EEPORT 



OF THE BOARD OP MANAGERS OF THE THIRTEENTH ANNUAL FAIR OP 

 THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



The Board of Managers commenced their labor in preparing for 

 the holding of the Thirtieth Annual Fair, on the 26th of February- 

 last, On that day their organization was completed, by the elec- 

 tion of Frederick W. Geissenhainer, jr., as chairman, Bailey J. 

 Hathaway, as vice-chairman, and John W. Chambers, as secretary ; 

 also, the appointment of the usual standing and floor committees. 



The active operations of the Board were, however, retarded 

 until the 29th day of June, in consequence of the difficulties pre- 

 sented in the securing of a suitable location. All the buildings 

 approximating to the wants of the Institute, were duly canvassed 

 and found inadequate, except that heretofore occupied by us, the 

 ' Crystal Palace. This building, having been in a transition from 

 the receiver of the exhibition of the industry of all nations, to 

 the mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of New York, 

 previous to which the receiver and bondholders of the palace 

 refused to let the building to the Institute under any circum- 

 stance, although offered the same sum as was subsequently paid 

 the mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city, viz., $5,000 per 

 annum, and all repairs. 



The delay thus met with cannot in justice be attributed to any 

 want of energy on the part of the Board of Managers, or to the 

 Trustees, to whom they are indebted for their persevering efforts 

 in finally securing the palace for the exhibition. So short, indeed, 

 was the time for its preparation (less than sixty working days), 

 that success, to many, was problematical ; and hence unusual zeal 

 and energy were requisite, and never did a Board of Managers 

 exert themselves more manfully, or devote their time more pro- 

 fitably, to the interests of the Institute, as the large and compre- 

 hensive exhibition which they opened to the public will well 

 attest. 



In this short time, over three thousand exhibitors were secured 



