REPORT OF CONFERENCE COAESIITTEE. 151 



On the afternoon of July 17th, 1877, a " Kettle-drum" entertainment 

 "was given by the lady members of the Academy for the benefit of the 

 Building Fund, on the grounds of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. E. Putnam at 

 " Woodlawn," which was a great social and financial success ; from 

 700 to 8C0 of the citizens of Davenport, Kock Island and Moline were 

 present. Among many other attractions, the extensive entomological 

 collection of Mr. J. D. Putnam was on exhibition. 



July 21st, ISYY.-^Special Meeting. 

 Dr. E. H. Hazen in the chair, 

 Nine members present. 

 Tlie following reports were presented, viz : 



Report of Conference Committee. 

 To the Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences: 



The undersigned, appointed a committee to confer with committees 

 from other societies with reference to the erection of a union building, 

 beg leave to submit a report of their action. 



Similar committees having been appointed by other organizations as 

 follows to-wit : On the part of the Library Association, Mrs. W. F. 

 Peck, B. B. Woodward, Esq., and Hon. John F. Dillon ; of the Art 

 Association, Hon. H. H. Benson and J. H. Harrison ; and of the Chris- 

 tian Association, Messrs. U. N. Koberts and S. F. Smith. A conference 

 of these various committees was called for Monday, July 2d, at 4 o'clock 

 p. M., at the rooms of the Academy of Sciences. 



All these committees being present at the time and place above stated, 

 except that of the Art Association, an informal discussion as to various 

 plans and projects for a union building was had among the members. 



In explanation of the invitation extended by the Academy to the 

 Library Association and other societies to join in the erection of a union 

 building for the joint occupancy of all, it was stated in substance by 

 your committee that this action on the part of the Academy was in 

 response to a very general sentiment prevailing in the community favor- 

 able to such a union, with which the members of the Academy were in 

 hearty accord. It was further represented that societies whose objects 

 are in harmony ought to work easily and strongly together, and thus be 

 able, with less expense to the community, to erect a building for their 

 joint occupancy which would be an ornament to the city. It was also 

 stated that through the generosity of an esteemed lady in our city, the 

 Academy had become the owner of a lot for such purpose, centrally and 

 favorably located, and that through the liberality of other citizens, a 

 building fund had been started, and a considerable amount already 

 raised. It was further represented on behalf of the Academy, that the 

 preservation of its valuable museum, and the need of more room, made 

 immediate action on its part necessary. The proffer was therefore made 



