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Paul E. Downing Retires As Director 
By Mes. Bertha Huxford 
AFTER MORE THAN 15 years of service, Paul Downing retired this spring 
from, the Board of Directors of the Illinois Audubon Society. A thorough 
measure of his contributions to many wildlife organizatons would be diffi- 
cult to assess. He is a long-time member and Past President of the William 
L. Lyon Bird Banding Council. Mr. Downing has banded birds for over 
30 years. He has been an innovator and leader in the branch of bird study 
which produces exact information leading to sound conservation practices 
and new insights into bird life. 
Three other organizations that have claimed Mr. Downing’s interest 
and active participation are the American Ornithologists’ Union, Evanston 
Bird Club, and Wisconsin Ornithological Society. Courteous and generous 
by nature, Paul Downing has inspired many acquaintances to develop an 
interest in outdoor life. His work has led many colleagues to unite in help- 
ing to conserve the wildlife and natural areas of our country as they shrink 
in size and numbers. Mr. Downing has a special gift for inducing outdoors- 
men with widely variant viewpotnts to work together for the benefit of 
conservation. 
When Paul Downing became President of the Illinois Audubon Society 
in 1953, he quickly expanded the book store. Formerly the only literature 
sold at Wildlife Films and at the Annual Meetings was the AUDUBON 
BULLETIN. As a businessman, he recognized the need for more funds 
and realized that members would benefit in many ways from a wider 
choice of books. The modest profits have helped to defray some deficits 
of the Society. 
Mr. Downing often urged I.A.S. members to support the Duck Stamp 
program. He pointed out that sportsmen, through their taxes, have set 
aside many more wildlife refuges than Audubon club members who reap 
the benefits and contribute little or nothing. He always sought to have 
the Illinois Audubon Society cooperate with other state and national con- 
servation groups. 
During his administration, which covered nine years, the Society 
began the practice of holding Annual Meetings in different parts of the 
state. He encouraged wider member representation, helping the Society 
to become less ‘“‘Chicago-oriented” and more truly a state-wide organization. 
Under Paul Downing’s guidance, the Society has advanced to a position 
of first rank in the outdoor groups of our state. His work has earned our 
deepest appreciation. 
3027 Thayer Street, Evanston, Illinois 
fi fl sah ft 
Three Honorary Officers Named 
In Recognition of Outstanding service to the Society, the Board of Directors 
recently voted that honorary titles and letters of commendation be pre- 
sented to three individuals, as follows: 
HONORARY DIRECTOR — to Paul E. Downing, in recognition of 15 
years as a member of the Board and nine years as president. 
