NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, AUXILIARY TO SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR, Brockton, Mass. Copy from records, Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, in convention assembled, September 20, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wis. Resolution offered by the board of Independence Hall Association, Philadelphia, Pa.: "Resolved, That the national encampment, Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, heartily endorse the purposes of the Independence Hall Association to safeguard this venerated American shrine, to improve its surroundings by the demolition of dangerous and unsightly buildings, and to develop accessories affording dignified approaches to these hallowed grounds; be it further "Resolved, That the Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War urges its members and all citizens throughout the Nation to do everything in their power to assist in bringing about this desirable result; also that the national organization, Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, hereby requests the Members of Congress and of State legislative bodies to give favorable consideration toward the ultimate creation of an Independence Hall National Historical Park in which is enshrined the symbol of liberty and freedom for the world." Resolution approved by all members of convention assembled. (Signed) MAUDE B. WARREN, National President. AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY, Hon. J. HARDIN PETERSON, DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, Chairman, the Public Lands Committee, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: In reference to bill H. R. 2550, which is awaiting action in your committee, the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Pennsylvania, in convention assembled in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., August 12, 13, 14, 1943, passed the following resolution: "Whereas the Independence Hall Association, founded July 4, 1942, by local, State, and National societies and civic-minded individuals, has since been incorporated under State law as a nonprofit, tax-free organization, for the purpose of 'safeguarding historic structures in Old Philadelphia and improving their surroundings'; and "Whereas among these man-revered and architectural treasures is the outstanding shrine of America, Independence Hall, in which were signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, and in which many other notable events have taken place, and in which hangs the Liberty Bell; and "Whereas this internationally famous structure and its flanking buildings of Old City Hall and Old Congress Hall have been carefully maintained by the city of Philadelphia as legal custodian for the benefit not only of that city, but of the Nation, and all peoples of the world; and "Whereas the Independence Hall and its associated group of buildings and the historic square in which they stand having been recently designated by the Federal Government as a national historic site, the Government's further cooperation, also that of the National Park Service, may not be secured: Be it "Resolved, That the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Pennsylvania, heartily endorses the purpose of the Independence Hall Association in safeguarding this venerated American shrine and in improving its surroundings by the demolition of dangerous and unsightly buildings and by the creation of a mall and of other improvements affording dignified yet practical approaches to this hallowed neghborhood; and be it further "Resolved, That the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Pennsylvania, urges its members and all other American citizens throughout the Nation to do everything in their power to assist in bringing about this desirable result; and moreover that this organization support reasonable measures which may be introduced looking toward the ultimate creation of an Independence National Park surrounding Independence Hall and enshrining it as the symbol of liberty and freedom for the world." May we respectfully solicit your cooperation and influence in having this bill favorably reported out of your committee and passed by the House. Very truly yours, Mrs. HARRY W. PIPER, President. STATE CAMP OF THE PATRIOTIC ORDER SONS OF AMERICA, Philadelphia 22, Pa. Resolution "looking toward the establishment of an Independence Hall National Park in the old part of Philadelphia to conserve the historic buildings and objects therein." Whereas we are advised that the Independence Hall Association, Inc., as à nonprofit organization, was founded July 4, 1942, by local, State, and National Societies and civic-minded individuals for the purpose of "Safeguarding historic structures in Old Philadelphia and improving their surroundings.' Towering among these is the outstanding shrine of America, Independence Hall. Here the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were signed; and here hangs the Liberty Bell. Independence Hall and its flanking buildings-Old City Hall and Old Congress Hall-have been maintained by the city of Philadelphia for the benefit, not only of that city, but of the Nation and all peoples of the world. Independence Hall and its associated buildings and the historic square in which they stand have been recently designated by the Federal Government as a national historic site. Further cooperation from the Government should now be secured: Therefore be it Resolved, That the State Camp of Pennsylvania, Patriotic Order Sons of America, at its annual convention August 24, 1943, meeting in Easton, Pa., heartily endorses the purposes of the Independence Hall Association to safeguard this venerated American shrine, to improve its surroundings by the demolition of dangerous and unsightly buildings, and to develop in their place landscaped areas and appropriate accessories affording dignified approaches to these hollowed grounds; be it further Resolved, That this organization urges its members and all citizens throughout the Nation to do everying in their power to assist in bringing about this desirable result; also that we hereby request the Members of Congress and of State legislative bodies to give favorable consideration to measures which may be introduced looking toward the ultimate creation of an Independence Hall National Park enshrining the symbol of liberty and freedom for the world. SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA, Hon. J. HARDIN PETERSON, Chairman of Committee on the Public Lands, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. MY DEAR SIR: At our last annual meeting on October 16, the folowing resolution was unanimously adopted by the members: "Resolved, That the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia at its annual meeting held October 16, 1943, in Richmond, Va., endorses the purposes of the Independence Hall Association to safeguard this venerated American shrine, to improve its surroundings by the domolition of dangerous and unsightly buildings, and to develop in their place appropriate areas as a Federal Independence Park; and further "Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to appropriate committees of Congress." Very truly yours, JOHN B. CARY, Secretary. RESOLUTION TOWARD THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENCE HALL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK IN THE OLD PART OF PHILADELPHIA TO CONSERVE THE HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND OBJECTS THEREIN. AS ADOPTED AT MEETING OF THE SHRINE CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA OCT. 6, 1943 Informative preamble: The Independence Hall Association, (No. 4 South 15th St., Philadelphia) incorporated as a nonprofit organization, was founded July 4, 1942, by local, State, and national societies, and civic-minded individuals for the purpose of "Safeguarding historic structures in Old Philadelphia and improving their surroundings." Towering among these is the outstanding shrine of America, Independence Hall. Here the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were signed. Here hangs the Liberty Bell. Independence Hall and its flanking buildings-Old City Hall and Old Congress Hall- have been maintained by the city of Philadelphia for the benefit, not only of that city, but of the Nation and all peoples of the world. These famous buildings and the historic square in which they stand have been recently designated by the Federal Government as a national historic site. Further cooperation from the Government should now be secured. Resolved, That Firstly, that the Shrine Club of Philadelphia, at its regular weekly meeting, held Oct. 6th, 1943, heartily endorses the purposes of the Independence Hall Association to safeguard this venerated American Shrine, to improve its surroundings by the demolition of dangerous and unsightly buildings; and to develop in their place landscaped areas and appropriate accessories affording dignified approaches to these hallowed grounds. Resolved, Secondly, that the Shrine Club of Philadelphia urges it members and all citizens throughout the Nation to do everything in their power to assist in bringing about this desirable result-also that this Shrine Club of Philadelphia hereby requests the Committee on the Public Lands of the House of Representatives in Washington to give favorable consideration to the bill H. R. 2550, introduced by the Honorable James Gallagher, 1st District, Pennsylvania, as amended, looking toward the ultimate creation of an Independence Hall National Historical Park, enshrining the symbol of liberty and freedom for the world: And be it further Resolved, That the Shrine Club of Philadelphia is hereby authorized to send copies of this preamble and resolution to all other Shrine Clubs, to inform them of this action by the Shrine Club of Philadelphia and to make the request that each of such Shrine Clubs gives favorable consideration to the adoption of similar resolutions, sending copies thereof to their local Congressmen and Senators and to the Committee on the Public Lands. Attest: I hereby certify that this is a true copy the resolution as adopted. WM. F. B. KOELLE, President, Shrine Club of Philadelphia, 122 S. 17th St. PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION, Hon. J. HARDIN PETERSON, Chairman, Committee on the Public Lands, November 19, 1943. House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. MY DEAR MR. PETERSON: We hope the following resolution is given favorable consideration of bill H. R. 2550 by your committee: Resolved, That the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution at its regular meeting of the board of managers, held October 14, 1943, in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, heartily endorses the purposes of the Independence Hall Association to safeguard this venerated American shrine. Very truly yours, THOMAS RIDGWAY, Secretary. RESOLUTION Resolved. That the Pottstown Historical Society at its fall meeting held September 27, 1943, in Liberty Hall, Pottstown, Pa., heartily endorses the purposes of the Independence Hall Association to safeguard this venerated American shrine, to improve its surroundings by the demolition of dangerous and unsightly buildings; and to develop in their place landscaped areas and appropriate accessories affording dignified approaches to these hallowed grounds. be it further Resolved, That the Pottstown Historical Society urges its members and all citizens throughout the Nation to do everything in their power to assist in bringing about this desirable result-also that this society hereby requests the Members of Congress and of State legislative bodies to give favorable consideration to measures which may be introduced looking toward the ultimate creation of an Independence Hall National Historical Park enshrining the symbol of liberty and freedom for the world. November 12, 1913. I hereby certify the foregoing is a true and correct copy of resolution unanimously adopted by the Pottstown Historical Society at its fall meeting held September 27, 1943. JESSE R. EVANS, President, Pottstoum Historical Society, Pottstown, Pa. Hon. J. HARDIN PETERSON, THE PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, Chairman, Committee on the Public Lands, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: On behalf of the Pennsylvania Historical Association, I am happy to send you a copy of the resolution recently adopted by the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Historical Association. I am sure you can see from the resolution that our association is very much interested in the favorable consideration of bill H. R. 2550. Very truly yours, J. PAUL SELSAM, Secretary. RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING, THE PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, OCTOBER 16, 1943, HARRISBURG, PA. INDEPENDENCE HALL Resolved, That the Pennsylvania Historical Association hereby renews its endorsement of the purposes of the independence Hall Association to safeguard this venerated American shrine; to improve its surroundings by the démolition of dangerous and unsightly buildings; and to develop such landscaped areas and other accessories as will improve and make more dignified the setting for these historic grounds; and that the secretary be authorized to transmit a copy of this resolution to the proper authority. Resolved, That the Kate Aylesford Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, at its regular meeting, held December 6, heartily endorses the purposes of the Independence Hall Association to safeguard this venerated American shrine, to improve its surroundings by the demolition of dangerous and unsightly buildings, and to develop in their place landscaped areas and appropriate accessories affording dignified approaches to the hallowed grounds in which are located these and other notable and historical buildings, thus enshrining the symbol of liberty and freedom for the world, be it further Resolved, That the chapter urges its members and all citizens to do everything in their power to assist in bringing about this desirable result, and requests the Committee on the Public Lands of the House of Representatives to give favorable consideration to the bill H. R. 2550, “To provide for investigating the matter of the establishment of a national park in the old part of the city of Philadelphia, for the purpose of conserving the historical objects and buildings therein," which bill, with amendments recommended by the National Park Service, commits the Federal Government to no specific appropriation. COMMITTEE ON THE PUBLIC LANDS, Hon. J. Hardin Peterson, Chairman, House of Representatives Office Building, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: The above resolutions were adopted at the December meeting of the Kate Aylesford Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and at the request of the regent I am sending you a copy. Very truly yours, FRANCES V. SPARKS, Corresponding Secretary. THE COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA, Hon. J. HARDIN PETERSON, Chairman, Committee on the Public Lands, House Office Building, Washington, D. C. DEAR MR. PETERSON: We take pleasure in sending you the following resolution adopted by the board of the Colonial Dames of America, chapter II, at its monthly meeting held Wednesday, November 17, 1943. We trust very much that you will give your favorable consideration to this cause so important to the women of Pennsylvania and of the Nation. Resolved, That the Colonial Dames of America, chapter II, at its regular monthly meeting, held Wednesday, November 17, 1943, heartily endorses the purposes of the Independence Hall Association to safeguard this venerated American shrine, to improve its surroundings by the demolition of dangerous and unsightly buildings, and to develop in their place landscaped areas and appropriate accessories affording dignified approaches to these hallowed grounds; and be it further Resolved, That the Colonial Dames of America, chapter II, urges its members and all citizens throughout the Nation to do everything in their power to assist in bringing about this desirable result; also that the Colonial Dames of America, chapter II, hereby requests the Members of Congress and of State legislative bodies to give favorable consideration to measures which may be introduced looking toward the ultimate creation of an Independence Hall National Historical Park enshrining the symbol of liberty and freedom for the world. Yours very sincerely, Mrs. LEWIS AUDENRIED, President. GENFRAL SOCIETY OF COLONIAL WARS, Hon. J. HARDIN PETERSON, Chairman of the Committee on Public Lands, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: At a meeting of the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Connecticut held today, the matter of the Government's having made Independence Hall in Philadelphia a national historic site was brought to the attention of the members. The action gave great pleasure and satisfacton to the society, and it was voted that the secretary express this sentiment to you and your committee, and should also say that the society heartily approves the suggestions of the Independence Hall Association for the purchase of additional land to give the national shrine a proper setting and to insure adequate fire protection. I take pleasure, sir, in carrying out the resolution of the society. Faithfully yours, ARTHUR ADAMS, Secretary. |