62 Staten Island Association of Arts and Sciences 



The Board records with regret the deaths of the following members: 

 W. W. Bryan, James W. Clawson, T. R. J. Lins, Capt. Francis D. Murphy, 

 Chas. Rosenberg, Henry A. Tabb, and of Louis P. Gratacap, a former 

 president. 



The lease of the building heretofore occupied as a museum expired on 

 March 31, 1918, and was renewed from month to month until the new 

 museum building should be ready. The corner stake for the initial exca- 

 vation for the new building was driven by Wm. T. Davis on May 22; 

 ground was broken by the president May 31 as illustrated in the Staten 

 Islander ; the contract for the erection of the new building was authorized 

 at the meeting of the Board held July 17, and was signed by the president 

 and the secretary on July 26. The cornerstone was laid October 20 by the 

 president in the presence of a number of the trustees and members 

 and friends of the Institute. Addresses were made by Hon. George Crom- 

 well, Dr. N. L. Britton, Mr. William G. Willcox, Dr. Arthur Rollick, and 

 others. The comptroller of the City of New York was also present and 

 made an address. The building is now in a forward state of completion 

 and the Board hopes to welcome the members of the Institute within its 

 walls at an early date. 



In connection with the cost and construction of the new building the 

 Board takes this opportunity of recognizing the generosity of the 124 

 subscribers to the building fund, whose names appear on page 85, and 

 the faithful services of the architect, Mr. Robt. W. Gardner, and the 

 builders, The John Milnes Co., both having been contributors to the fund, 

 and having given, besides, most diligent attention to the work of con- 

 struction. 



The activities of the Institute and the interest of the public therein have 

 multiplied during the past year. The total attendance during the calendar 

 year 1916 was 15,736; the total attendance during the calendar year 

 1917 was 19,869 and would almost certainly have passed the 20,000 mark 

 except for the unusual weather conditions. In addition to the regular 

 meetings of the Association and the meetings of the two active sections as 

 shown by their individual reports, the feature of children's lectures was 

 continued under the direction of Mr. Cleaves until the end of 1917. Sev- 

 eral other matters have become part of the year's history, among which 

 may be specially mentioned the assignment of quarters in the museum 

 building for the use of the local exemption board and the special exhibit 

 prepared by the director in connection with the Catskill Aqueduct Cele- 

 bration. 



The matter of increased activity in furthering war work has been re- 

 ferred/to the director and Miss Polkrd. 



An exhibit of articles made by prisoners of war has already been' in- 

 stalled by Miss Pollard. 



The publication of the Proceedings has been continued under the edi- 

 torial care of Dr. Philip Dowell, Dr. Arthur HoUick, and Mr. Wm. T. 

 Davis. 



