98 THE RETROSPECT OF THE TEAR. 



of historical societies in the neighboring towns was evi- 

 dence of an increasing interest in local history. During 

 the past year several new societies have been started and 

 they are all likely to prove important factors in preserving 

 historical material of local interest. In order to show 

 our appreciation of their efforts I would suggest that, if 

 practicable, the libraries of these societies be furnished 

 with a copy of our publications. 



It is hardly to be expected that the public generally will 

 look upon our work with the same idea of its importance 

 as we do. The collecting of every kind of historical ma- 

 terial and the properly caring for it are undoubtedly looked 

 upon by many as a harmless hobby. There is, however, 

 a utilitarian view of this question which I think is not 

 brought to notice frequently enough, and that TU the com- 

 mercial value to our city of just such hobbies as ours. 

 There is an ever-increasing number of visitors, who are 

 drawn to our city not only from all parts of this country 

 but also from abroad, purely by a desire to visit it because 

 of its historical associations ; and the more value we place 

 upon these associations ourselves, the more care we take 

 in the preservation of everything which can be of inter- 

 est in this direction, the greater will be the interest of these 

 visitors, the longer their stay, and the greater the ben- 

 efit to our retail dealers, many of whom are appreciating 

 the fact that such trade is worth cultivating. It seems to 

 me that our own citizens ought to feel some little pride in 

 showing, to the strangers within our gates, the Peabody 

 Academy of Science, the Court Houses, the Public Li- 

 brary and our own Institute, as well as pointing out to 

 them those places which are historic from their association 

 with men and events that are known the world over. 



Respectfully submitted, 

 HENRT M. BROOKS, 



/Secretary. 



