Wisconsim^ State
Historical Society
Proceedings
1917
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PUBLICATIONS OF THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
OF WISCONSIN
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE SOCIETY AT ITS
SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING
HELD OCTOBER 25. 1917
PUBLISHED BY THE SOClLiY
MADISON, 1917
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2007 with funding from
IVIicrosoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/1917proceedings00wiscuoft
PUBLICATIONS
OF THE
STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
OF WISCONSIN
EDITED BY
MILO M. QUAIFE
SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SOCIETY
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY
1917
PUBLICATIONS OF THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
OF WISCONSIN
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE SOCIETY AT ITS
SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING
HELD OCTOBER 25, 1917
PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY
MADISON. 1917
1250 COPIBS PRINTBD
DBMOCRAT PRINTINO COMPANY, MADIBON, STATB PRI^rT■H
CONTENTS
OrncEES, 1917-18 . . . . . .
7
Committees .......
8
LiBRAEY Staff .......
9
Prockkdings op the Sixty-Fifth Annual Meeting :
Business Session ......
12
Executive Committee Meeting ....
16
Special Meeting of Executive Committee
18
Open Session .......
19
Report of the Executive Committee:
I. Financial Statement:
State appropriations .....
21
Private funds ......
24
II. The Library:
Staff
26
Growth of the Library .....
27
Newspaper division .....
29
Catalogue, reference, order, and document divisions .
32
Map, manuscript, and illustration division
34
III. The Museum:
Office and other work .....
37
School and University instruction
39
Special and art exhibits .....
39
Accessions ......
41
Areheologieal activities .....
42
IV. Research and Publication Division:
Staff .......
42
Publications issued .....
43
Future issues and work in progress
46
Treasurer's Report ......
50
Report of Local Auxiliary Societies:
Lafayette County Historical Society
54
Sauk County Historical Society ....
54
Trempealeau County Historical Society
56
Waukesha County Historical Society
57
[5]
OFFICERS, 1917-1918
Hon. William K. Coffin
President
Eau Claire
Vice Presidents
Hon. John Luchsinger
Hon. B. F. McMillan
Most Reverend S. G. Messmer
Hon. William J. Starr
Hon. John B. Winslow .
Monroe
McMillan
Milwaukee
Eau Claire
Madison
Superintendent
M. M. QuAiPE
Madison
Treasurer
Hon. Lucien S. Hanks
Madison
Curators, Ex Officio
Hon. Emanuel L. Philipp
Hon. Merlin Hull
Hon. Henry Johnson
Governor
Secretary of State
Treasurer
Thomas E. Erittingham, Esq.
Henry C. Campbell, Esq.
William K. Coffin, M. S.
Richard T. Ely, LL. D.
Lucien S. Hanks, Esq.
Nils P, Haugen, LL. B.
Curators, Elective
(Term expires at annual meeting ia 1918)
Col. Hiram Hayes
Rev. Patrick B. Knox
Maj. Frank W. Oakley
Arthur L. Sanborn, LL. B.
E. Ray Stevens, LL. B.
William W. Wight, M. A.
[7]
Officers of the Society, 1917-18
(Term expires at annual meeting 1919)
Victor Coffin^ Ph. D. Benjamin F. McMillan, Esq.
Lucius C. Colman, B. A. William A. P. Morkis, B. A.
Matthew S. Dudgeon, M. A. Samuel M. Pedrick, LL. B.
Carl R. Fish, Ph. D. Eben D. Pierce, M. D.
Louis F. Frank, M. D. Robert G. Siebecker, LL. B.
Hjalmab R. Holand, M. A. William J. Starr, LL. B.
(Term expires at aiinual meeting 1920)
Rasmus B. Anderson, LL. D. Most Rev. S. G. Messmer
Charles N. Brown, LL. B. Barton L. Parker, LL. B.
Harry E. Cole, Ph. B. John B. Parkinson, M. A. ^
Frederic K, Conover, LL. B. Frederic L. Paxson, Ph. D.
J. H. A. Lacher, Esq. William A. Scott, LL. D.
John Luchsinger, Esq. Edward B. Steensland, Esq.
Executive Committee
The thirty-six Curators, the Superintendent, the Governor, the Secretary
of State, and the State Treasurer (forty in all) constitute the Executive Com-
mittee.
Standing Committees (of Executive Committee)
Library — Knox (chairman). Brown, Dudgeon, Sanborn, and Superintend-
ent (ex oflflcio).
Art Gallery and Museum — Scott (ehaiiman), Conover, Cole, Oakley, and
Superintendent (ex officio).
Printing and Publications — Fish (chairman), Paxson, Wight, Stevens, and
Superintendent (ex officio).
Finance — Morris (chairman), Steensland, W. K. Coffin, and Brittingham.
Advisory (ex officio) — Knox, Scott, Fish, Morris, and the Superintendent.
Special Committees (of the Society)
delations with State University — Quaife (chairman), Haugen, and Siebecker.
Archives — Fish (chairman), Brandenburg, Steensland, and Superintendent,
[8]
THE LIBRARY STAFF
Superintendent
M. M. QuAiFE, Ph. D.
Assistant Superintendent
Annie Amelia Nunns, B. A.
In charge of divisions
(In order of seniority of service)
Mart Stuart Foster, B. L.
IvA Alice Welsh, B. L.
Louise Phelps Kellogg, Ph. D.
Charles Edward Brown
Lillian Jane Beecroft, B. L.
Mabel Clare Weaks, M. A.
Anna Wells Evans
Marjory Gertrude Park, B. A.
Reference
Catalogue
Research
Museum
Neivspaper
Manuscript
Public Document
Order
Assistants
(In order of seniority of service)
Edna Couper Adams, B. L.
Eleanore Eunice Lothrop, B.
Robert Emmet Berigan .
Esther DeBoos, B. A.
Pauline Merry Buell, B. A.
Ella Viola Ryan .
Ferne Lina Congdon, B. A.
Caroline Margaret Lewis, B.
Theron Adelbert Brown
Mart Margaret Farlet, B. A.
Mabel Beatrice Swerig, B. A.
Ruth Pauline Hatward, B. A.
Genevieve Deming, B. A.
Ruth Roberts, B. A.
Frances S. C. James, M. A.
G AiGE Roberts
Marguerite Jenison, B. A.
Reference
Superintendent's Secretary
Manuscript Repair
Reference
Reference
Document
Manuscript
Reference
Document
Office
Reference
Catalogue
Order ^
Museum
Catalogue
Newspaper
Editorial
[9]
The Library Staff
Caretakers
(Under State civil service law)
Magnus Nelson ....
Irving Robson, Martin Lyons, Walter G.
Post .....
Bennie Butts ....
Wallace Fusch ....
TiLLIE GuNKEL ....
Barbara Brisbois, Gertrude Nelson, Alice Jen-
EWEiN, Bertha Schwoegler, Emma Zehn-
PFENNIG .....
Charles Miller ....
Lillian Jenewein, Ida Steffen, Thomas Good-
.Head Janitor and Mechanic
Assistant Janitors
Office Messenger
Night Watchman
Housekeeper
NIGHT, Armand Quick
Housemaids
Elevator Attendant
Cloak Room Attendants
Library Hours
General Library — Daily, except Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and University
vacations : 7 :45 A. M. to 10 P. M.
Saturdays: 7:45 A. M. to 9 P. M.
Holidays and University vacations: as per special announcement.
Departmental Libraries:
Manuscript, and Newspaper Divisions— Daily, with above exceptions: 9
A. M. to 5 P. M.
Public Document Division — Same hours as the general library except that
the closing hour during the summer session of the University is 6 P. M.
Museum — Daily, except Sundays and holidays : 9 A. M. to 5 P. M.
Sundays, holidays, and evenings: as per special announcement.
[10]
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL
MEETING^
The sixty-fifth annual meeting of the State Historical So-
ciety of "Wisconsin was held on the afternoon and evening of
Thursday, October 25, 1917. The sessions began with a lunch-
eon at the University Club, tendered by the Society to its mem-
bers and invited guests, at 12 :15 o 'clock. About eighty per-
sons were in attendance. In connection with it, five-minute ad-
dresses were given by Father Patrick B. Knox, Madison, who
presided in the absence of the president and the several vice
presidents, on "Why We Are Here"; by Professor Carl E.
Fish, Madison, on the "Functions and Work of the State His-
torical Society"; by J. H. A. Lacher, Waukesha, on "Why Be-
long to the State Historical Society. ' '
At 1 :45 P. M. in the staff room of the State Historical Li-
brary building, the conference of local historical societies of the
state was convened. Ten-minute addresses were given as fol-
lows: M. M. Quaife, Madison, "A Survey of the Situation";
Charles B. Simonds, Milwaukee, "The Work of the Waukesha
County Society"; John W. Oliver, Madison, "The Work of the
Local Historical Societies of Indiana"; H. E. Cole of Bara-
boo, "Suggestions for Improvement."
At three o'clock the regular business session of the Society
convened in the Library staff room. It was followed by the
regular annual meeting of the executive committee. Immedi-
ately upon adjournment of the latter, the executive commit-
tee convened in accordance with a call previously sent out to
the curators by the Superintendent. An open session of the
' The report of the proceeding's here published is condensed from the oflScla)
Ms. records of the society.
[11]
Wisconsin Historical Society
Society was held in the evening in the museum assembly room
at which time the annual address before the Society was de-
livered by Professor Carl R. Fish on the subject *'The Fron-
tier, a World Problem."
BUSINESS SESSION
In the absence of the president and vice presidents of the
Society (Mr. Luchsinger came in during the meeting) Rev. P.
B. Knox, chairman of the advisory committee, took the chair,
at three o'clock.
Present: Messrs. Rasmus B. Anderson, Oscar D. Brandenburg, Charles
E. Buell, Harry E. Cole, Frederic K. Conover, Carl R. Fish, Albert S. Mint,
Lucien S. Hanks, Nils P. Haugen, Clarence S. Hean, Harry C. Hengel, Hjal-
mar R. Holand, Burr W. Jones, Patrick B. Knox, Edward Kremers, J. H. A.
Lacher, Stanley E. Lathrop, Publius V. Lawson, John Luchsinger, William
A. P. Morris, Frank W. Oakley, John B. Parkinson, William A. Scott, Charles
S. Sheldon, Edward B. Steensland, and William W. Wight.
The minutes of the previous annual meeting having been
printed and distributed to the members of the Society, their
reading was dispensed with.
Mr. Burr W. Jones stated that he would be unable to be
present during the entire session and asked permission, there-
fore, to lay before the Society, a statement concerning the be-
quest to it made by the late Genevieve Mills of Madison. He
stated that the terms of the will of Miss Mills required that
there should be an acceptance of its provisions by the Society
within a year after the death of her sister, Mrs. Helen E. Mills.
By the terms of the former's will, the Society is bequeathed
her one-half interest in the family homestead in Madison.
Having briefly explained the situation, Mr. Jones recom-
mended that the curators, at their executive meeting, take suit-
able action concerning it.
Mr. Jones then proceeded to call attention to the fact that
since the last business session of the Society, one of its mem-
bers and curators, John A. Aylward of Madison, had died. A
[12]
Sixty-Fifth Annual Meeting
short statement concerning Mr. Aylward's career was read by
Mr. Jones as follows:
John A. Aylward, long a member of this Society and one of its curators,
died November 13, 1916. Born of humble parentage at Black Earth, Wiscon-
sin, March 16, 1861, he was a fine example of an American self-made man.
After graduating from high school at the age of sixteen he became entirely
self-dependent, and by working in the summer with his father on the section
and teaching district school in the winter, he obtained funds to enable him
to attend the University of Wisconsin.
He graduated from the modern classical course in 1884, after having dis-
tinguished himself as president of his class and his literary society. During
his career as a student he won the sophomore semi-public debate and was a
a member of the champion debating team of 1883, at the time, the highest
literary honor in the University.
After teaching successfully for five years as principal of high schools, he
graduated from the University Law School in 1890, entering at once upon
the practice of his profession in the oflice of Bashford, O'Connor & PoUeys,
becoming a member of the firm a year later.
For fifteen years of his practice Mr. Aylward was city attorney of Madison.
In May, 1913, he was appointed United States attorney for the Western Dis-
trict of Wisconsin. He was one of the leaders of the Democratic party of
the state and twice its candidate for governor.
A resolution of" regard and SA^llpathy was then nnaniniously
adopted, as follows:
Whereas, Mr. John A. Aylward, of Madison, Wisconsin, was for many years
a loyal, active member of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin and a
member of its official board; and
Whereas, He was stricken by the inexorable hand of Death in the prime
of life and in the midst of his usefulness.
Therefore, Be It Resolved. That the State Historical Society of Wisconsin
deeply deplores his untimely death, and
Resolved, That the Superintendent of the Society be instructed to com-
municate this expression of sympathy to the members of the bereaved family
of the departed.
It was moved by Mr. Buell that the report and resolution
concerning Mr. Aylward be entered on the minutes of the So-
ciety. Unanimously adopted.
Official Beports
The Superintendent, on behalf of the executive committee,
submitted its annual report, which was unanimously adopted
and ordered placed on file. (See post, 21 for text.)
[13]
Wisconsin Historical Society
Chairman Morris of the committee on finance then presented
a report of the committee approving the report of Treasurer
L. S. Hanks for the year ending June 30, 1917. The report was
adopted. (See post, 50 for text.)
Mr. Morris presented, also, a supplementary statement with
reference to the salary paid the treasurer of the Society. On
motion of Mr. Morris the matter thus presented to the attention
of the Society was referred to the advisory committee with
power to take such action thereon as it may deem suitable. The
statement submitted by Mr. Morris follows :
To THE State Historical Societt of Wisconsin :
Supplemental to the usual report of the finance committee I submit the fol-
lowing :
At the time Mr. L. S. Hanks was made the treasurer of the Society, which
was seventeen years since, the total funds of the Society amounted to
$35,979.16. Since that time the assets have increased to the present sum of
$114,473.88. At the time that Mr. Hanks assumed the duties of treasurer, the
only funds were the General and Binding, the Antiquarian, and the Draper
funds. Since then there have been added the Mary M. Adams Art, the Anna
R. Sheldon Memorial, the Special Book, the HoUister Pharmaceutical, the
Emily House, and the Reuben G. Thwaites funds, increasing materially thereby
the complication of bookkeeping.
The total net amount of interest received upon all of these funds during the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1917 is $5,882.30, an excess of five per cent interest
upon the whole funds in the hands of the treasurer. The increase in interest
during the year added to the capital is in excess of $3,000.
The statement of the condition of the funds of the State Historical Society
as of July 1, 1917 shows investments amounting to the principal sum of
$105,300, and such sum was invested in notes and mortgages and in corporate
bonds. Interest has been paid with great promptness and during the entire
period of the administration of the funds by the treasurer there have been no
foreclosures and no material delays in the prompt payment of interest.
The work and responsibility connected with the administration of these funds
has been very considerable and has acquired and has received great care and
judgment on the part of the treasurer and all for the nominal and inadequate
compensation of $150 per year, this sum of $150 not having been increased
since the date of Mr. Hank's first appointment as treasurer, seventeen years
since.
Dated October 25, 1917 [Signed] W. A. P. Morris,
Chairman Finance Committee.
[14]
Sixty-Fifth Annual Meeting
Mr. P. V. Lawson introduced the question of the geographi-
cal distribution of the members of the Society's official board,
stating a belief that the Society would profit by a smaller Mad-
ison representation upon the official board, together with a
proportionately greater representation throughout the state.
Much discussion ensued, several motions being proposed which
failed for lack of a second or were ruled out of order by the
chairman. Father Knox stated on behalf of the advisory com-
mittee that this committee had given much thought during the
year to the question of a more suitable mode of procedure than
that hitherto in effect for the nomination of the officers of the
Society, as a result of which the committee had decided to sub-
mit to the Society a list of nominees for the offices to be filled,
said list to be submitted as bearing the recommendation of the
committee for such action as the Society might see fit to take
thereon. In place of the twelve curators whose terms expire at
the present meeting, the advisory committee recommended the
election of the following for the three-year term ending Avith
the annual meeting of 1920: Messrs. Rasmus B. Anderson,
Charles N. Brown, Harry E. Cole, Frederic K. Conover, J. H.
A. Lacher ; John Luchsinger, Sebastian G. Messraer, Barton L.
Parker, John B. Parkinson, Frederic L. Paxson, William A.
Scott, and Edward B. Steensland.
Mr. Lawson placed in nomination for the curators a list of
twelve names which he had prepared. On motion, the following
men, being the list reconunended by the advisory committee,
were elected curators for the ensuing three-year term : Messrs.
Rasmus B. Anderson, Charles N. Brown, Harry E. Cole, Fred-
eric K. Conover, J. H. A. Lacher, John Luchsinger, Sebastian
G. Messmer, Barton L. Parker, John B. Parkinson, Frederic
L. Paxson, "William A. Scott, and Edward B. Steensland.
Mr. Lawson moved that a committee of five be appointed by
the chair for the purpose of considering a plan for securing a
uniform geographical distribution of the board of curators
throughout the state. Unanimously adopted. The chairman
announced that appointments to the committee would be made
by him at some later time.
[15]
Wisconsin Historical Society
Keport of Auxiliary Societies
Animal reports were received from the Society's several aux-
iliary societies and they were ordered printed in the Proceed-
ings. (See post, 54 for text.)
No further business appearing, on motion the business ses-
sion of the Society stood adjourned.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING.
The annual meeting of the executive committee was called to
order by Chairman Knox, immediately succeeding the session
of the business meeting of the Society.
Present. Messrs. Harry E. Cole, Frederic K. Conover, Lueien S. Hanks,
Nils P. Haugen, Hjalmar R. Holand, Patrick B. Knox, J. H. A. Lacher, John
Luchsinger, William A. P. Morris, John B. Parkinson, William A. Scott, and
William W. Wight.
Advisory Committee
Father Knox, chairman of the advisory committee, reported
orally concerning its activities during the year. His report
showed that several meetings had been held and that a wide
range of questions had been under discussion, including such
matters as the budget, repairs to building, procedure at the an-
nual meeting, etc. The report as presented was unanimously
adopted.
Committee on Archives
In the absence of the chairman of the archives committee
(Professor Fish) the Superintendent reported that no meeting
had been held during the year, but that important work had
been undertaken nevertheless; Mr. Blegen of Milwaukee had
spent the summer investigating the archival situation in Wis-
consin and had submitted a thoroughgoing report on the sub-
ject; the committee had not taken action upon it as yet, but
there was little question that it would in due time order the
[163
Sixty-Fifth Annual Meeting
report printed. The report thus submitted was accepted by
the Society and the committee continued.
The matter of the National Highways Association, reported
a year ago to the advisory committee for action, was reported
upon by the Superintendent. He stated that the subject under
consideration had been duly presented to the Assembly commit-
tee on state affairs, of the recent legislature, which had listened
with much apparent interest to the presentation, but that no
action had resulted therefrom. The report was accepted and
the advisory committee discharged from further consideration
of the matter.
Election of New Members
The Superintendent presented to the executive committee a
list of those who during the year had signified their desire to
become members of the State Historical Society. On motion,
the names of those thus submitted were unanimously elected
to membership. The respective lists of life and annual mem-
bers thus elected are as follows :
liife
Louisville, Ky. — R. C. Ballard Thurston.
Madison — Mrs. Lucius Fairchild, Chester LloydJones, D. W. Mead, T. R.
Hefty, B. J. Halligan, Stanley C. Hanks, William H. Collins, and Joseph M-
Boyd.
Milwaukee — Miss EHizabeth G. Marshall, Clarence R. Palk.
Neenah — John Strange.
Sparta— Agnes R. Hill.
Superior — John S. Roeseler.
Annual
Appleton — J. S. Reeve.
Baraboo — J. T. Durward.
Beloit — C. D. Rosa.
Chicago, 111. — George Manierre, E. P. Farley.
Cornell — H. L. Tinker.
Detroit, Mich. — L. S. Kemnitz.
Green Bay — Earl Murray.
Holcombe — R. C. Rodecker.
Holden, Mo. — O. G. Boisseau.
[17]
Wisconsin Historical Society
Madison— H. H. RatclifE, A, T. Rogers, M. C. Riley, J. S. Main, C. H.
Crownhart, C. B. Lester, Mary Oakley, F. A. Ogg, W. H. Faust, F. M. Crow-
ley, W. T. Evjue.
Milwaukee — Charles D. Simonds.
Minneapolis, Minn. — Ruth Thompson.
Port Washington — A. D. Bolens.
Rosalia, Wash. — L. A. Quaife.
Stevens Point — M. M. Ames.
Ti'empealeau — A. A. Gibbs.
Washington, D. C. — A. T. Leith.
Waterloo — E. P. Winkelraan.
White Earth, Minn.— P. B. Gordon.
The situation with reference to the Burrows estate was ex-
plained to the Society by the Superintendent. He stated that
Mr. Burr Jones had been engaged by him with the knowledge
and approval of the advisory committee to act as the Society's
attorney for the protection of its interests in the premises. In
order to obviate all possibility of question arising as to Mr.
Jones 's authority thus to represent the Society in the capacity
of attorney, the following resolution, offered by the Superin-
tendent, was unanimously voted by the executive committee :
Resolved, That the action of the Superintendent and the advisory commit-
tee in taking steps for the determination of the rights, duties, and privileges
of the State Historical Society under the will of George B. Burrows be and
the same is hereby approved.
After the announcement by the chairman that a special meet-
ing of the executive committee which had been called for this
day would convene immediately after adjournment of the reg-
ular business meeting, the session stood adjourned.
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Knox.
Present: Messrs. Scott, Cole, Hanks, Lacher, Morris, Knox, Parkinson,
Steensland, Holand, Haugen, Conover, Wight and Luchsinger.
The chairman stated the purpose of the meeting to be the
consideration of the Genevieve Mills bequest to the Society.
[18]
Sixty-Fifth Annual Meeting
Considerable discussion ensued concerning the proper course
to take in the premises. Mr. Morris raised the question
whether the special meeting had been called in due legal form,
in view of the fact that the notices for it, sent out by the Su-
perintendent, had been enclosed with the call for the annual
meeting without having been separately signed. He advised
that no action be taken at this time, but that the committee ad-
journ with the understanding that a special meeting would be
called later to consider the subject. After considerable discus-
sion, participated in by Mr. Luchsinger, Professor Scott, and
others, it was moved and unanimously carried, that action with
reference to the Mills bequest be postponed to a future meeting
of the executive committee, the call for which should be issued
in accordance with due legal procedure. No further business
appearing, on motion the meeting stood adjourned.
OPEN SESSION
At 8 o'clock in the evening, ydth an attendance which com-
fortably filled the Society auditorium on the fourth floor, Carl
R. Fish, curator of the Society and professor of American his-
tory in 'the University of Wisconsin, delivered the annual ad-
dress before the Society on the subject, ''The Frontier, a
"World Problem."^
Following the address, punch was served by the ladies of the
Library staff, and an opportunity was afforded for social inter-
course and for viewing the collections on display in the mu-
seum.
In introducing the speaker of the evening Vice President
Luchsinger submitted the following remarks :
Membebs of the State Historical Society, Ladies and Gentlemen:
In the absence of your president it devolves upon me to present to you the
speaker who will now address you. The title of his subject, Frontier, does
not in itself promise a wide range, but I can assure you that much thought
^The address is printed in the Wisconsin Magazine of History for Decem-
ber, 1917.
[ 19 ]
Wisconsin Historical Society
and research will be brought to your notice, especially as applied to existing
conditions in this and other countries.
These surely are history-making times. At no period of this world's ex-
istence since people could make records of events, has the spirit of conquest
and defense been aroused so universally, the strife between hereditary ruler-
ship and government by the people been so deadly as in the three years just
gone by of the war in Europe, which from an apparently imimportant begin-
ning in a corner of the Austrian border now has involved all of civilized
Europe and North America not of the Latin race.
History does not record another like instance of war where the destruction
of human life has been so great and the waste of the fruits of industry and
peace have been so wanton and unparalleled. If great wars like great storms
purify as well as destroy, this one should leave the world swept clean of op-
pression and tyranny for all time. Let us hope that as one good result of
this war of waste and destruction peoples and nations will be united in con-
demning the murder of thousands by other thousands as it now condemns
and punishes the murder of one man by another.
I sincerely hope that when we meet again a year from now our own coun-
try will have done its part to achieve peace with honor, and will have done
its part to establish and maintain some great authority competent and wise
to hear, and with influence powerful to settle disputes between nations as be-
tween individuals. To that end every man and woman in this land should
give their best thought and influence, for by that we form what is termed
public opinion, which, when roused to action, whether it be in the new or old
world, carries all before it.
But now let me have the pleasure of introducing the speaker of the even-
ing. Professor Fish, who will address you.
[20]
REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
I FINANCIAL STATEMENT
State Appropriations
The year under review being the concluding year of the bien-
nium for which legislative appropriations are made, the income
of the Society from the state was the same as for the preceding
year, a total of $58,980. Of this sum $50,000 was granted un-
der subsection 1 (of section 172.28 of the statutes) for admin-
istrative and operating expenses; $780 was given under sub-
section 3 for property repairs and upkeep; and $8,200 under
subsection 4 for books, furniture, and permanent accessions.
The following statement summarizes the operations with re-
spect to these several funds, for the fiscal year ending June
30,1917:
Subsection 1
Receipts
Unexpended balance in State Treasury, July 1, 1916 . . $7,349.38
State appropriations for year ending June 30, 1917 . . . 50,000.00
From University of Wisconsin, balance due on joint account . 2,887.09
Total • . . . . $60,236.47
Disbursements
Salaries $42,219.62
Services 411.80
Supplies . . . . . . . . 2.339.31
Travel 524.09
Printing and illustrations .... 2.654.78
Binding 440.17
Repairs 21.21
Books 2,258.43
Freight and drayage 125.05
Express 229.69
Insurance 3,196.70
Postage 682.76
$55,103.61
Unexpended balance in State Treasury, July 1, 1917 . . 5,132.86
$60,236.47
[21]
Wisconsin Historical Society
Subsection 3
Receipts
Unexpended balance for year ending July 1, 1917 . . . $529.12
State appropriation for year ending June 30, 1917 . . . 780.00
$1,309.12
Disbursements
Property repairs ........ 1,309.12
Subsection 4
Receipts
State appropriation for year ending June 30, 1917 . . . $8,200.00
Disbursements
Books, periodicals, furniture, and Museum
exhibits $6,190.90
Binding 2.009.10 8,200.00
It will be noted that, as usual heretofore, the two smaller
appropriations (under subsections 3 and 4) were entirely used
by the Society, while at the end of the fiscal year there re-
mained to the credit of the large appropriation for operation
a balance of $5,132.86. This balance, however, was partly a
matter of bookkeeping methods in the state treasurer's office,
since properly chargeable against it were a number of bills for
books and for printing and binding, incurred for work ordered
during the year which had not been completed by July 1, 1917.
The outstanding fact in the Society's financial situation for
the year was the biennial session of the legislature with the
consequent passing of a new appropriation bill for the support
of the Society during the biennium beginning July 1, 1917. It
is gratifying to record in this connection that the amount
granted annually for operation was set at $52,000, an increase
of $2,000 over the sum accorded the Society for this purpose
during the preceding biennium. The two smaller appropria-
[22],
Executive Committee's Report
tions (under subsections 3 and 4) were continued at $780 and
$8,200 respectively; thus the total annual income granted for
the Society by the legislature for the biennium now current is
$60,980. In fixing this amount, however, the legislature took
account of the $5,132.86 balance with which the Society began
the new biennium. Dividing this sum between the two years
of the biennium, it is seen that the total annual support avail-
able from the state for the period is $63,546.43.
From one point of view the Society may well congratulate
itself that the legislators of Wisconsin regard its work highly
enough to devote to its annual upkeep such a sum of money
raised by the taxpayers. The needs of the Society, however,
are relative, not absolute. It would be vain to suppose that
the economic upheaval of recent years ha§ exempted it from
the financial pains and troubles which have been visited thereby
upon individuals and institutions generally. The salaries
paid to the Society's workers have always been notably mod-
est; the recent economic revolution has had the effect of ren-
dering them, for the present at least, painfully so. For the cur-
rent year the governing board of the Society has provided
some relief by granting modest salary increases in a consider-
able number of cases. It is but reasonable to expect that a
further adjustment of salaries must be made before long.
The matter of salaries is subject to the control, in the main,
of the Society's governing board. In the matter of supplies of
various kinds, books and periodicals for the library, and in
short practically everything (salaries aside) for which the So-
ciety spends its income, no such control exists. If a window
pane must be replaced or a supply of soap is needed, there can
be no choice but to pay the current market price therefor. The
cost of heating the library building has practically doubled
within two years' time. Evidently if the current economic re-
adjustment is to continue indefinitely, the income of the So-
ciety must either be increased or its activities be curtailed.
[23]
Wisconsin Historical Society
Private Funds
For an account of the origin and purpose of the several per-
manent private funds of the Society reference is made to re-
cent annual reports or to the constitution and by-laws of the
Society. The condition of the several funds at the close of the
year ending June 30, 1917, together with a comparison with the
condition at the close of the preceding fiscal year, may be seen
in the tabular statement which follows :
Fund
General and Binding
Antiquarian
Draper
Adams
Sheldon
Hollister
Thwaites
House
Special Book
Thwaites Portrait
Total
With respect to this showing several observations are in or-
der. To begin at the end of the list, the Thwaites Portrait
Fund represents a mere matter of bookkeeping. The Society
should direct its treasurer to dispose of this fund by returning
the $100 to the General and Binding Fund, from which the def-
icit in the popular subscription for the portrait was originally
taken. The Special Book Fund and the House Fund are not to
be considered as constituting a part of the permanent funds of
the Society. The money was given in each case for the reali-
zation of a particular object, the consummation of which (and
therewith the spending of the fund) only awaits the occurrence
of a suitable opportunity.
Of the $6,773.99 increase in the Society's funds during the
year, all but $212.75 (realized from the Hollister estate) came
from interest, membership dues, and the sale of duplicates.
The year 's addition to the funds from these normal sources of
1915-16
Increase
1916-17
$40,054.21
$1,965.99
$42,020.20
20.834.78
2,076.82
22,911.60
12,945.22
750.48
13.695.70
5,649.28
297.28
5,946.56
1,810.08
99.50
1.909.58
13,993.36
974.04
14,967.40
10,552.31
582.16
11.134.47
544.94
27.72
572.66
1,215.71
1.215.71
100.00
100.00
$107,699.89
$6,773.99
$114,473.88
[24]
Executive Committee's Report
income is the largest in recent years, if not indeed, the largest
in the Society's history. Probably it is larger than will again
be ^\itnessed for some time to come, since plans are under way
which contemplate the spending of the larger portion of the ex-
pected income from the Thwaites and General and Binding
funds.
By the will of George B. Burrows, who died at Madison in
1909, his residuary estate was left, subject to certain contingen-
cies, to the State Historical Society. His only surviving heir,
George T: Burrows, died at Louisville, Kentucky, in .October,
1916. The only other person financiall)^ interested in the es-
tate, which was left in the hands of trustees, is the widow of
George T. Burrows, who is to receive an annuity of $2,000 dur-
ing life or until remarriage. The question has now arisen as
to M'hether the trusteeship should terminate and the Society
come into possession of the property, subject, of course, to the
continuance of the widow's annuity, or whether the estate
should continue in the hands of the trustees until the death or
remarriage of Mrs. Burrows. Proper legal procedure has
been instituted looking to the securing of an authoritative con-
struction of the will. However the question may be deter-
mined, it seems evident that a considerable period of time must
elapse before the Society will actually obtain possession of the
estate.
Another of the year's developments finds proper record at
this place. Near the close of 1916 occurred the death of Miss
Genevieve Mills, of Madison, daughter of Simeon and Maria
Mills, pioneer residents of Madison and Wisconsin. By the
terms of Miss Mills's will, her half interest in the parental
homestead at the corner of Wilson Street and Monona Avenue,
Madison, is bequeathed to the Society, ' ' as a tribute to the loy-
alty of my mother Maria L. Mills and my father Simeon Mills
toward the State and the State Historical Society they loved
and helped to found. ' ' The sum realized from the property is
to constitute a perpetual fund to be known as ''the Maria L.
and Simeon Mills Editorial Fund ' ' ; the proceeds of this fund
are to be devoted to the editing of materials for middle-west-
[25]
Wisconsin Historical Society
em history, preferably for that of Wisconsin itself. The pres-
ent value of the gift is supposed to be upwards of $25,000.
How soon it will become available to the Society is still uncer-
tain.
II THE LIBRARY
The Staff
A considerable number of changes in the library and care-
takers ' . staffs have occurred during the year.- Of our small
group of workers eligible for military service two have already
volunteered, Theron Brown of the document division and Lyell
Deaner of the newspaper division. The place of the former has
not yet been filled ; that of the latter has been taken by Gaige
Koberts, of Madison. Pauline Buell and Mabel Swerig, both
efficient workers in the reference division, resigned at the close
of the year, the one to enter upon the vocation of matrimony,
the other to pursue a course of professional study at Pratt In-
stitute. Lydia M. Brauer of the editorial staff was compelled
by illness to resign her position in January, 1917. The leave
of absence granted to Anna Jacobsen a year ago was made per-
manent by her resignation in June. Ora I. Smith, chief of the
order department, Eleanore E. Lothrop, superintendent's sec-
retary, Mary Farley, office assistant, and Alice Whitney, of the
museum staff, resigned at different times during the year to
accept other employment. To fill in part the vacancies noted,
the following persons have been brought to the library:
Frances James, formerly of the Mayo Medical Library at
Eochester, as cataloger ; Eva Dussell, as superintendent 's sec-
retary ; Ruth Roberts, as museum assistant ; and John W. Oli-
ver, formerly of the Indiana State Library, and Marguerite
Jenison, as research and editorial workers. At the time of
making this report two or three positions on the staff still re-
main vacant ; they wiU not be filled until the session of the Uni-
versity has progressed to a point which will afford some indi-
cation of the probable attendance, and so of the demands to be
made on the library during the coming year.
[26]
Elxecutive Committee's Report
But one resignation from the caretakers* staff has occurred
during the year, that of Fred Kowalski, elevator attendant;
the place has been filled by the appointment of Charles Miller,
of Madison. A regular night watchman has for the first time
been added to the Society's staff in the person of Wallace
Fusch.
The Growth of the Library
The several departments of the Library have experienced a
healthy growth during the year. Data concerning the growth
of the museum, the maps and manuscripts, and the newspaper
divisions are presented in connection with the accounts of these
several departments' activities during the year. The follow-
ing statistics conveniently summarize the growth of the Li-
brary (exclusive of museum specimens and manuscripts) for
the year closing September 20, 1917 :
Books by purchase (including exchanges)
Books by gift
Total books
Pamphlets by purchase (including exchanges)
Pamphlets by gift .....
Pamphlets made from newspaper clippings
Total pamphlets ....
Bound volumes of newspapers by purchase
(including exchanges)
Bound volumes of newspapers by gift
Total newspaper volumes
Total accession of titles (excluding en
gravings, photographs, and maps)
Engravings, photographs, and maps by purchase
(including exchanges)
Engravings, photographs, and maps by gift
Total engravings, photographs, and maps
Present (estimated) strength of the Library:
Books and newspapers
Pamphlets
Total number of titles (books, pamph
lets, and newspapers)
2.618
2,423
739
4.344
400
603
432
304
3,466
5,041
6.483
1,035
12.559
3,771
200.756
209,092
409,848
[27]
1916 1917
12.561
12,559
76
65
24
35
4,818
3,994
8,952
9,386
14,527
17.591
424
432
32
34
68
66
Wisconsin Historical Society
Comparative Statistics for 1916 and 1917
Total accessions (books, pamphlets, and newa
papers)
Percentage of gifts in accessions
Percentage of purchases (including exchanges)
Books by gift (including duplicates)
Pamphlets (including duplicates)
Engravings, photographs, and maps (including
duplicates) .....
Newspapers by gift ....
Percentage of gifts that were duplicates
Percentage of gifts that were accessions
A brief historical resume of the growth of the Library re-
veals some interesting facts. In 1854, at the beginning of Dr.
Draper's administration, it contained 50 titles. When he re-
signed the secretaryship of the Society in 1887, these had in-
creased to 118,666. The average annual increase during Dr.
Draper's regime was, therefore, slightly less than 3,400 titles.
During the twenty-six years of Dr. Thwaites' administration
246,000 titles were added to the Library, an annual average of
9,460 titles. The four years of the present administration
have witnessed a total increase of 45,000 titles. For the entire
period beginning with 1854 the average annual increase in
titles has been 6,500. The 100,000 mark was passed only in
1883, however, almost midway of the period under review.
The 200,000 mark was reached in 1899, sixteen years being re-
quired to gain the second hundred thousand titles. The third
100,000 were acquired in the nine-year period ending with
1908 ; and the fourth 100,000 in the same period of time, ending
with the present year. There has been but slight variation in
the annual rate of increase since the removal of the Library
from the Capitol to its present quarters in 1901.
Comparison of the figures for the years 1916 and 1917 with
respect to accessions of engravings, photographs, and maps
discloses a six-fold increase in the latter year over the former
(from 614 to 3,771). The facts underlying this striking de-
velopment merit a word of explanation. Through the inter-
cession of Mr. Richard Lloyd Jones, of Madison, Mr. Court-
[28]
Executive Committee's Report
land Smith, president of the American Press Association, be-
gan in February, 1917, to donate the fine pictorial news service
of his Association to the Society. In this way hundreds of
timely photographs of the more interesting and important con-
temporary occurrences of the world are being filed annually
for permanent preservation. What this service will mean to
the future social historian can best be realized by contempla-
ting what it would mean to the present investigator to have
access to such a collection of pictures for any period of human
history now past. Although the new service was sought and
gained without any reference to America 's impending entrance
upon the war (which took place a few months later) its insti-
tution in time to catch all the service for this event of the
greatest pictorial news-gathering association in the world was
especially timely and gratifying.
Newspaper Division
In two general directions special effort has been made dur-
ing the year to strengthen this department of the library. The
work, described in the last annual report, looking to the build-
ing up of a subscription list adequately representative of the
country as a whole and with special emphasis placed upon the
mid-western section which the Society aims to cultivate with
particular intensiveness, has been brought to a state of com-
pletion during the year, and it is believed that our list of pa-
pers currently received is now as broadly representative of the
entire field the library cultivates as the present funds and stor-
age facilities of the Society mil permit. The Library is now
receiving one or more leading dailies from the chief cities
throughout the United States, while for the mid-western sec-
tion of the country papers are being received from a number
of the more important cities in each state. Curiously enough,
notwithstanding these considerable additions to the newspaper
subscription list of the Society, the figures with respect to the
total number of papers received are not materially increased
over those of other years. The explanation of this lies in the
[29]
Wisconsin Historical Society
fact that the Ust of papers supplied free to the Society by the
publishers has decreased somewhat ; in some cases this is due
to a suspension of publication, in others to the fact that the ab-
normal economic situation attendant upon war-time conditions
leads the publisher to economize by cutting off his free list.
Thus is afforded but one of many illustrations of the way in
which the world war has interfered with the normal workings
of an institution seemingly so remote from its influences as a
state historical society. Thus, too, the increase in our paid
subscription list suffices merely to keep pace, so far as num-
bers are concerned, with the decrease in our complimentary
list. ,There is a real and decided increase in the general qual-
ity and importance of the list of papers received, however, since
the papers newly subscribed for are chosen from the leading
dailies of the country ; while those discontinued are more com-
monly minor, and especially rural, publications.
A vigorous effort was made, also, during the year to accel-
erate the rate of growth of the Society's noncurrent newspa-
per files. Visits were made to a number of the leading insti-
tutions of the country which possess files of newspapers, and
negotiations looking to exchange or purchase of duplicate files
were opened in a number of cases. Many obstacles to the suc-
cessful prosecution of such work exist, however. In the light
of the experience gained it is certain that by maintaining a
competent field agent the Society could acquire much material
which, in the absence of such a worker, will never come to it.
At the same time it seems evident that positive results from
such work can be expected to accrue only gradually. The im-
mediate results of the initial essay of the past year in the
newspaper field are reflected in the statistics and list of acces-
sions. But if all the prospects uncovered should ultimately
materialize, the showing of eventual gain to the Society will
be several times as great as the one now set forth.
Reference only is made at this place to the work upon a sup-
plementary checklist of the Society's newspaper collection, de-
scribed more fully in the division of this report devoted to the
research and publication division.
[30],
Executive Committee's Report
The yearns increase in bound volumes of newspapers was
1,040, as compared with 825 for the preceding year. Of the
total number acquired, 598 volumes were purchased, 432 were
acquired by gift, and 10 volumes were secured through ex-
change. On October 1, 1917 the newspaper collection con-
tained 25,590 bound volumes, as compared with 24,550 vol-
umes a year earlier. On January 1, 1917, 620 newspapers
were beng currently received, an increase of 36 over the pre-
ceding year. Of this total, 299 were Wisconsin papers, 211
non- Wisconsin, and 110 were trade journals and miscellaneous.
The following list summarizes in convenient form the more
important acquisitions of noncurrent newspaper files :
Boston Netos-Letter, 5 vols, (photostat copies), 1719-25.
Philadelphia Gazette of the United States, 2 vols., 1792-93.
London (Eng.) Examiner, 4 vols., 1808-29.
Portsmouth (N. H.) Journal, 13 vols., 1824-29.
Lexington (Ky.) Western Luminary, 2 vols., 1826-29.
New York Sentinel, 1 vol., 1830-32.
New York Workingman's Advocate, 1 vol., 1834-35.
New York Man, 2 vols., 1834-35.
New Y^rk American Messenger, 1 vol., 184S-45.
Rising Sun (Ind.) Blade, 3 vols., 1843-48.
Racine AdvocHfte, 3 vols., 1844-84.
Skaneateles (N. Y.) Democrat, 2 vols., 1844-49.
New York Herald, 4 vols., 1849-51.
New York Citizen, 2 vols., 1854-55.
Freeport (111.) Journal, 47 vols., 1856-1913.
Philadelphia Weekly Whig, 1 vol., 1858.
Freeport (111.) Wide Awake, 1 vol., 1860.
Seneca Falls (N. Y.) Millennial Harbinger, 1 vol., 18W-62.
FishklU (N. Y.) Journal, 12 vols., 1865-89.
St. Paul Northwestern Chronicle, 6 vols., 1866-72.
Cincinnati Catholic Telegr\aph, 1 vol., 1868.
FYeeport (111.) Bulletin, 1 vol., 1868-69.
Richmond (Va.) State Journal, 3 vols., 1871.
Freeport (111.) Monitor, 1 vol., 1874-75.
Cherokee (Kans.) Sentinel of Liberty, 1 vol., 1879-80.
Minneapolis Northwestern Miller, 1 vol., 1891.
New York Times, 8 vols., 1898.
La Crosse Tribune. 26 vols., 1904-17.
Washington National Tribune, 6 vols., 1908-17.
Topeka State Journal, 14 vols., 1909-12.
[31]
Wisconsin Historical Society
Catalogue, Reference, Order, and Public Document Division
In general the ordinary routine of work, the nature of which
has been adequately explained in preceding reports, has occu-
pied the time of these divisions of the library during the year.
At the present time it will suffice to call attention briefly to cer-
tain special aspects of the year's activities.
In the catalogue division the work of cataloguing the Tank
Collection of books, intermitted last year through the depart-
ure of Miss Jacobsen, has been resumed with vigor, Miss
Frances James, formerly of Rochester, Minnesota, having been
engaged to devote her entire attention to this work. It is ex-
pected that it will be completed some time during the spring of
1918. Then only will this unique collection of books, presented
to the Society several decades ago, become really accessible to
students.
Another outstanding feature of work in this division has
been the replacing of the old guide cards in the catalogue by
new ones ; the work of substituting cards for soiled and broken
ones in the catalogue is also being prosecuted. '
The routine work of the reference division is largely a mat-
ter of housekeeping. With some 400,000 volumes on the
shelves, and with 1,000 to 1,500 readers a day in the building,
most of whom have free access to the stacks, it may readily be
seen that the mere task of keeping the books in proper physi-
cal order is by no means slight. The workers in this division
assist readers in finding their material, advise them concern-
ing the resources of the library with respect to their several
lines of inquiry, and answer questions which come in by mail.
Once a year an inventory of the entire contents of the library is
taken, in order to determine what is missing, and to pass upon
the physical condition of the volumes. In this connection it
may be noted that a book misplaced is, until restored to its
proper position, a book nonexistent for all practical purposes.
In this division, too, the labeling, marking, and repairing of
books, and the routine of preparing them for sending to the
bindery are attended to. During the year upwards of 400
[32]-
Executive Committee's Report
bound scrapbook volumes of newspaper clippings are made up,
the contents pertaining to Wisconsin local history, necrology,
and similar subjects. All Wisconsin biographical and necro-
logical material is listed in a special card catalogue, so that ref-
erences can conveniently be had to the entire resources of the
library in this field. This catalogue undoubtedly constitutes
by far the most comprehensive and valuable reference list of
Wisconsin men and women in existence.
The order division sustained during the year the loss of its
efficient chief, Or a Smith. Marjorie Park, for several years
an assistant in the division, has assumed the responsibility of
its work. Prior to this (in February) Genevieve Deming had
begun work in the division. Special efforts have been made to
learn of and solicit all current material bearing on the war, and
to catch a copy of each of the public documents w^hich pour
from the printing presses in ever-increasing numbers.
The staff of the public document division remained as here-
tofore until the beginning of September, w^hen Theron Brown
resigned to enlist in the military service of the nation.
The reports made by investigators to the United States
Commission on Industrial Relations, presented to the Library
by Professor John R. Commons, a member of the commission,
were catalogued and permanently arranged during the year.
Comprising more than a hundred volumes of typewritten man-
uscripts, these reports, which will never be printed, constitute
a veritable mine of information on present-day industrial con-
ditions in America.
The War Department documents were recatalogued and re-
classified during the year, and numerous gaps in the files were
filled. Special efforts are being put forth to obtain copies of
all documents of current issue with respect to the war. Refer-
ence only is made here to the new monthly checklist of Wis-
consin documents undertaken during the year ; a fuller account
of the enterprise is given in the section of the annual report
devoted to research and publication work.
[33]
Wisconsin Historical Society
Map, Manuscript, and Illustration Division \
Administration
In accordance with the arrangement made a year ago with
the Filson Club of Louisville, during a large part of the year
an additional worker has been engaged upon the calendaring
of the Draper manuscripts. The present staff consists of Miss
Weaks, chief of the division, Miss Congdon, cataloguer and
room attendant, Mr. Berigan, photostater and repairer of
manuscripts, and Miss Jenison, who divides her time between
calendaring and general editorial work.
A special effort has been made during the year to improve
the character of our photostat work. To this end the assist-
ance of Mr. Hesse of Louisville, an expert photographer and
photostater, was invoked, and he spent ten days in Madison
advising concerning the improvement of our photostatic equip-
ment and giving instructions in the conduct of the work. New
tanks have been installed, the photostat has been repaired, and
an electric drier has been added at a cost of $200. It is grat-
ifying to record in this connection, as an evidence of the neigh-
borly relations which prevail between this Society and its old-
est American exemplar, the Massachusetts Historical Society,
that the latter institution, which employs a veteran photog-
rapher and engages in photostatic work on a much larger scale
than does our own, has extended the offer to pay the expense
of sending our operator to Boston for a suitable period of in-
struction in the use of the photostat. The enlightened and
progressive policy which characterizes the administration of
the oldest of American historical societies might well afford an
object of more zealous emulation on the part of many of its
compeers throughout the country.
During the summer Mr. Theodore Blegen was employed by
the Society to devote his time, in part, to sorting and classify-
ing the Henry D. Lloyd papers. These have now been clas-
sified and arranged in boxes in the manuscript room in suitable
condition for permanent preservation and administration. On
[34] .
Executive Committee's Report
September 1, Mr. Oliver of the editorial staff began the task of
sorting and classifying the large mass of papers acquired a
year ago from the adjutant general's office. In the repair of
manuscripts chief attention has been devoted during the year
to repairing and mounting, preparatory to binding, the Weller
papers. In this connection we have devised a modification of
the method employed with the older and more fragile manu-
scripts, which makes possible a greater rate of progress in the
work.
The work of classifying and recataloguing the maps of the
Society, begun last year by Miss Congdon, has at length been
completed. As a result 5,390 separate maps have been newly
catalogued, 2,300 of them during the year just closed. It now
remains to analyze and catalogue the numerous maps in the
Society's large collection of atlases. During the year 135
maps have been sent to the bindery for appropriate treatment.
Accessions
The year's record of manuscript accessions has been very
gratifying. It includes four large and important collections
of original papers, an important card index of western papers
in the archives at Washington, and many items of lesser bulk
and importance.
Through the agency of Professor R. T. Ely, the private pa-
pers of Henry Demarest Lloyd have been presented to the So-
ciety by Mr. Lloyd 's daughter. Mr. Lloyd was one of the most
active social reformers of the later nineteenth century. The
acquisition of his papers gives further strength to the re-
sources, already notable, of the library in the field of economic
and social subjects.
At the beginning of the year Miss Julia A. Lapham, daugh-
ter of Dr. Increase A. Lapham, formerly a president of the
Society, turned over to it her father's valuable collection of
private papers. Concerning the importance of Dr. Lapham 's
self-effacing services in the development of pioneer Wisconsin
it would be difficult to exaggerate. An attempt to characterize
them and to appreciate his career has been made by the super-
[35]
Wisconsin Historical Society
intendent in the initial number of the Wisconsin Magazine of
History. Perusal of this article will afford a fuller indication
than can be presented here, of the character and value of the
Lapham papers. With respect to their bulk it may be noted
that the accumulated records of Lapham 's busy scholarly ca-
reer practically filled a large trunk. Since their receipt they
have been suitably classified and arranged in boxes on the
shelves of the manuscript room.
Concerning the largest and perhaps most important group
of papers acquired during the year, the contents of which must
be sealed for a considerable term of years, it is premature to
speak at this time. The fourth collection alluded to above,
smaller in bulk than any of the others, differs from them like-
wise in consisting of photographic copies rather than original
papers. For several years the Carnegie Institution at Wash-
ington has been searching the archives of the Indies at Seville
for material pertinent to American history. As one result of
this search, photographic copies have been made of the dis-
patches of the Spanish governors of Louisiana to the captains
general of Cuba for the years 1766-91. One of the sets of
photographs made has come by purchase to our Society.
These papers should supplement usefully the collection of
prints concerning Spanish activities in the Mississippi Valley
acquired two years ago from the Archival Nacional de Cuba.
Of minor items acquired mention may be made of the fol-
lowing : Newton H. Culver, of Soldiers ' Home, California, who
contributed an article on Major Isaac N, Earl to the Proceed-
ings for 1916, has presented his war-time diary (June, 1861 to
November, 1864) together with comrades' letters and copies of
official documents relative to Earl's corps of scouts. The com-
plete records for a period of sixty years, of Madison Hand Fire
Engine Company Number 2, 1856-1917, have been turned over
to the Society by the four surviving members of this veteran
organization. Howard Greene of Milwaukee, whose gifts to
the library have been numerous, has presented a considerable
number of official records of the Fourth Wisconsin Infantry
during the Spanish War, also a series of articles on * * Thomas
[36]
Executive Committee's Report
Gardner and his Nantucket descendants" published in the
Nantucket Inquirer in 1862, together with charts and additions
by Mr. Greene. Three interesting manuscript narratives have
been received during the year, most of which will be published,
probably, in due time by the Society. William S. Bond, of Chi-
cago, has presented his grandfather 's account of his coming to
Wisconsin in 1836 and the settlement and early years of Beloit.
George Manierre of Chicago has presented the narrative of his
early recollections of life at Big Foot Lake (now Lake Geneva).
To George M. Paine of Oshkosh the Society is indebted for a
manuscript history of Company G, First Wisconsin Cavalry.
Ill THE MUSEUM
Office and Other Work
One of the most interesting of the tasks undertaken by the
museum during the year was the assembling of a collection of
the numerous posters, handbills, and circulars issued and in
use by the Federal government, national, state and local organ-
izations, and business houses in the United States, England,
Canada, and other countries in connection with the conduct of
the present war.
In the effort to make this exhibit an adequately representa-
tive one, an extensive correspondence w^as carried on with gov-
ernment departments, organizations, and individuals, and the
assistance of various friends was enlisted. The collection thus
made now numbers about 400 specimens. Additions to it are
constantly being made.
In November, 1916 an exhibition of a collection of foreign
war posters, principally British, was made in the museum au-
ditorium by the Madison Art Association. Some of the finest
examples shown were purchased by Mrs. Hobart Johnson,
Mrs. Reuben G. Thwaites, Mrs. Elizabeth T. Wood, Mrs. W. S.
Cargill, and other friends, and were presented to the Society.
During July, 1917 the museum made an extensive special ex-
hibit of its own collection of posters in the print room which
[37]
Wisconsin Historical Society
was visited by hundreds of persons. A selected series of over
one hundred posters is now being shown in an exhibition room
just opened to the public.
During the year a new catalogue of the portraits, paintings,
and statuary in the museum, prepared in 1916 by Mrs. Helen
Gilman Wing, has been published. The total number of por-
traits in the Society's possession is now 241. The care of this
large collection of paintings, many of which were painted fifty
or more years ago, involves a good deal of labor. During the
year fifty picture frames were repaired and regilded.
The museum's collection of American and foreign postage
stamps, covers, and postcards, the assembling of which was
begun in 1916, has now assumed large proportions. During
the year the classification and mounting of the stamp collec-
tion in convenient form for consultation by students has been
undertaken.
. The costume picture collection has grown until it now con-
sists of about 700 sheets of illustrations. The classification and
mounting of the hundreds of pictures contained on these sheets
has required the expenditure of a large amount of time and
labor. The collection is in almost constant use by the Univer-.
sity students and other persons engaged in the organizing and
costuming of historical pageants, festivals, and plays. Sev-
eral special exhibitions of it have been made, and a portion of
it was recently loaned for use in the costuming of the Kansas
City pageant.
For the state convention of the Wisconsin Medical Society,
held at the Capitol on October 4-6, 1916 the museum assembled
a collection of books, pamphlets, photographs, medicines, and
surgical implements illustrating the medical history of the
state. It was shown in the corridor leading to the convention
hall where it attracted much attention from the visiting physi-
cians and surgeons. It was the direct means of securing valu-
able gifts for the Society.
The museum was opened to the public on one Sunday after-
noon during each of the months of November, January, and
March. It was opened, also, on several evenings for recep-
[ 38 ]
Executive Committee's Report
tions of the Madison Art Association, and, upon special re-
quest, for a farmers' convention. On the evening of Decem-
ber 30, a reception was tendered the members of the Prairie
Club of Chicago and the John Muir Club of Madison. An ex-
hibit of materials illustrating the early history of Chicago was
an interesting feature of this occasion.
School and University Instruction
The total attendance of pupils of local and other schools at
the museum during the year was 1,258, which falls but little
short of last year's attendance. The number of visiting
classes increased from 17 to 21 in the instance of the Madison
schools, and from 25 to 91 in the instance of schools coming
from other cities and districts. On several occasions by ar-
rangement with the county superintendents the schools of an
entire country district or schools from several districts came
to the museum at the same time. The twenty-one classes which
came from the Madison schools brought a total of 453 pupils.
These were of all grades from the kindergarten to the eighth.
Classes from both the city and the University high schools
made a number of visits. The schools from outside of Madi-
son brought a total of 805 children to the museum.
Twenty-four classes from the University with a total of 652
students representing eight different departments came to the
museum for lectures or other instruction. Special exhibits
were arranged for a number of these classes to whom instruc-
tion was given both by the instructor in charge, and by the
chief of the museum or his assistant.
Special and Art Exhibits
Twenty-two special exhibits were made, most of which were
installed in the print room and the adjoining south hall. In
each case the subjects illustrated received the most exhaustive
treatment possible. The first of these exhibits was one illus-
trating the history of the automobile. To it a number of the
best known automobile manufacturers kindly contributed a
[39]
Wisconsin Historical Society
series of photographs both of their earliest and their most
modern machines, and other materials. In November, shortly
before the national election, a large display of American presi-
dential campaign buttons, medals, badges, and ballots was
made. Following this came the customary Christmas exhibit,
and later others, illustrating valentines, 1840-1910, the history
of buttons, German proclamations to the Belgians and French,
Soudanese postage stamps and covers, current war literature,
the Daily Cardinal silver jubilee, and old-fashioned hats and
bonnets.
With the cooperation of Professor Kremers, director of the
course, a series of historical exhibits was planned for the stu-
dents in the pharmaceutical department of the University.
Two of these, illustrating the pharmacist in literature and
American and European almanacs have been made. A third
special exhibit, illustrating pharmaceutical pots has recently
succeeded these. Although installed for the students, these
exhibits have proved interesting and instructive to other visi-
tors. Other special exhibits now in place include Civil War
letters, the history of jewelry, and publicity and special events
postal cancellations.
In the museum auditorium the Madison Art Association has
made exhibitions throughout the year. These were begun with
one illustrating Italian crafts work, a series of fine landscapes
by William H. Varnum being shown at the same time. An ex-
hibition of recent work in American sculpture included exam-
ples of the work of C. S. Pietro, Helen Farnsworth Mears,
Henri Crenier, Alfeo Faggi, Grace Mott Johnson, and other
well-kno\\Ti sculptors. In connection with this exhibition,
which brought hundreds of visitors to the museum, a public
lecture on the "Importance of Sculpture" was given by Alvin
Polasek.
During the month of February the art display was one illus-
trating Russian peasant industries in linens, lace, carved wood,
lacquer, and enamel. This was followed in March and April
by exhibitions of Japanese prints and stencils, a display of il-
lustrations of modern stage settings and costumes, an exhibi-
[40]
Executive Committee's Report
tion of etchings by the famous English artist, A. Hugh Fisher,
and a collection of miniatures by Mrs. F. A. Bridge. An ex-
hibition of portraits by the Chicago artist. Christian Abraham-
sen, received the favorable attention of many visitors. An at-
tractive exhibit of forty-five large and small canvasses by
Birge and Alexander Harrison, on view throughout the sum-
mer and early autumn, was supplemented by a collection of
water colors by William J. Phillips during the summer session.
Accessions
The number of additions to the collections is 748, of which
378 are historical and 370 are anthropological in character.
Of the total number, 622 are gifts, 97 deposits, and the re-
mainder were acquired by purchase.
Among the many gifts which are worthy of special attention
are two wooden clocks and a barometer, made by John Muir
during his student days in the University in the early sixties,
and a series of mehanical drawings made by him at the same
time. These are placed in the museum by the University,
which received them from Muir's estate. As the clocks, un-
fortunately, are dismantled and incomplete, they cannot be
permanently installed until the missing parts are recovered.
A search for these is being made by the daughter and the
friends of the famous writer and geologist at his California
home.
The four survivors of the Madison Hand Engine Company
No. 2, which was organized in 1856, have presented the records
and trophies of this organization. From the late W. W. War-
ner of Madison have come a fine Swiss music box, a collection
of 300 Indian stone and metal implements, and other speci-
mens. The collection of early American and English china-
ware has received some notable additions. Among these are
a large platter received from the estate of Miss Genevieve M.
Mills, Madison ; a willow ware and two luster ware dinner sets,
deposited by Mrs. Lydia S. Winterbotham of Dunedin, Flor-
ida ; four plates presented by Ella S. Gernon of Madison ; two
[41]
Wisconsin Historical Society
cups and saucers and other specimens deposited by Elizabeth
W. Pike of Madison; two Chelsea cups and saucers, a silver
luster goblet, and other chinaware obtained through other
sources.
Mr. Harry Gr. Dyer has prepared for the museum a fine min-
iature model of the logging sleds formerly in use in Wisconsin
lumber camps.
A Moro flag taken in the Philippine Islands by Company
A, Second U. S. Cavalry and a Spanish flag taken from the
customs house at Santiago, Cuba, at the time of its surrender
in 1898, are deposited by Miss A. C. Anderson. Company
G, First Wisconsin Infantry, has placed in the museum's
care the large, silver loving cup (Army and Navy News)
trophy won by this regiment in the Twelfth Division Football
Championship when encamped on the Mexican border during
1916.
Archeological Activities
The publications issued by the Wisconsin Archeological So-
ciety since the last report are The Antiquities of Green Lake,
by Charles E. Brown, Grant County Indian Remains, by Al-
bert 0. Barton and Charles E. Brown, and Lake Shawano and
the Wolf River, by George E. Fox and Harvey 0. Younger.
Explorations have been conducted by the Society in Adams,
Sheboygan, and Door counties. The notable intaglio Indian
effigy mound, the only example of its type in Wisconsin, which
is located on the outskirts of Fort Atkinson has been secured
for permanent preservation.
IV RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIOlSr DIVISION
I
Staff
The resignation of Mr. Merk at the beginning of the year,
and the illness of Miss Brauer at mid-year were the occasion of
some disturbance of the plans laid down for the year's work.
Nevertheless much has been accomplished in this field, and the
record of publications is probably the most notable in the his-
[ 42 ]
Executive Committee's Report
tory of the Society. In July Miss Jenison took up her work
as editorial assistant and calendarer of the Draper manu-
scripts, and in September, just at the close of the year Mr.
Oliver began work as general research and editorial assistant.
The staff of the division now consists of Miss Kellogg and Mr.
Oliver on practically full time basis, and Miss Jenison, Miss
Nunns, and the Superintendent devoting more or less time to
this branch of the Society's work. In this connection, Mr.
Mereness, who is directing the work in the Washington ar-
chives to which the Society contributes, should also be men-
tioned.
Publications Issued
Four substantial volumes, three bulletins of information, a
monthly checklist of Wisconsin state documents, a monthly
press bulletin, and the initial number of a new quarterly mag-
azine, constitute the list of the Society's publications for the
year. With one possible exception it is believed that no other
historical society in America has issued as large a volume of
publications as this during the past year. More important
than the matter of quantity, however, is that of quality; in
this respect, also, it is believed that our publications fairly
take rank wtith those of the leading historical agencies of Amer-
ica.
The volumes issued were : the Proceedings of the Society for
1916 ; Collections, volumes XXIII and XXIV, both devoted to
continuing the Draper Series; and volume I of the Society's
newly-instituted series of Studies. The bulletins of informa-
tion were : No. 85, List of Paintings in the Historical Museum,
October, 1916; No. 86, Periodicals and Newspapers Currently
Received at the Wisconsin Historical Library, February, 1917 ;
No. 87, The Public Document Division of the Wisconsin His-
torical Library, March, 1917.
The volume of Proceedings for 1916 is expected to be the last
of the series of books issued in this form. Publication of the
annual report, which has served to give title to the volume, will
be continued, probably as a handbook or pamphlet, but the his-
[43]
Wisconsin Historical Society
torical articles, which have long comprised the greater portion
of the volume, will in future find a more timely if not a better
medium of publication in the new quarterly Wisconsin Maga-
zine of History.
The two volumes of Collections issued logically continue the
work begun a dozen years ago with the publication, under the
joint auspices of the Wisconsin Society, Sons of the American
Kevolution and the State Historical Society, of the Documen-
tary History of Dunmore's War. Under the same joint aus-
pices two more volumes (Revolution on the Upper Ohio 1775-
1777, and Frontier Defense on the Upper Ohio, 1777-1778)
were later published. With Volumes XXIII and XXIV of the
Collections the Society now resumes the publication of docu-
mentary material pertaining to the Revolution in the West.
Volume XXIII, entitled Frontier Advance on the Upper Ohio,
1778-1779, carries forward the story to the mid-period of the
struggle for independence while volume XXIV, Frontier Re-
treat on the Upper Ohio, 1779-1781, brings it into the conclud-
ing period of the war. Both these volumes have been edited
by Louise P. Kellogg of the Society's research staff. With
the completion of this series of documentary volumes, which
logically should be reached with the Treaty of Greenville in
1795, the Society will have been instrumental in making ac-
cessible to students an exceedingly valuable series of source
publications on the history of the West.
Volume I of the Studies is Mr. Merk's Economic History of
Wisconsin During the Civil War Decade, work upon which was
begun by the author under the auspices of the History Com-
mission several years ago. Although out but a short period at
the time of this writing, the book has already attracted wide-
spread attention and, apparently, invariably favorable com-
ment. Professor Fish, one of the country's best-known spe-
cialists in the Civil War period, characterizes it as **the most
comprehensive treatment of the economic history of any state
during the constitutional period, taking rank with Bruce 's Vir-
ginia and Weeden's New England. The author has produced
a book which is of interest not only to the state with which it
[44] ■
Executive Committee's Report
deals, but to every student of American history. ' ' And again,
"the technical character of the work is high. Newspapers and
statistics not only were used, but are analyzed. The great re-
sources of the State Historical Library were supplemented by
personal interviews. The volume contains ample portraits, il-
lustrations, a map, and index, but no bibliography."
Although a minor publication, it seems proper to call atten-
tion to the interesting character of Bulletin of Information No.
87, The Public Document Division of the Wisconsin Historical
Library, written by Anna W. Evans, chief of the division. It
not only serves the purpose of a guide to our own library, but
it constitutes a bibliographical treatise, valuable to any library
or worker interested in the subject of public documents. Our
library has probably the most comprehensive collection of pub-
lic documents to be found west of the Alleghenies, consisting
of municipal, state, and national documents, together with those
of Great Britain. These several series are accurately and
trenchantly described ; furthermore the author has the faculty
somewhat rare, it is to be feared, of making the reader feel that
the documents she describes are intensely human things, in-
tended as friendly aids and companions of the student. Some
slight indication of appreciation of the bulletin is afforded by
the fact that the Chicago Public Library, to which one copy
had been sent in accordance with our regular exchange rela-
tions, promptly requested the privilege of receiving five ad-
ditional copies for the use of the library.
Another publication enterprise pertaining to the public doc-
ument division which has attracted much favorable comment
is the monthly checklist of Wisconsin public documents, issu-
ance of which was begun in January, 1917. The Library of
Congress issues a useful checklist of documents of all the
states ; necessarily, however, its data are both incomplete and
belated in appearance. So far as known to us, no other agency
is publishing a checklist of state documents. The usefulness
of such a list has already been amply attested by a country-
wide demand to be put on the mailing list for the receipt of
our monthly bulletin.
[45]
Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Magazine of History is intended to be issued
quarterly beginning with September, 1917. At the time of
writing, the first number has just come from the press. Com-
ment upon the character and the public reception of the Mag-
azine must, therefore, be reserved for a succeeding annual re-
port. Here it will suffice to state the ideal which animates the
publication — to furnish as scholarly and interesting a mag-
azine of history as the resources of the Society make it pos-
sible to produce. To what extent the hopes which attend the
launching of the publication will be realized must remain for
the future to determine and other pens to record.
Future Issues and Work in Progress
One volume, to constitute XXV of the Collections, is now
undergoing publication at the hands of the state printer, copy
for it having been sent to him on May 18, 1917. Its contents
are the correspondence of Edwin Bottomley, a pioneer Wis-
consin farmer, written in the years 1842-50. The editing of
this volume has been done by the Superintendent of the Society.
The preparation of six other volumes is under way at the
present time. Farthest advanced is the work being done by
the Superintendent upon the Wisconsin constitutional series,
which, when completed, will probably run to several volumes.
The task has now reached such a stage that the coming year
may be expected to witness the sending to the printer of copy
for two of these volumes. The calendaring of the Draper
manuscripts is being steadily pushed, although the rate of
progress is necessarily slow. At the present time the final re-
vision of copy for a second volume of the series is well ad-
vanced ; it should go to the printer within a few months. Mean-
while the calendaring of the Clark papers, which when com-
pleted will constitute volume III of the series, has already been
under way for over a year. A comprehensive study of Indian
missions, with particular reference to the relation of the United
States govenment thereto, by Miss Martha Edwards, is well
on its way to completion. When finished it will be published
[46]
Elxecutive Committee's Report
as volume 11 of the Studies of the Society. The character of
the study is such that the estimate may safely be advanced that
the volume will constitute a worthy companion to Mr. Merk's
Economic History of Wisconsin. Since Miss Edwards is en-
gaged in teaching during the college year, the completion of her
study cannot be expected before the autumn of 1918, and its
publication will be correspondingly deferred. Another vol-
ume, completion of work upon which had been anticipated by
the present time, is the reprint of Pierre Lafitau's treatise on
the ginseng plant, the editing of which is being done by Dr.
Edward Kremers. Here again the great war interfered to dis-
arrange our plans and delay our work. As a busy man of af-
fairs in charge of important experimental work for the United
States government. Dr. Kremers has been compelled in recent
months to lay aside this editorial task. In view of this situa-
tion it is now impracticable to forecast when the work will be
resumed, and, consequently, when the publication of the vol-
ume may be expected. Two other important enterprises are
now in the initial stage of development ; Miss Kellogg has begun
the execution of a long-cherished plan of editing for publica-
tion a volume of source material upon the Indian treaties per-
taining to the history of Wisconsin ; while Mr. Oliver is collect-
ing material for a volume on Wisconsin 's Civil War activities.
The latter project will, it is hoped, constitute the initial step in
what will ultimately become an important series of volumes
dealing with the several phases of this great and as yet unex-
plored subject.
Three other works, of somewhat lesser scope or different
character than the foregoing, are far advanced toward comple-
tion. In the publication of catalogues of newspaper collections
our Society has played a pioneer role. At the- time our first
extensive guide was issued in 1898 there existed no model, and
for several years the volume was unique in the field of Amer-
ican bibliography. Then came the great catalogue of the Li-
brary of Congress collection of newspapers, followed in turn
by our own new catalogue of 1911. These latter two volumes
still stand as the leading examplars among publications of their
[47]
Wisconsin Historical Society
kind, although before many years they will find a worthy com-
panion in the checklist of early American newspapers under
preparation by the American Antiquarian Society. Six years
have now elapsed since the publication of our newspaper cat-
alogue. During this time yearly lists of the newspapers cur-
rently received have been published, but nothing to set forth
the additions to the newspaper collection as a whole. Copy
for a supplementary checklist to cover the five-year period to
the end of 1916 was prepared during the year. It was deemed
best, however, to withhold publication until the close of 1917,
when it is expected the checklist, brought down to date of is-
sue, will be sent to press. The catalogue of 1911, taken in
conjunction with this list, will exhibit, therefore, the entire
resources of the newspaper collection down to January 1, 1918.
Our collection is supposed to be second in size in America.
From the viewpoint of frequency of use it may be doubted
whether it yields precedence to any. The enlarged quarters
assigned the newspaper department of the library in 1914 have
long since proved inadequate to accommodate the demands of
students in this division for space to carry on their work. In
view of these facts this supplementary catalogue of the collec-
tion will, it is believed, fill a wide-spread need.
Work upon the union check list of serials in Madison libra-
ries, an enterprise carried on jointly by the University and
Historical libraries, which has been under way for several
years, has reached a state of practical completion. The pro-
jected publication of the volume has been postponed, however,
to afford opportunity for the working out of a still more com-
prehensive plan. Instead of confining the publication to the
resources of Madison libraries, it is proposed to cooperate with
those of Chicago and the University of Indiana, Illinois, and
Michigan in bringing out a union list of serials in all the con-
tributing libraries. Such a list would prove of far greater use
to the scholarly public than would lists of the individual re-
sources of the several communities ; at the same time the cost
of publication of one union list for all would be much less to
each participating library than would the cost to each of an
[48]
Executive Committee's Report
individual checklist. If the plan outlined can be carried into
execution, the enterprise will constitute an example of mid-
western cooperative enterprise looking to the promotion of a
common scholarly end fairly comparable to that which has now
for almost three years been carried on by the several western
state historical departments (our omti included) in searching
the government archives at Washington.
In previous annual reports the subject of the condition of
our state archives together with suggestions for a plan of li-
brary and archival development has been touched upon. Two
years ago, at the Superintendent's instigation, the Society ap-
pointed a special committee of the curators for the further in-
vestigation of the subject. During the summer Mr. Theodore
Blegen, a competent scholar, prepared a thoroughgoing report
upon the archives situation in Wisconsin. Its publication
awaits the action of the special committee. When issued, the
report will, it is believed, take rank among the leading publi-
cations of recent years on the subject of American archival
conditions and administration.
On behalf of the executive committee :
M. M. QuAiFE, Superintendent.
[49]
TREASURER'S REPORT
statement of Coadition of State Historical Society July 1. 1917
Assets
Cash
Mortgages
Real estate
$8,593.34
105,300.00
580.54
$114,473.88
Distributed as follows:
General and Binding Fund
Antiquarian Fund
Draper Fund
Mary M. Adams Art Fund
Anna R. Sheldon Memorial Fund
Special Book Fund
HoUister Pharmaceutical Fund
Emily House Fund
Reuben G. Thwaites Portrait Fund
Reuben G. Thwaites Fund
$42,020.20
22,911.60
13.695.70
5,946.56
1.909.58
1.215.71
14,967.40
572.66
100. 00
11.134.47
$114,473.88
General and Binding Fund
Treasurer, Dr.
Vi Annual dues $378.05
% Life membership fees . . . . 110.00
Vi Sale of duplicates 497.70
Share of interest 2.217.76
$3,203.51
Treasurer, Or.
Commercial Camera Company
Mississippi Valley Historical Society
Safe Deposit Box ....
Annie A. Nunns — travel expenses .
Rochester Camera Company
$400.92
200.00
10.00
11.08
45.12
[50]
Elxecutive Committee's RepKjrt
Mary S. Foster — travel expenses
Iva A. Welsh — travel expenses
M. M. Qualfe, miscellaneous bills
R. C. Nicodemus — surety bonds
Candy Shop
C J. Radke — services .
J. M. Dieruf — services
J. F. Jamieson — books .
Kennedy €ompany — books
L. S. Hanks — services .
Alexander Kornhauser
American Press Association
C. W. Fisher Furniture Co., supplies
Photo Art House — supplies
Standard Detective Agency
Superintendent of Documents, Wash-
ington, D. C.
University Club
Clerk of Probate Court —
certified copies
Balance to Binding Fund
11.63
11.63
65.00
37.50
5.00
6.00
20.00
50.00
54.00
150.00
15.39
4.00
15.50
9.05
75.00
20.00
18.20
3.50
1.965.99
$3,203.51
General and Binding Fund
Treasurer, Dr.
Old balance
Balance from income
New balance .
$40,054.21
1,965.99
$42,020.20
Antiquarian Fund Income
Treasurer, Dr.
% Annual dues ......
% Life membership dues ....
% Sale of duplicates .....
Share of interest . . . . . .
New balance .......
$378.05
110.00
497.74
1,153.23
$2,139.02
Treasurer, Cr.
Mrs. M. S. Slaughter — posters
Mrs. E. W. Keyes — picture
Balance to Antiquarian Fund
$12.20
50.00
2.076.82
$2,139.02
[51]
Wisconsin Historical Society
Treasurer, Dr.
Old balance
Balance from income
New balance .
Antiquarian Fund
$20,834.78
2,076.82
$22,911.60
Treasurer, Dr.
Balance
Sale of duplicates
Share of interest
New balance
Draper Fund
$12,945.22
35.25
715.23
$13,695.70
Mary M. Adams Art Fund
Treasurer, Dr.
Balance
Share of interest .
New balance .
Treasurer, Cr.
Foster Brothers — pictures
Balance to Adams Art Fund
New balance .
$5,649.28
310.48
$13.20
5,945.56
$5,959.76
$5,959.76
Anna R. Sheldon Memorial Fund
Treasurer, Dr.
Balance
Share of interest
New balance
$1,810.08
99.50
$1,909.58
Hollister Pharmaceutical Library Fund
Treasurer, Dr.
Balance $13,993.36
Hollister Estate 212.75
Share of interest . . . , . . 776.22
New balance
TreOrSurer, Cr.
Dr. A. P. Newton, services
Balance to Hollister Fund
$49.93
14,967.40
$14,982.33
[52]
$14,982.33
Executive Committee's Report
Treasurer, Dr.
Balance
Share of interest
New balance
Reuben G. Thwaites Fund
$10,552.31
582.16
111,134.47
Treasurer, Dr.
Balance
Share of interest
New balance
EJmlly House Fund
$544.94
27.72
$ 572.66
[53]
REPORT OF LOCAL AUXILIARY SOCIETIES
LAFAYETTE COUNTY
We have very little to report except an increase of collec-
tions in all branches of the Society. Among things worthy of
note are: certificate of the Galena Fair of 1842, then called the
"Farmer's Agricultural Society of the Upper Mississippi,"
awarding a premium of $4 to J. W. Blackstone, for the best
yoke of fat oxen ; poll list of the Town of Center, now Town of
Darlington, in 1865 ; roster of Company D, Twenty-third Wis-
consin Infantry, in the Civil War ; army papers of Capt. Isaac
Stockwell, of Company C. Forty-third Wisconsin Infantry;
commission of Harrison B. Chamberlain as principal musician
of the Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry ; picture of the post office
kept by Horace Beebe at Avon, one mile south of Darlington,
in 1851, at a time when Darlington and Avon received their mail
from Willow Springs once a week; portraits of Capt. L. B.
Waddington, 0. M. Dering, Thomas Canar, and J. K. Carey;
infantry tactics of 1861; confederate script; views of Camp
Douglas ; groups of LaFayette County soldiers in the present
war; mounted badger, mounted owl, and numerous other ar-
ticles.
While we are making history, we are collecting a few of the
relics of the past and keeping a record of the events of the
present by receiving and binding for permanent preservation
all the newspapers published in the county,
P. H. CoNLEY, President.
SAITK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
In addition to the regular annual meeting of the Sauk County
Historical Society two other meetings have been held since our
[54]
Report of Local Auxiliary Societies
last report. One was in the nature of a picnic supper at the
home of one of the members of the Society, and the other a
gathering in commemoration of the centenary of the birth of a
former resident of Sauk County. The Society is in an active
and flourishing condition and added nine new members during
the past year.
The annual meeting was held November 20, 1916, and officers
for the year were elected as follows: president, H. E. Cole;
vice presidents, Mrs. J. G. Train and E. D. Ochsner ; secretary,
H. K. Page; treasurer, Mrs. E. V. Alexander. At this meet-
ing the members were favored with an address by Charles L.
Harper, chief clerk in the department of public instruction at
Madison. He spoke chiefly of the lead mining region, Grant
County and the contiguous territory, and told of the events that
occurred during the early development of that part of the
state. His talk was most interesting.
On the evening of March 16, 1917 the members of the society
gathered at the home of Hon. and Mrs. Frank Avery and en-
joyed a picnic supper, which was followed by a varied pro-
gram. Several papers were read and Judge James O'Neil of
Neillsville gave a splendid talk to the members. These picnic
suppers have become an annual affair with the Sauk County
Historical Society and are much enjoyed. They bring the
members into closer association and subjects are discussed
more informally than would otherwise be the case.
The last meeting of the Society for the current year was held
on March 26 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Griggs. Rev.
J. T. Durward told of the life of his father, B. I. Durward, the
poet and painter of Durward 's Glen, a picturesque spot near
Baraboo, where he settled in 1862. Two of Mr. Durward 's
paintings are now in the museum of the State Historical So-
ciety at Madison. Many of his paintings are still preserved in
excellent condition at the old home. Mr. Durward 's account
of his father's life was full of interest and it was fitting that
the meeting of the Society should take place on the hundredth
anniversary of the artist's birth.
H. K. Page, Secretary.
[55]
Wisconsin Historical Society
TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
It has been said that the secretary of a society like our
County Historical Society, constitutes the society. In many
c^ses this statement 'approaches very close to the truth, — espe-
cially where there is an empty treasury. I make this observa-
tion, not as a faultfinder, for I can see good reasons for mem-
bers of such societies depending on their secretaries, but this
absolute trust in the secretary does not always bring the so-
ciety either accomplishments or honors.
During the past year neither the secretary nor the members
have made much effort to promote the interests of our Society.
Some items of interest, however, have been added to our collec-
tion, among which may be mentioned the following : first Bible
and hymnal used in the Whitehall M. E. Church, presented by
Harriet M. Wade ; charter and certificate issued by the famous
'* Brick" Pomeroy for Greenback Club No. 310, located in
Hale, Trempealeau County, presented by C. G. Johnson ; photo-
graph and biographical sketch of Francis Ashbury Utter, early
lawyer of Trempealeau County, presented by his daughter,
Dora Willey, of Keedsburg, Wisconsin; picture of "Deacon"
Alvah Wood's residence near Whitehall, built in 1856 and ta-
ken down 1916, presented by his grandson, Archie E. Wood;
portrait and biographical sketch of Mons Anderson, once the
''Merchant Prince" of La Crosse, presented by B. A. Gipple,
of Galesville; German reichsthaler dated 1814, presented by
Charles Sielaff ; collection of arrowheads and other flint imple-
ments, numbering about 150 pieces, presented by Nels Peter-
son, postmaster at Galesville; a picture of the ''Old Nott
House" once a wayside inn on the road from Whitehall to
Humbird ; a frame bearing the date 1740, used in making orna-
mental garters when men wore knickerbockers, presented by
H. A. Anderson ; a specimen of garters mentioned above, pre-
sented by Mrs. Oline Frederickson ; the first mail-rack used in
Coral City, Trempealeau County's "Deserted Village," made
by Will and Ott Harlow, presented by Edward and Charles
Southworth.
[56]
Report of Local Auxiliary Societies
Portraits of the seven Herreid brothers, early settlers on
Beaver Creek, Trempealeau County, have also been acquired.
Those seven brothers, belonging to the very poor of their na-
tive land, became the progenitors of a family already number-
ing more than three hundred members, many of whom have
risen to distinction and honor in social, business, and political
circles, Charles Herreid, a former governor of South Dakota,
being one of them. A genealogical chart of this family is be-
ing prepared for the Historical Society.
One of the greatest aquisitions of the Society is Judge Heus-
ton's history of Trempealeau County from 1851 to 1886. This
is in manuscript and is given to the society on the condition that
it be published in suitable form, and until published is not
open to public or private use. Costlier histories of our country
may be written but none mil possess so much intrinsic value.
The practice of filing news publications published in the
county, and one of the great daily newspapers of the country
has been continued during the year.
The Society *s only meeting during the year was held Novem-
ber 14, 1916. No papers of importance were read or presented
but the meeting was of great value to the people present be-
cause of Dr. M. M. Quaife's address on the relation between
the State Historical Society and auxiliary societies.
H. A. Anderson, Secretary.
WAUKESHA COUNTY
The Waukesha County Historical Society held two regular
meetings during the past year, the eleventh annual meeting at
Waukesha on May 5, and the September meeting at Sussex.
At the annual meeting the Lapham Memorial Committee
presented a program for the dedication of Lapham Peak and
unveiling of the bronze tablet and boulder to be placed there
by this Society. The program was approved and accepted as
read and the committee authorized to make all arrangements
for the dedication.
[57]
Wisconsin Historical Society
The custodian's report showed an accession of 420 articles
during the year.
All the officers were reelected. Charles Larson, of Wau-
kesha, was appointed assistant custodian. Ten members were
elected. Dr. M. M. Quaif e was made an honorary member and
the name of Mrs. W. F. Whitney was transferred to the hon-
orary list. Mr. Charles D. Simonds suggested the placing of
a story box to be opened at meetings. Each member would be
expected to contribute to this box, either in manuscript or
newspaper clippings, a story of early days in Waukesha
County.
Mr. Simonds also suggested that an historian for the county
be appointed and also one for each town in the county, the lat-
ter to report to the former, who would report twice a year to
the Society.
After a solo by Mr. C. W. Patchen, with Miss Grace Evans
as accompanist, Hon. C. E. Armin, of Waukesha, read a paper
on * * The Early Bar in Waukesha County. ' ' This was followed
by a paper on * ' Increase Allen Lapham, First Scholar of Wis-
consin, ' ' by Dr. M. M. Quaif e of Madison.
On June 16, in response to invitations issued, members and
guests of the Waukesha County Historical Society assembled
on Lapham Peak where the following program was given :
Invocation . . . Rev. A. S. Badger
Address .... Mrs. H. B. Edwards
Unveiling of Tablet . . Miss Julia A. Lapham
Lapham and His Work . . Dr. M. M. Quaif e
Value of Historical Landmarks John Gr. Gregory
America . . . . Sung by audience
The twenty-second meeting of the Society was held at Sus-
sex, September 6, 1917, in the Guild Hall of St. Alban's
Church, said to be the oldest church in Waukesha County. The
present building was erected in 1864. It was decided at this
meeting to send two delegates to the annual meeting of the
State Historical Society and Mr. Charles D. Simonds, of Mil-
[58]
Report of Local Auxiliary Societies
waukee, and Mrs. Molly Maurer Kartak, of Oconomowoc, were
appointed.
A duet was sung by Mrs. Munz and Mrs. Howard, with Misa
Campbell as accompanist.
Mrs. H. M. Youmans read a paper on *'An Old-Time Store-
keeper's Accounts." Facts and prices were taken from her
father's old account books, one of which was on exhibition.
The store of Theodore S. Winton, Mrs. Youmans' father, was
located at Prospect Hill, five or six miles from Waukesha.
Hon. W. H. Edwards gave an interesting talk on ''Early
Days in Sussex," reading extracts from the story written by
Mrs. Melinda Weaver, the first teacher in the town of Lisbon.
A short paper on Henry Danforth Barron was read by Mrs.
Lacher and a few interesting remarks were made by Mr. Alpha
Childs, of Amsterdam, New York, who lived in Delafield in
1847.
One member was elected and four applications were re-
ceived.
Julia A. Lapham, Secretary.
[59]
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1917
Wisconsin, State
Historical Society-
Proceedings
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