JOHN DAVID WOLFE 



as described below, was not until after a site within the Park itself was 

 first selected. 



The action regarding plans was most broad-minded. It was first The Plans, 

 resolved that Messrs. R. M. Hunt, Russell Sturgis, Jr., and Renwick 

 and Sands be invited to be united to furnish designs. The united 

 plans were received by the Trustees on May 13, 1872, and again referred 

 to a Committee on Plans composed of Messrs. Haines, Steward, Blodgett 

 and Roosevelt. At the same time, to insure a full discussion, it was 

 resolved that letters be written to prominent scientific gentlemen 

 asking their views in regard to the scope that should be comprised at 

 this day in a Museum of Natural History for the City of New York, 

 and Mr. D. G. Elliot was requested to communicate with Professor 

 Asa Gray and Professor Richard Owen, asking them to submit a 

 report furnishing a plan and a policy best calculated to promote the 

 success of the Museum. 



In the midst of these promising steps toward the founding of a 

 great Museum, President Wolfe died on Friday evening, May 17, 

 1872, after a long and very honorable career of service to the city of 

 New York. His presidency covered only three years, but this forma- 

 tive period fixed the outlines and assured the future of the Museum. 

 He lived long enough to see the prospect of its future greatness. The 

 Museum owes its foundation in large measure to his aid and wise 

 counsel, and will always count among its best treasures the name and 

 character of its First President. 



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