varner, S. L. Geisthardt, and the secretary. Also Messrs. Charles W. Bryan, William A. Selleck and Walter L. Anderson.
   Meeting called to order by the president.
   The secretary presented a communication from the director of field work which on motion of Mr. Geisthardt, seconded by Mr. Varner, was referred to the secretary.
   The secretary presented the following resolution, which was adopted, on motion of Chancellor Andrews, seconded by Mr. Geisthardt.

   WHEREAS, There has been introduced in Congress a bill known as H. R. No. 11722, "authorizing the president to appoint a commissioner to supervise the erection of monuments and markers, and locate the general route of the Oregon Trail"; and
   WHEREAS, This trail traversed the full length of Nebraska from east to west; and
   WHEREAS, The evidences of this great national highway are rapidly being obliterated; therefore be it
   Resolved, That we, the board of directors of the Nebraska State Historical Society, heartily approve of the plan to permanently mark this trail; and be it further
   Resolved, That the secretary of this Society be directed to send a copy of these resolutions to each member of the Nebraska delegation in Congress, and urge their coöperation to secure the Passage of H. R. No. 11722.

NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

   Charles W. Bryan and William A. Selleck, representing the Lincoln Commercial Club, upon behalf of the city of Lincoln, officially tendered the deeds and abstracts to lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, block 124, in the city of Lincoln, as a site for the proposed Historical Society building, as provided by H. R. No. 431.

   After some discussion, Messrs. Bryan and Selleck agreed that the proceeds from the sale of the Cooper house should be applied to the unpaid paving taxes and pledged the influence of the Commercial Club to secure from the city council the appropriation of an amount sufficient to pay the balance of said taxes, with interest, assessed against lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, block 124.

    Mr. Geisthardt then moved the adoption of the following resolutions:

    WHEREAS, The city of Lincoln, in accordance with chapter 146 of the laws of 1907, has donated and conveyed to the Nebraska State Historical Society, lots four (4), five (5), six (6), seven (7), eight (8), and nine (9), of block one hundred twenty-four (124), in the city of Lincoln, for a site for a Hisotrical (sic) Society Building; and
   WHEREAS, In the opinion of this board, said site is suitable therefor, and acceptable to this board, and in value equal to or greater than all of block twenty-nine (29) in the city of Lincoln, and equally desirable with said block twenty-nine (29) therefore be it
   Resolved, That this board accepts said site, and certifies that the same is suitable for the purposes intended and accept able to this board.
   Resolved, That the president and secretary of this board be, and they are hereby authorized to certify under oath to the auditor of public accounts the acceptance of said site by this board, and that the conditions named in said act have been complied with.
   Resolved further, That the said officers certify to the governor of the state the acceptance by said board of said site, and that the same is suitable for the purposes provided in said act.

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