OCULUS CHAPTElt., AMERICAN INSTITUTE OP Alt.CHITECTS, 111 EAST "40th STREET, NEW YORK 16, NEW YORK Flt.ANCIS KEALLY, PRESIDENT; MORTIMER. Flt.EEHOF, VICE-PRESIDENT ; JONATHAN BUTLER, TREASURER; FJlANK G. LOPEZ, SECRETARY; JANE C. SHORT, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY ; EDWARD EVERETT · POST, EDITOR. VOL. XII, NO.'· SUMMER, un

NEW PRESIDENT SECRETARY'S REPORT "Realizing the eminence of those Architects who in Alonzo W. Clark, the outgoing Secretary reported that the past directed the destinies of this great Chapter since we have lost 10 members by death, 5 by resignation and its inception in 1867, exactly 84 years ago, I can't help 8 by transfer, making a total of 23. but feel a deep sense of humility and responsibility in Through the· fine work of the Membership Committee accepting this high honor of the Presidency tonight. we have gained a total of 13 members in all classes. Our retiring President, Harry M. Prince, now becomes This gain is detailed in the report of the Membership an alumnus of this distinguished office, and the Chapter Committee. The membership at this time is: shall always be indebted to him for his solid achieve­ Corporate ...... 682 ments, his high sense of fairness and tolerance, and Associate ...... 134 above all his endless zeal for service to the Cha:pter and Student Associate ...... 70 to the profession at large. Emeritus ... :...... · 33 • ~;:...~--....,;;::::::..:.;.;;~--t'irn-ing the-c UffirultQays· lhat lie ahead, I -am con- Non=Resident ...... 4 fident that your officers can count upon the support of Unassigned · ··· · · · ··· ··· · · · · ·· · ·· ·· · ···········- ~ - - 11 every member of this, the largest Chapter in the Insti­ tute. Without such essential cooperation, those respon­ Total ...... 934 sible for its direction will be greatly handicapped and During the past year the secretary has made an effort discouraged. On the other hand, with the entire Chapter to encourage and assist the various committee chairmen working together as a team, every challenge regardless in fulfilling their responsibilities. At the beginning of of its magnitude can and will be met courageously and the year each chairman was sent a short description of effectively with the end result that the high ideals of committee responsibilities to be used as a guide until the this Chapter's leadership as a cogent and vital force in new by-laws, describing committee responsibilities, were 's cultural growth will be carried on. adopted. I am sure I speak for all the officers of the new A questionaire was sent to all members enabling them administration when I say that we look forward ·with to indicate interest and preferences for committee work. keenness and enthusiasm to directing the affairs of this Replies were tabulated and lists of members interested Chapter for the coming year in the best interests of its fo various committee5 were sent to the committee chair­ full membership." · men to assist them in selecting their committees. With the above words Francis Keally, F.A.I.A. ac­ On September 28, 1950 a meeting of all chairmen cepted the Presidency of the New York Chapter at the was held to outline committee programs and to coordi­ Annual Meeting at the Architectural League on June 6th. nate the work of committees whose functions overlapped. Taking office along with Mr. Keally were the follow- It is felt that these efforts have stimulted committee ing new officers and elective committee members: work during the Chapter Year. Mr. Clark therefore Vice President ...... Mortimer E. Freehof recommended that the new Secretary continue and expand Secretary ...... Frank G. Lopez this type of assistance for the committee chairmen. Treasurer ...... Jonathan F. Butler · All members present then stood in silent tribute to the following deceased members: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (to 1954) Olin® Grossi James Otis Post Louis Parnes -~ T. Summer ruzen -Williamo--Bottomley-- - Konrad Wittma (to 19 5 3) Ronald All work William Weigand Morris Whinston H. Hobart Weeks William Mylchreest J URY FOR THE MEDAL OF HONOR David C. Sanford Othmar Kraus Thomas H. Creighton Frederick G. Frost, Sr. Percival Goodman TREASURER'S REPORT The total receipts of the Chapter for the year 1950, A. Gordon Lorimer consisting of receipts from Members Dues, Sale of Docu­ COMMITTEE ON PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE ments and -interest on the Reserve Fund Investments, Robert S. Hutchins, Chairman was $27,584.74. Disbursements during the year 1950 Walter 0. Cain amounted to $27,147.46, leaving a balance in the General Charles B. Meyers Funds on December 31, 1950, of $1,661.41. COMMITTEE ON FELLOWS Various changes were made in the Reserve Fund In­ (to 1954) Harold R. Sleeper vestments on the advice of our investment counsel, Mr. Perry Coke Smith Franklin B. Kirkbride, and the Finance Committee. COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS The Contingent Reserve Fund as of December 31, Robert B. O'Connor, Chairman 1950 stood at $20,791.56. This is $1,046.38 less than Lorimer Rich previous year because of disbursements from the fund Daniel Schwartzman ·amounting to $3,750.00. Prior to the induction of the new officers and elective The LeBrun Scholarship Fund increased ·by $258.22 committee members the outgoing officers reported on the and on December 31, 1950 stood at $32,852.04. The activities of the Chapter during the past year. income account also showed an increase to $12,771.8~. OCULUS Summer, 1951

The Arnold W. Brunner &holarship Fund stood at w~ll be pu~lished in the Oculus. I do hope. at least some $44,825.89 as of December 31, 1950 representing an will find time to read them. The followmg is but a increase of $4,217.29. The income account stood at brief summary . .$8,168.74, an increase of $612.65. The above report is for the calendar year 1950. An Administrative audited final statement for this period is on file at the Even though a change in the Chapter office took place Chapter Office. at our last annual meeting, it became necessary to make Receipts and disbursements for the first five months of another change recently. Mrs. Alice Cantwell was re­ 1951 are in keeping with the Budget Schedule. An placed by Mrs. Jane Short who is now functioning as audit through May 31, 1951 is also on file in the our executive secretary. She is assisted by Mrs. Tern Chapter Office. Morimoto and Miss Jane Preston. The Executive Committee held meetings throughout PRESIDENT'S REPORT the year almost on a bi-monthly schedule, and with one Concluding the reports for the past year our outgoing exception, the attendance has never been without a President, Harry M. ·Prince summarized the activities of quorum. I have already spoken of my deep feeling of the Chapter over the past year, as follows: gratitude for the support and help rendered your presi­ When I assumed the presidency in June 1950, I stated dent by every member of this committee. certain ideas and hopes which I thought should guide During the year, the office of the Chapter was com­ our efforts. They represented convictions which I had pletely redesigned and redecorated out of Chapter funds. reached through long and studied observations both of Its attractiveness is constantly commented on by the public our profession and of architects at work in the arts and who have occasion to contact the staff and visit the industry. office. Full credit and our deep indebtedness is aeknowl ._,_-=~-·" Certain elements of this guiding policy are clear and edged to Ronald Allwork and Mrs. Allwork, who not obvious under the growing emphasis of a wider ar­ only planned the changes but supervised its construction, chitectural horizon, just as long as it is our stated pur­ lighting and decoratio~. We were lacking in sufficient pose to maintain rational relationships between govern­ funds to carry out their splendid recommendations of ment, the allied and complimentary profession, the con· decor so the furnishings do not represent their selection. structive industry and ourselves. I also wish to acknowledge the splendid gesture of I believe no member group of the A.I.A. has given Messrs. Eggers, Ferriss, Langmann, Price and Rudolph more thought than the New York Chapter to formulating who so generously contributed distinguished specimens and carrying out its objectives and implementing its plans. of their art as delineators. Again, with the aid of Ronald This has been accomplished under the leadership of your Allwork these fine examples of the art of the renderer Executive Committee and the Chairmen and members of have been framed and are now hung prominently in the your various committees. No president of the Chapter Chapter office. has ever enjoyed greater encouragement and support than Nominating Committee I have from these men and women, and for this I am You have already heard the report of this committee deeply grateful. I shall always cherish the memory of under the chairmanship of John C. B. Moore. It might their constant and friendly interest, and for their serious­ be appropriate at this time, in view of the proposed minded, constructive participation and devotion to Chap· changes in our By-Laws, that thought be given to our ter policies and objectives. I am sure I can say without present method of nominations for high office in the over-statement, that there is no Chapter in the Institute Chapter, and for devising a method for possible continu­ where more friendliness exists or greater willingness to ing in office, those who have served the Chapter with serve unselfishly towards attaining the aims of the credit during their period of incumbency. To deplete the Chapter. Executive Committee at one fell swoop, and thus deprive Before turning over the reins of office to my suc­ the Chapter of the benefits to be derived from men of cessor, it is necessary that I render to you an outline experience in Chapter affairs, is a serious matter and report of the activities during the past year of your offi­ one that tends to disorganize the ability to organize cers and committees, in their efforts to seek a broader thoughts logically and in sequence of purpose. T0- change outlook for us all in the resthetic social and economic the Secretary and Treasurer each year is, in my opinion, phases of this complicated life of ours, partirnlarly as a serious mistake and bad business. they affect our responsibilities as professionals and citi­ zens. ~1'of essional Practice Clarence Litchfield, in spite of heading one of the I would be telling an untruth were I to say that all busiest offices in the country and being chafoman of the committees worked with equal zeal. If I have one definite A.I.A. National Fees Committee, still found time, with recommendation, it is that no one accept a chairman­ members of his committee on Professional Practice, to ship or membership on any committee, unless he or she investigate, study, report and dispose of seven cases. is willing and able to devote time to its workings and His committee also sponsored, and the Chapter in­ deliberations. In no other way can the Chapter obtain troduced successfully at the last State Convention, a or secure a continuing interest in its aims and objectives. resolution for the appointment of a special committee No attempt will be made here to give you a full of architects to review the code of ethics of the profession report of the activities of each committee. Your Execu­ of architecture and the registration law of the State of tive Committee decided to follow the pattern of the New York. The Professional Practice Committee was last couple of years and requested that I give only a ably assisted with the above resolution by the presenta­ consolidated report because of time limitations. Our tion of a carefully studied paper by the Chapter's legal numerous committees could not possibly report in the counsel,. Mr. Nathan Walker. time allotted or you would be here all night. The full The reading of the full report of this committee reports will be on file in the Chapter office and many should be a "must" to all of us. 2 0 CUL-US Summer, 1951

Fellows Architectural Criticism and Aesthetics This committee, headed by Philip L. Goodwin as Although it was hoped that this committee would Chairman, made nominations with the results you know. play a very important part in this past year's program, Their selection of candidates for this high honor re­ its chairman, Daniel Schwartzman reports that no meet­ sulted in the election of nine distinguished members of ings were scheduled in the first half of the year because the New York Chapter as Fellows of the Institute. it appeared to be redundant to other almost identical programs, and none in the second half in deference to Architects Council of New York City the more timely work of the Civil Defense Committee. The council is now functioning actively. Our voting It is hoped this committee will resume its activities delegate is Mathew Del Gaudio, who is also president just as soon as we have become better adjusted to the of the Council. Our associate delegate is our Vice­ implications of the present crisis as a welcome interlude President, Geoffry Lawford. Mat Del Gaudio was des­ to present tensions. Discussions of architectural design igaated during the year to succeed Perry Coke Smith, should always have a very important place in the who was the Council's first president, but who was Chapter's overall program. forced to resign because of the pressure of business. Awards Geoffry Lawford was appointed to succeed Harold Sleeper who resigned for similar reasons. It is my recommenda­ This Committee, under the general chairmanship of tion that at least one of our delegate to the Council Eldredge Snyder, is divided into four sub-committees: always come from the Executive Committee so that the The House Medal, Fred J. Woodbridge, Executive· Committee can be kept fully informed at all Chairman, reports that they have met and will submit nominations shortly. times of the workings of the Council. !_he City Planning Medal, Geoffrey _Platt, Chairman, New York State Association of Architects ------has met and- discussed fho ward on several occasions Your !resident has been the Chapter's delegate on the with the Fifth Avenue Association and hope for the Board o Directors with Daniel Schwartzman as alternate. prize-winning buildings and their architects to be an­ I recommend this precedent be followed and that the nounced in the near future. Chapter president, whenever possible, be the Chapter's The Honorary Associates, Francis Ke-d.lly, Chairman, appointment to the Board of Directors of the State has nominated the Honorable as the .re­ Association. cipient of the Honorary Associate Membership of the A more aggressive part in the affairs of the State New York Chapter for the year of 1951. Action on this Association by the New York Chapter would be extremely nomination has taken place today. wise and helpful as this association can be made a force­ Brunner Scholarship ful area for a clearer understanding of our profession This committee, under the chairmanship of Francis W. throughout the State. So far, there has been a rather Roudebush, has received so far this year four written lamentable lack of participation in the activities of the applications which they have reviewed but feel that fur­ State Association on the part of the New York Chapter. ther investigatiou, by interview of two of the applicants A revitalized interest and awareness of our responsibil­ is desirable, and therefore is postponing any recommen­ ities to the State Association can only result in helping dation for an award at this time. us achieve the ends for which the State Association was The commitee proposes a formal announcement of the established. scholarship be published in the Ocuws and in printed The following committees are listed alphabetically as form for all those who may be interested in the scholar they appear in the Year Book and register: ship. It also recommended a standard form of application to avoid past confusions. Activities The work of this committee in preparing the recom­ Under the extremely able leadership of Ben John mended statement and application form has been most Small we are indebted to this committee for their efforts. arduous and the Executive Committee is indeed grateful Particular commendation is due Alonzo W. Clark for to them for the time out they have taken from their other his work as Sub-Chairman for the Convention Com­ duties for their purposes. So that this outstanding com­ mittee and to Frank Keally, -who as Sub-C:ha-irman for m1fee ca complete its labors, the Execu iveCommittee-­ the Anniversary Dinner of the Chapter made of this has suggested to the incoming president that the term latter function one of the Chapter's outstanding suc­ of office of this committee be extended for a period of cesses. six weeks with its present membership intact. It is hoped The Convention Committee recommends that resolu­ they will then be able to complete their report within tions to be offered at a convention be prepared several six weeks of this date. months in advance, and that a speaker be available at Chapter pre-convention meetings to explain the purpose By-Laws and interest of each resolution. It had been the hope of your president that the results of the workings of this committee, of which Mr. Milton Admissions Glass is chairman, would have been completed and new This committee, under the chairmanship of John A. By-Laws be in effect before this annual meeting. The Thompson and with the assistance of John P. Jansson, work involves so much time, effort and research it is quite ex-officio, chairman of the Membership Committee, held understandable that a delay in fulfillment of my hope seven meetings for the purpose of interviewing candi­ was inevitable. dates and making recommendations to the Executive In spite of these handicaps, a draft of the first ten Committee on applications for membership. They have articles has been prepared following the form and basic labored long, hard and often and have never allowed recommendations of the "Advisory Form of Chapter By­ applications to pile up. Their work has been outstanding. laws, Revised Edition 1949" published by the Institute. . Favorable recommendations were made on forty ap­ The di:af t embodies the changes in these articles which plications for corporate membership, eighteen for asso­ had been recommended by earlier committees as well as ciate membership, and forty-nine student memberships. those found desirable by the current review. 3 OCULUS Summer, 1951

Though the subject of By-Laws is a dry one Milton Worki_ng closely in conjunction with a similar com­ Glass and his committee like their predecesor committees, mittee of the Council, they considered in general the have dug in and done a most commendable job. It is current proposed laws affecting the New York City Code. hoped their showing the way will soon lead to a complete Some six weeks and two meetings were allocated to a fruition so that we can have a workable document to consideration of the draft for one and two-family dwell­ replace a much-amended antique set which is now being ings proposed by the Sate Construction Code Commission. held together with scotch-tape. To this end, the Executive Four proposals for amendment to the local city code Committee has suggested to the incoming president that have been sponsored by this committee and are now in the term of office of this committee also be extended for the hands of the City Council Committee on Buildings a period of six weeks with its present membership intact. awaiting -action. It is hoped they will then be able to complete the addi­ The chairman of the committee believes that the prob­ tional six articles within six weeks of this date. lem of the obsolete code is on its way for correction, and Chapter Register and Yearbook accordingly this committtee reports its approval of the ob­ The Executive Committee again, because of fund limita­ jectives of the State Code Commission, of which our own tions, decided upon a supplement of the present issue Bill Lescaze is a distinguished and active member. rather than a complete new edition. Education Civic Design and Development Kenneth K. Stowell has again led his committee towards This very important and active committee is under the one of the most successful of Chapter activities. general chairmanship of Edward J. Mathews who left for A series of six lectures and discussions were held for an extended period abroad and whose place as temporary men planning to take the examinations for registration as chairman has been ably filled by Mr. Clinton Loyd. architects. This series was undertaken as a joint venture Under Simon Breines, a watchful eye has been kept on with the Architectural League of New York. Frank Lopez the activities of the Planning Commission and other acted as Director of the Series and he deserves a world official agencies. Geoffrey Platt, before his departure for of credit for the excellent way in which the series was Europe, continued the study and development of the carried out. The attendance was large and appreciative Committee's plan for East Mid-town . and many expressed their gratification of the help they Mr. Loyd has conducted studies for the alleviation of received through this series of lectures and discussions. traffic congestion. Julian Whittlesey conducted a number of meetings in Fees and Contracts which Mr. Funaro partICipated, so as to mainain close Perhaps the most outstanding accomplishment of this touch with developments in the re-zoning plan of the ""' Committee, under the chairmanship of Howard S. Patter­ City Planning Commmission. Modifications and additions son, has been a more realistic definition of the cost of to the Funaro report resulted. construction recently adapted by the New York State On this subject of the Funaro report, the booklet was Department of Public Works for determining architects' published simultaneously with the published release of fees on State work. While the rate of percentage is still the H. B. an

Finance legislative committee chairmen and to the Governor indi­ The Cha·pter is fortunate in the make-up of this com­ cating or urging appropriate action. Close contact was mittee headed by Robert B. O'Connor as its chairman. kept with the office of Senator MacNeil Mitchell who on Unsung and little known, they are nevertheless the watch­ many occasions has expressed his acknowledgement of dogs of our funds. Thanks to their energetic actions, the help of the Chapter's committee on Legislation. particularly on the part of the chairman, our funds are In view of the remarkable record of this committee and in sound condition. the prestige they have brought to the Chapter, I wish to The committee held four stated meetings during the endorse and urge that next year's budget include a small current year and innumerable conferences with our Invest­ sum of possibly $100 to be used for stamps, blueprints ment Counsel, Mr. Franklin B. Kirkbride. and incidentals, as well as a possible subscription to the In view of the existing complications in the use of Legislative Record and Index. LeBrun scholarship funds, this committee urges the Membership Chapter to take action on the report of the LeBrun com­ Another outstanding record of accomplishment must mittee, to which I will refer later in this report, so that go to this committee, under the chairmanship of John P. an agreement can be reached on the proposals before the Jansson. Without a doubt, the most efficient and quickest annual dues bills go out in January 1952. method of building up a strong and influential Chapter Housing is through an active and enthusiasic membership com- Eli J. Kahn, the chairman of this committee, reports mittee. It was in that spirit that John Jansson directed holding a number of meetings to determine the most the efforts of his committee and the membership-at-large. constructive program for their year's work, but because Their success is attested by their report which is quoted of similar and related actions on a national scale, they in full as follows: """=~=:---did not believe a serious stu y was easib e at -ist ime.--- The Mem ers ip Committeehas l1elct mont y me~ -- The Executive Committee of the Chapter, nevertheless, ings since September 1950 in order to continue the mem- has voiced its protest at the unwarranted proposal in the bership drive started in 1948. The efforts of the Com- House of Representatives to cut to 5,000 dwelling units, mittee have been directed towards acquainting the general the entire low-income housing program. membership with the needs for new members. Letters, Telegrams, accordingly, have been sent to Senators Ives information sheets, and articles in the Oculus were em- and Le~man and. to the Mayor. To have ~one this under ployed to act as a stimulus for this program. the gwse of natlona~ security and ne~essity has bro~ght In order to entertain a limited number of prospective forward a condemnation from the President of the Umted members at the luncheon meetings of the Chapter, funds States. were budgeted by the Executive Committee at the begin- Small Houses ning of this Chapter year. However, shortly after the John H. Callender reports that his committee feels first ?~ 1951, it was necessary to curtail this method of that the Small House Consulting Service has proved of recruiting ne~ members. . value to the public and the panel and that it sbould con- T~e effectt:veness of thi~ method was i:rove? by l~t tinue, with some thought being given to further publicity. years .com~ittee and du~mg the short time it was m The activities of this committee were, unfortunately, oper~tion this year. It. is strongly r~commende~ that hampered by infrequent meetings and poor attendance. suffioent funds be set aside. for the coming year to msure ·p that this method may be employed to its maximum degree. L B S h l h e run c o ars t . ·tt f h. h J k B Ad equa t e f un d s mus t a1 so b e set asi.d e m. or d er to mam-. The f u 11 repor t o f this commi ee, o w 1C ac runo · d . . · k h 1 B ·1 · h · h ld b d · · ct. ·th th tam an a equate mai 1mg campaign to eep t e genera asi :s ~ airm~~, s ou Co e r~ m conJun mn wt e Membership informed as to the need for new members repFor oh our m.a?ce th. mmt eeh. 11 d f to the Institute and Chapter. .. or ~. e competition is r~ar, t ~.program ca e or a The Student Associateships were strengthened this year Mot~l also to serve as a Cente~ ~or evacuees sh.ould by the creation of a Student Associate Branch at Cooper nec.ess1ty demand.. Over 2~0 apphcattor:is were r~ceived. Union. The New York Chapter now has student asso- Thtrty-five were listed and Judged. The Jury unantmously ciates at and Cooper Union. elected-and award~d first pnz~ t~ ~· Joseph Norwood Tlle stucrent interes s in t11e affi.irs o tne- Cliap er =a·nn7f-"-·~-~ · Bosserman of Harrisonburg, Vi~gmia, ~nd as first alter- the Institute have been, up to this point, very keen. It nate, Mr. John H. . Bardes .of Philadelphia. s ho uld be p om· ted ou t th at th e Ch apt er d oes no t h ave a The ~ork of this ~ommtttee takes many hours and ~he de.finite program established aimed at promoting and preparat10n . of a smtable program for the completion holding the interests of the students. long and difficult. It can ~nly be hoped some meth~d It is, therefore, strongly recommended that the Activi- may be found where~y .s~cient fund~ can be ~a~e avail- ties Committee give this matter special consideration in able for proper ex.hib1t1on of ~rawmgs, I?u?Iic1ty, ca~e the coming year. A positive program of lectures by and re~rn of subm1ttals to candidates. As it is i:iow, this prominent Chapter members, invitations to all Chapter latter 1s a burdensome chore both to the committee and functions, etc., should be established. It has been sug- our Chapter staff. gested that an architectural design competition open to Legislation associate students of the Chapter is one method of creat- Under the chairmanship of Richard Roth, and through ing and maintaining interest in Chapter activities among his sincere and energetic action, this committee on legis- student associates. lation has made itself felt not only throughout the pro- Considerable effort has been expended towards the fessional groups of the State but also the State Legislature. establishment of a Junior Associate Membership. A re- In addition to passing upon some 235 bills introduced port on this phase of activity will be presented to the in Albany affecting the profession, the committee covered Chapter in the near future. all matters recorded in the City Record and State Legis- The Membership Committee has cooperated with the lative Index pertaining to every matter touching upon By-laws Committee on the pending revised by-laws per- construction matters. Letters or telegrams were sent to taining to Chapter Membership. 5 OCULUS Summer, 1951

In general, it has been the policy of the Membership The accomplishments, in brief, of the sub-committees Committee to encourage and stimulate membership in of the Public Relations committee follows: the Chapter among the younger members of the profes­ Eleanor Pepper, chairman of the Exhibition Committee sion. It is our feeling that a large Corporate Membership reported that though attempts were made to stage some can be assured in the future years by the present student small exhibits for special purposes, they met with no associates, junior associates and associates. In order to success as it is their beliet such exhibits can only be insure a numerically strong and influential corporate staged by being privately sponsored until such time as membership from this younger group, it is our opinion the Chapter has funds available for the purpose. that the Chapter By-laws should be broadened so as to Editot'ial Work. In contrast to this report of the Exhi­ give them a greater voice and activity in the affairs of bition sub-committee is the report of the Editorial com­ the Chapter. mittee, which gets out the Oculus under the chairmanship The growth of new members for the Institute and of Edward Everett Post. Credit must also be given for Chapter has been gratifying for the past Chapter year. the successful production of the Oculus to the Chapter The following is a tabulation of the growth: office staff, with special commendation to Harmon H. Goldstone for his excellent work in the difficult task of Type Gain summarizing building control directives. Corporate ...... 5 5 The main task of this committee has changed from Associates ...... 23 one of searching out material for the Oculus to one of Student Associates ...... 49 choosing from the wealth of material available the items Unassigned ...... 2 most suitable for inclusion in the tour pages which the Non-Resident ...... O limited budget permitted. That the Oculus, in format and Emeritus ...... 4 content, is so favoraoly commented upon is the highest tribute we can pay Everett Post. TOTAL GAIN...... 133 Our activities have been well publicized by our public relations consultants, Messrs. Schnall and Krug, who have In the above tabulation, three of the new corporate succeeded ably in informing newspapers, magazines, members have been changed from Associate Membership. press, radio and television of the activities and beliefs of Although the above results are gratifying, there is still the Chapter. much to be desired. In the metropolitan area, there is a As stated, the present Public Relations committee is a tremendous potential of the architectural profession who collection of sub-committees, headed by a general chair­ are eligible for Chapter or Institute membership. Contact man. This has proven somewhat unwieldy and impracti­ with this potential of non-members has indicated that cal. It is therefore recommended that the sub-committees there is still the impression that social or business prestige on Editorials and Exhibitions be given independent status are necessary requisitions to A.I.A. and Chapter member­ and the Speakers sub-committee be absorbed as a function ship. In some way, the Institute and the Chapter must of a Public Relations committee. The services of Schnall correct this erroneous impression. Perhaps a series of and Krug, having proven of so grea~ value to this com­ articles by the Institute in the leading national architect­ mittee and the Chapter, should be continued. ural magazines and other publications is a possible solu­ Technical Committee . tion. Here again we have a group of sub-committees func­ A cursory survey has indicated that many of the em­ tioning through individual chairmen, under a general ployees of the large architectural firms in this city are not chairman, Edwin M. Forbes. In reality, the Technical members of the Chapter or Institute. A positive program committee is actively functioning as a. part of the Activi­ should be established in the coming year by the Member­ ties committee providing luncheon entertainment on sub­ ship Committee in order to tap this source of new mem­ jects of a more or less technical nature. bers. Cooperation ot the principals of these firms must There is considerable resistance and lack of interest on certainly be solicited for such a program to produce the the part of the Chapter to the ordinary "manufacturers' desired results. representative" type of luncheon meeting. Nevertheless, 1n conclusion, the Committee takes this opportunity to when the speaker has been an engineer of technician and thank the entire Chapter Membership for their assistance the subject of a broad nature, Chapter interest has been and cooperation in obtaining new members. Without a good. Ed Forbes, Ben Small, Mort Freehof and Burton doubt, the most efficient and quickest method of building up a strong and influential chapter is through active and Holmes have striven mightily to make these meetings and enthusiastic membership. . the field trips of broad and immediate interest. They have tried valiantly to broaden the Chapter's interest. Unfortunately, there are certain members who regularly Professional Fot'um No meetings were held during the year and no report attend but a great many never attend. Regardless of these rendered. facts, the Chapter is indebted indeed to this committee. They have excellent suggestions for implementing their Public Relations activities and it is recommended that the Executive Com­ Added to his duties as 1st Vice-president and Chapter mittee thoroughly survey these ideas. The program is far delegate to the Council, Geoffry Lawford still found too valuable to be neglected or curtailed. time to do his usual and efficient job as chairman of this Visiting Architects very important committee. The work of this committee L. Bancel Lafarge, chairman of this committee, reports is largely in the hands of sub-committees, but it falls upon the chairman to co-ordinate their activities and the only four individual foreign architects were received handling ot such public relations items as releases to the personally this year. The committee did its usual fine press, inquiries, etc. It is at present working on a better job in advising them what was best to see in New York means of insuring credits for published work. and what to see in the U.S.A. 6 OCULUS Summer, 1951

Since visitors get their most lasting impression from LEBRUN SCHOLARSHIP first visits, it might be advisable to have the Brunner This Chapter's LeBrun Travelling Scholarship for 1951 Committee give thought to the compilation of a list of has been awarded to Joseph Norwood Bosserman of outstanding buildings in the U.S.A. for publication. Our Harrisonburg, Virginia. John H. Bardes of Philadelphia former president, Walter Kilham, has given this matter received honorable mention. The award, $2800 for a trip considerable thought. This committee also undertook the of at least six months duration in Europe, was made for problem of finding temporary jobs for visiting students. Mr. Bosserman' s submission of the most competent design They answered each inquiry from abroad but have con­ for a motel to be erected on the outskirts of a town of cluded that the best way to handle this job problem 30,000 inhabitants, with consideration for converted use would be through a central bureau of the A.I.A. at of the building in times of emergency. Washington. In announcing the winning entry, J. Bruno Basil, Chairman of the LeBrun Scholarship Committee, stated FINALE that Mr. Bosserman's solution most successfully coordi­ That, friends, concludes my formal report. I am grate­ nated the major elements of the problem and indicated ful for your patience, and to all the committees for their serious adherence to the intent of the program. His plan serious and constructive interest in Chapter objectives and included the following desirable features: all guest sleep­ their devoted etforts to develop them and bring them to ing accommodations faced the river view and lawns; fruition. My thanks to them, to our staff, to Nathan driveways and parking areas were at the rear; all build­ Walker our legal counsel, to Mr. Kirkbride our .financial ing units were in proper balance; the recreation and advisor, and to Mr. Krug our public relations counsel, service areas were in proportion to the size of the plot; to Mrs. Nelson for her untiring efforts, and lastly but the design was modern and attractive and well suited to ~---=- certainiy-not-Jeas , o the officers-amf-sta1f--of-the-teague--­ it purpose. who have been most cooperative. Mr. Bosserman, 26 years old and a student at the When in a short time I turn over the office of president Princeton University School of Architecture, graduated to my successor, I am sure I can say that he will find, from the University of Virginia in 1948, at which time as I did, that there is no group more willing to serve he was awarded the A.I.A. Medal as the best designer in than here in this Chapter, and no where is there more the graduating class. The new LeBrun scholar served in friendliness. I can only wish him and you Godspeed in the Air Corps in the South Pacific during World War II. his and your efforts to make the New York Chapter con­ The jury, which consisted, in addition to Chairman tinue to grow and develop. Basil, a former LeBrun scholar, of Robert I. Carson, * * * * * * * * Maurice R. Salo, Randolph Evans, Leopold Arnaud, and I wish to record my high esteem for my successor Thorne Sherwood, commended the honorable-mention Francis Keally. He has played an important part in winner, Mr. Bardes, for the coordination of service units bringing the New York Chapter to its present status. and reception, dining, and lounge areas in his scheme. A member of the Executive Committee and Chairman of Chapter committees, a Fellow of the Institute, a distin­ MARCH OF DIMES guished architect and citizen, he knows the Chapter and Mr. Prince, who served as Chairman of the Architects' our objectives. His demonstrated administrative ability, Division of the 1951 Greater New York March of Dimes sound judgment and vision are solid foundation for our Campaign, has been congratulated on the fine showing confidence in his leadership. And as I turn over to him made by Manhattan's architects. This year $1352 was the reins of administration, I know I express the senti­ given by 118 contributors as contrasted to $989 by 86 ment of us all in wishing him the best of luck and contributors in 1950. Good work for a good cause! Godspeed. CREDIT THE ARCHITECT We frequently hear the complaint that everyone is NATIONAL OFFICERS mentioned in connection with a building project - ex­ At the 83rd annual convention at Chicago Glenn cept the architect. The omission, however, is often due Stanton of Portland, Oregon, was elected president of to the architect's own negligence or bashfulness. To help the A.I.A. for" the coming yea1'. H ·s architect o - overcome this failure-; the Cha--p er has-prepare a igni­ the--t)regon Journal Publishing Company plant and the fied, impersonal sticker to be used by Chapter members. J. J. NeWD-erry Company store at Portland and of various A sample is attached to this number of the Oculus. Write buildings for Lewis and Clark College, as well as a today to the Chapter Office for a supply of these (at number of Christian Science churches and school struc­ $1.00 per 100) and use them on all plans, renderings ture~ . in Oregon. He has in recent months served as a and photographs released for publication. mefuber of the National Production Authority's building industry advisory group and for the last two years has BIRCH BURDETTE LONG PRIZR The Architectural League has announc.ed that the Long been first vice-president of the Institute. Prize for Architectural Rendering will be selected by a Other new officers include Kenneth E. Wischmeyer, five-man jury of League members about August 1st. The St. Louis, first vice-president; Norman J. Schlossmann, Long Prize-winner and a selected group of renderings Chicago, second vice-president; and Maurice J. Sullivan, submitted in the competition will be on exhibit at the Houston, treasurer. Clair W. Ditchy, Detroit, continues League from August 6 thru September 14, 1951. as secretary. Regional directors elected to serve to 1954 were: KUDOS FOR ARCHITECTS Two members of the firm of McKim, Mead & White Leonard H. Bailey, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Central have recently been awarded honorary degrees in recogni­ States District; G. Thomas Harmon, III, Columbia, South tion of the firm's services to two different colleges: Carolina, South Atlantic District; Charles 0. Matcham, Lawrence Grant White, F AIA, a Doctor of Fine Arts Los Angeles, California, Sierra Nevada District; and from Union College, and James Kellum Smith, FAIA, Edward L. Wilson, Fort Worth, Texas, Texas District. a Doctor of Humane Letters from Bowdoin College. 7 OCULUS Summer, 1951

VOLUNTEERS, PLEASE, FOR CIVIL DEFENSE identity of the architect during the course of construction. The Architect's Council of New York City, of which Inherently the inscription of the name, either permanently this Chapter is a member, is cooperating with the Bomb in the finished project, or temporarily during construc­ Shelter Committee, Department of Housing and Build­ tion, is not a matter of ethics. However, the manner in ings of which Bernard J. Gillroy is Chairman. which it is accomplished can readily constitute a trans­ Individual members of the Chapter will receive re­ gression of good taste bordering on ethics if the act is quests from this Committee to serve as volunteers. Each carried out in a manner which affronts the profession, or volunteer will be assigned to spend one evening a week more important still the public, and thereby tends to at the station house of the police precinct in which he detract from the prestige and high position of the pro­ resides, and to advise people who request such informa­ fession. An act accomplished in a vulgar manner is a tion the best location and arrangement of shelter areas vulgar act, regardless of the basic merit of the act itself. within their buildings. Volunteers will only be called on On the other hand, it is obvious that the disclosing of the to furnish general advice, based on standards for shelter architect's name, if done with decorum and dignity, can design and construction already approved by the Bomb well advance the profession and serve to stimulate public Shelter Committee. No volunteer will be required to give additional professional services unless properly compen­ interest. sated by those for whom such further services may be The Institute, therefore, cautions its members that in rendered. announcing to the public the identity of the architect they must so convey the identity as to advance the good THE' AMERICAN ARCHITECTURAL name of the profession and of the architect creator him­ FOUNDATION self. No architect need fear that his name reproduced In due course the Chapter members will receive a with-taste and skill will be overlooked. booklet outlining the aims and principles of the A.A.F. Famous artists have never found it necessary to em­ This Foundation, incorporated in 1943, calls attention to blazon their names across their piasterpieces. The work the opportunity for expanded research and education in of many of them is so readily identified by individual the field of architecture and buildings, and the need for perfection that it is scarcely necessary to add the creator's funds with which to carry oh this important work. name-noble but difficult means of obtaining recognition. The Foundation is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the further advancement of the art and science of It is suggested that the disclosing of the identity be building. Its objectives are ( 1) to raise the standards of accomplished with taste, with restraint, and with an eye architectural education, ( 2) to establish needed research ·to the welfare of the profession as a whole. programs, ( 3) to correlate the efforts of the building industry, the profession of architeccture and the related CANDIDATES industries and professions for better service in the public According to the By-Laws of the Chapter, name of interests. candidates for membership shall be submitted to all mem­ The Foundation will benefit you directly and indirectly. bers before consideration by the Committee on Admis­ Perhaps you can benefit The Foundation directly. When sions. Information received regarding the qualifications you receive the booklet please give it careful consider­ of the following candidates will be considered confiden­ ation and decide how you can best contribute to this tial: much-needed project. CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTE SEAL Edwin J. Dauber Robert A. Jacobs and Ely Kahn At the Annual Convention of the A. I. A. the Board Sponsors: J. Lester Geis of Directors resolved not to change its stand on denying Sponsors: Peter Schladermundt and John P. Jansson the use of The Institute' s seal to individuals, but urged Landis Gores ' that Chapters and State Organizations use the seal on all Sponso r-s: Philip L. Goodwin and Marcel Breuer official stationery and publications. Wilmer Bruce Rabenold Sponsors: Francis Keally and Howard S;- atterson CREDIT ON CONSTRUCTION SIGNS Robert Daulton Stott · The following statement was adopted as a policy by Sponsors: Peter Schladermundt and Charles W. Beeston The Board of Directors of the Institute at the Annual Philip John Wilker Convention: Sponsors: Brother Cajetan J. B. Baumann and Addison From time to time, and lately with increased occur­ Erdman rence, the question of whether or not it is ethical for an ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP architectural firm to dis'Play its name on a sign at a build­ Katherine Morrow Ford ing project site in the course of construction, is referred Sponsors: John Hancock Callender and Thomas H. to The Institute for decision. · Creighton The obvious inference may be drawn that some of Olivier de Messieres these signs have been of so blatant a °:ature as to arouse Sponsors: Dean W . Axline and James B. Klein the indignation of the more considerate members of The Louis S. Sinopulos Institute. Sponsors: Maurice W. Bacon and John M. Kokkins As for many years, The Institute has encouraged the H}7'man A. Steinberg visual recording of the name of the architect in appropri­ Sponsors: LeRoy A. Perry and J. B. Basil ate fashion on the finished structure, it could scarcely Sigrid Renate Voigt condemn the practice of disclosing to the public the Sponsors: Robbins L. Conn and Lorimer Rich 8