A Civic Committee is formed by Mayor Dickmann at a luncheon to work for establishment of a federal memorial to the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and pioneers of the Mississippi Valley on the central riverfront. Luther Ely Smith made chairman of the committee.

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Association, non-profit corporation, was organized by the citizens of St. Louis to assist in the movement for the construction of a permanent memorial on the banks of the Mississippi River.

President signed Joint Resolution, establishing United States Territorial Expansion Memorial Commission "for the purpose of considering and formulating plans for designing and constructing a permanent memorial on the Mississippi River, at St. Louis, Missouri."

Vice President John H. Garner appointed to the Commission from the Senate:
Hon. Alben W. Barkley of Kentucky
Hon. Frederick Van Nuys of Indiana and
Hon. James J. Davis of Pennsylvania.

Speaker Henry T. Rainey appointed to the commission from the House of Representatives:
Hon. Kent F. Keller of Illinois
Hon. John N. Sandlin of Louisiana and
Hon. Lloyd Thurston of Iowa.

President Roosevelt appointed to the Commission:
Gen. Jefferson Randolph Koan of Washington, D. C.
William T. Kemper of Kansas City and
J. Lionberger Davis of St. Louis.

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Association appointed to the Commission:

Newton D. Baker of Ohio
William Allen White of Kansas
Amon G. Carter of Texas
Charles E. Merriam of Illinois
Matthew Woll of New York and
Luther Ely Smith of Missouri

The United States Territorial Expansion Memorial Commission met in St. Louis and organized by electing Senator Alben W. Barkley, Chairman; Dr. Charles E. Merriam Vice Chairman; Russell Murphy Secretary; and an Executive Committee, consisting of Newton D. Baker, J. Lionberger Davis, William Allen White, William T. Kemper and Luther Ely Smith, Chairman.

Mayor Dickmann, Senator Barkley and other members of the Commission conferred with Secretary Ickes in Washington. Secretary Ickes inquired as to the number of men that could be employed, and how soon work could begin, how the Memorial would be maintained. We replied "by the National Park Service."

Mayor Dickmann, Senator Barkley and other members of the Commission conferred with President Roosevelt in regard to the Memorial. President Roosevelt asked about the architectural competition, the number of unemployed in St. Louis within a radius of 50 miles, how soon we could begin the work and how long it would take to complete it. President Roosevelt stated that it would be impossible to ear-mark funds for the entire cost of such a project but under any additional Works Relief Fund the government's policy would be to allot that amount of money which could be expanded in the first year's work.

Governor approved H. B. 445 authorizing City of St. Louis, upon approval of the voters, to issue bonds up to $8,000,000 "for the purpose of providing funds to pay by way of assistance to the United States, or its qualified authority, in consideration of and in order to induce the location and establishment within such city or such Park or Plaza. . . ." Laws of Mo. 1935, p. 93.

The Executive Committee of the United States Territorial Expansion Memorial Commission received and approved report on Plan and Scope, setting forth the boundaries of the area for the Memorial, an analysis of the historical significance of the Memorial and an estimate of $30,000,000 as the cost of the acquisition of the area and development of the Memorial, plans for a national architectural competition, self-liquidating features of the project, and other phases of the plan.

Senator Barkley, Mr. Smith and Mr. Murphy conferred with Mr. Hopkins regarding the Memorial as a Federal work relief project. Mr. Hopkins stated that the project was unique and of such vast extent that only the President could approve it. He expressed an interest in the amount of work relief that would be done included the time within which the site could be acquired, and the number of men that could be employed.

St. Louis Board of Aldermen unanimously adopted Resolution, committing City to hold bond issue election and to take necessary steps to vacate streets and alleys in Memorial area. Journal of Board of Aldermen, 1935-36.

The United States Territorial Expansion Memorial Commission, at a meeting in Washington, D. C., by unanimous vote, adopted the report of its Executive Committee of April 13, 1935 (copies of this report were filed with the President, the Vice-President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives).

The formal application of the Commission was filed in Washington with the Works Allotment Board.

Mayor Dickmann, Senator Barkley and other members of the Commission conferred with Mr. Frank C. Walker and Dr. Rexford Tugwell.

City of St. Louis passed the necessary ordinances permitting its citizens to vote upon a bond issue to contribute up to $7,500,000 for a United States Territorial Expansion Memorial. Ord. 40,592.

The Board of Aldermen of the City of St. Louis passed a bond issue in the amount of $7,500,000.00 for the acquisition of the site, setting the date for the election as September 10th, 1935.

The Board of Estimate and Apportionment of St. Louis authorized the expenditure of $65,000.00 for registration for said bond issue election.

At a conference in St. Louis, Col. Hackett of PWA discussed with city officials and members of the Commission the beginning and prosecution of work for first year, we agreeing that if the government approved the plan and then allocated funds for the first year's work (roughly estimated by Col. Hackett at $15,000,000), it would meet the requirements of our situation.

Senator Clark, Mayor Dickmann, and members of the Commission explain to Mr. Ickes and Mr. Hopkins that an additional authorization of $75,000 for the required legal advertising and other election expenses was necessary at once in order to hold the bond election on September 10, 1935. Mayor Dickmann stated that the City Officers and citizens were reluctant to have that additional expense incurred without some sort of an assurance from the government that it approved the project and could proceed with the work of the Memorial. Mr. Ickes and Mr. Hopkins agreed that they appreciated this feeling, but Mr. Ickes explained that only those funds which could be expended in one year could be allotted. Mayor Dickmann and Mr. Smith stated that they understood this policy and that approval of the project the city would be willing to turn over the $7,500,000 for the site. Mr. Ickes asked how much money could be expended in one year's work. Mayor Dickmann answered it was Mr. Louis LaBeaume, Advising Architect's estimate that the figure would amount to approximately $10,000,000 or $12,000,000. After asking on the telephone for information regarding funds available, and after consulting with Mr. Hopkins regarding his part in the preliminary work of demolition, grading, leveling, etc., Mr. Ickes stated that the government would go ahead with the project on the basis of those funds which could be expended in the period of one year.

Mr. Hopkins asked how the Memorial would be maintained and Mr. Ickes replied "by the National Park Service."

Mr. Hopkins told Mr. Ickes that St. Louis would want a letter from him confirming this understanding and Mr. Ickes replied, "I have made a lot of commitments since I have been here, but I have never put any of them in writing." Mr. John asked Mr. Ickes if he would make a statement to the Press. Mr. Ickes said "No, Senator Clark is here and he can make the announcement." Mr. Murphy inquired if an announcement could be made by the Works Allotment board. Mr. Ickes stated such an announcement would be forthcoming after the City had voted its bonds. At the conclusion of the conference Senator Clark made the announcement to Mr. Childs of the St. Louis Post Dispatch who was waiting in an outer office."

The Board of Estimate and apportionment authorized the expenditure of $75,000 necessary for the election.

Mr. Nagle of the National Park Service visited St. Louis and made a thorough examination of the project and reported favorably.

President signed Act on "Historic Sites, Buildings, Objects, and Antiquities."

Citizens of St. Louis, at a special election, passed the $7,500,000 bond issue by more than a two-thirds majority.

Conferences were held in Washington by and between Mr. Ickes, Mr. Hopkins, Officials of the Department of Justice, Representatives of the United States Commission and the St. Louis Committee. An executive order, authorizing the project, was drawn by P. W. A. and Department of Justice Attorneys, but the ordinance was disapproved by Secretary Ickes because it provided for an allotment of $22,500,000.00, which was more than could be spent in one year.

Mayor Dickmann, Senator Clark, and a group of local citizens conferred with the president, Mr. Ickes and Mr. Hopkins at the president's train in East St. Louis. Mr. Ickes and Mr. Hopkins, at that time, stated that they would be glad to furnish the funds necessary for the first year's work.

Suit was filed in St. Louis Circuit Court to test the validity of the bonds.

Mayor approved Ordinance 40,651, directing issue of $7,500,000 bonds.

Mayor approved Ordinance 40,656 declaring result of bond issue election.

Senator Clark, Mayor Dickmann, and Mr. Edgar L. Wayman, Associate City Counselor conferred with President Roosevelt, Mr. Ickes and Mr. Hopkins on their special train in East St. Louis. President Roosevelt suggested that the State Enabling Act be "interpreted," and Mr. Ickes and Mr. Hopkins stated that when the funds were provided for the acquisition of the site, they would be willing to allot the amount that could be expended by July 1.

Test bond suit argued before Judge O'Malley in St. Louis.

Judge O'Malley sustained City's demurrer to petition in Bond Test Suit.

Appeal taken to Missouri Supreme Court by opponents, and case specially for hearing October 15, 1935.

Suit argued and submitted in Missouri Supreme Court.

Missouri Supreme Court handed down decision affirming validity of bonds.

Missouri Supreme Court, in test case, sustained validity of City's Bond Issue.

Executive Order drafted.

Mayor Dickmann, with Mr. Hay and Mr. Wayman of the City Law Department, Mr. Smith, Mr. La Beaume, and Mr. Murphy of the Commission conferred in Washington with Department of Justice, Mr. Ickes, Mr. Hopkins, P. W. A., National Parks Service. Mr. Ickes stated that the funds advanced would last for the fiscal year ending July 1, 1938, and asked us to see Mr. Foley with reference to draft of Executive Order and Col. Hackett with reference to the amount that could be allotted.

Mr. Hopkins stated that he was ready to start the minute the site became public property.

Attorney General Cummings rendered an opinion to the President recommending that the draft of Executive Order then under consideration be not signed, but that we seek authorization from Congress for the project.

There could hardly have been any misunderstanding in the important meeting of August 7th, since after the Supreme Court decision, Secretary Ickes understood to do exactly what was agreed upon in that conference—namely, to have the general plans approved and funds allotted up to July. He requested Mr. Foley and other lawyers of the latter's PWA legal department to draft the Executive Order for the President. This order was accordingly prepared.

At no time in the history of the negotiations was it ever suggested to a representative of the United States Commission or the City of St. Louis that the Attorney General be consulted. Presumably, Mr. Ickes always believed that his own PWA lawyers would be able to tell him what could and what could not be done under the provisions of the Emergency Relief Bill of 1835. That there was no doubt in their mind or in the Secretary's mind about the project being approved. This is indicated by the fact that they prepared the Executive Order and that Secretary Ickes took it to the White House for signature. Even as late as November 5, Mr. Early, Assistant Secretary to the President advised the City to "See Secretary Ickes."

On Wednesday November 13, Mr. Childs of the Post Dispatch called Mr. Murphy and stated that Mr. Brandt, also of the Post Bureau had asked the president if he had seen the Executive Order. The president said that he had not. He also said, "You know we have an oral agreement to do the initial work on this project." On November 15th Mr. Childs again called and stated that at the Press Conference that day Mr. Brandt had again asked the president if he had seen the Executive Order. The president answered, "I haven't seen it, but I discussed it with Secretary Ickes at luncheon. I expect to sign it this afternoon." It was that afternoon that the Attorney General held up the signing of the order. Cummings said that he would not accept $7,500,000 from the city due to provisions of Enabling Act.

Cummings changes mind—under Historic Sites he can justify the park's establishment.

President signed Executive Order 7253, designating Secretary of Interior to acquire and develop Jefferson National Expansion Memorial with allocation of $6,750,000 of Federal funds to be matched by $2,250,000 contributed by City of St. Louis.

The allocation of $6,750,000 was made upon application of U. S. Commission to Public Works Administration. The Memorial project was one item of a comprehensive program of public works prepared by the Public Works Administrator, under direction of the President, pursuant to provisions of Emergency Relief Act.)

Suit to restrain city from selling bonds filed on behalf of Edward A. Coleman, taxpayer.

Circuit Court throws out suit.

Injunction suits in State Courts to restrain City officials from proceeding with Memorial, decided and suits dismissed.

Second suit to block memorial bond sale filed by Harry L. Rothschlaeger.

Second suit thrown Out of court.

WPA announces that $6,750,000 had been released for the riverfront.

Mayor approved Ordinance 40,746, authorizing payment of $2,250,000 out of bond issue funds, to United States Government.

Paul O. Peters, head of Independent Citizens' Committee opposed to St. Louis project, announces he is beginning a propaganda campaign to convince Congress President Roosevelt was "duped" when he signed executive order authorizing Jefferson Memorial.

City of St. Louis deposited in the treasury of the United States, $2,250,000 realized from the sale of that amount of City bonds, making a total of $9,000,000 available for acquisition and development. (Leaving $5,250,000 of City bonds unissued—available to match further Federal Funds in the ratio of one dollar of St. Louis funds to three dollars of Federal funds.)

Injunction suit filed by objectors in the United States District Court in Washington, D. C., to restrain Secretary Ickes and associates from using the funds and proceeding with the work (Balter v. Ickes).

The National Park Service established an office in St. Louis for the development of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. John L. Nagle is first superintendent.

The District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia dismissed a suit to enjoin the National Park Service from proceeding with the project. (Appeal taken.)

Riverfront objectors lose injunction suit filed by 38 firms and individuals.

United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia granted a temporary injunction, pending appeal, thereby preventing land acquisition until appeal was disposed of.

Historical and planning studios made concurrently with the program of land acquisition.

Bond issue election fraud expose in Post-Dispatch.

Forty Petitions (one for each block) filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri to condemn lands in the area to be acquired for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

First consideration of including Old Courthouse.

United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed District Court's decree denying injunction against use of funds for land acquisition for Memorial. (Balter v. Ickes) Petition for Certiorari to review this decision was filed in United States Supreme Court.

Frank Wright hired as negotiator between TRRA (Terminal Railroad Association) and NPS.

Certiorari was denied by the U. S. Supreme Court (Balter vs. Ickes) thereby completely terminating the case and dissolving the injunction of Aug. 17, 1936, leaving in full force and effect the decision of the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia which had been rendered on March 8, 1937.

First condemnation suits filed to acquire land in 37-block riverfront area.

Mayor approved Ordinance 41,142, authorizing Mayor and Comptroller to deed Old Courthouse to U. S. Government. Ordinance declares it is consensus of Board "to cooperate with the Government of the United States and its officers in the presentation of and perpetuation of the site of the National Expansion Memorial. . . ."

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri denied application for a temporary injunction in a new suit which sought to hold up the project.

Commissioners appointed by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri returned an aggregate appraisal award for the area under condemnation of $7,012,554.

Ickes insists on removal of elevated tracks. Mayor Dickmann says tracks only minor point.

Three cases heard in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, in which the constitutionality of all laws and orders authorizing the Memorial were questioned. All three were decided in favor of the Government's right to proceed. (Appeals taken).

TRRA directors discuss ruling that elevated tracks must be removed but take no formal action.

Tunnel proposed by park service for tracks.

United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, in the first condemnation suit to reach that Court (Barnidge v. United States) upheld the validity of all steps taken by the Government in acquiring the land (certiorari to United States Supreme Court was not applied for.)

Representative Cochran beats move to block riverfront aid by Representative Lambertson of Kansas and Representative Rich of Pennsylvania.

Terminal has agreed to co-operate with city in plan to remove elevated tracks, Dickmann announces.

The Government, though free to act, made no move toward taking title or acquiring possession of the lands in the Area until the full period of ninety days within which petition could be filed to the U. S. Supreme Court for writ of certiorari to review the decision in the Barnidge case. No such petition was filed, thus terminating that case, leaving the decision in favor of the Government in full force and effect.

Funds, totaling $6,183,480 were deposited in the Registry of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri as the reasonable value of the lands to be acquired for the Memorial under a Declaration of Taking, and title to 37 blocks and portions of 3 others was thereby vested in the United States.

"Orders of Taking" were requested and granted by the United States District Court at St. Louis in each of the forty condemnation suits, and the estimated reasonable value of the various tracts of land was paid into Court, thereby vesting in the United States title to the land comprising the area. The estimated cost of acquiring the land was approximately $6,000,000.

Balance of funds still in U. S. Treasury, contributed by St. Louis from its bond sale, ruled NOT subject to being lapsed back into U. S. Treasury, and still available for expenditure.

All appropriations unexpended held to have lapsed back into General Treasury. $417,000 not checked out of the $6,750,000 Federal funds held to be unexpended, and under the rule to have lapsed back into the U. S. Treasury.

Government gets title of all of site; 37 blocks for total of $5,970,000.

Meeting between city officials and Terminal ends in franchise deadlocks.

Demolition begun—the first building in the area (No. 7 Market Street) was demolished. Demolition began Block 6, directly on the riverfront. A two-story brick building of no architectural or historical consequence was the first to go, and Mayor Dickmann was on hand with several members of the Memorial Association, newspaper photographers, JNEM staff, and others. The Mayor autographed bricks for several souvenir-hunters in the crowd.

The demolition of all buildings to be removed from the Memorial area was completed in May 1942.

Demolition contracts covering the entire area have been let, which should complete the removal of the buildings by the Spring of 1941.

State Highway Commission meets with Dickmann to discuss removal of elevated and and street level tracks .

Cost estimates indicate that the original allocation will pay for the land, demolish the buildings and provide $750,000 for stabilization and improvements.

Of the 479 parcels under condemnation, 78 per cent thus far have been settled satisfactorily as to price, by agreements with the owners.

As result of negotiations with owners, the aggregate amount paid into Court as just compensation is $6,248,935.

Acceptance of Old Court House approved by President, thus rounding out and completing the Memorial area.

Dickmann sees Ickes on moving tracks, suggests that parking area be built under west section of Memorial.

New plan sought for removal of tracks; three-man (one by the City, one by terminal, one by NPS) engineering board to work on problem; Terminal proposal rejected by Ickes.

City Board of Estimate and Apportionment votes to notify Terminal Association it must find another route for trains than the levee's elevated tracks.

Julian C. Spotts succeeds John L. Nagle as superintendent of Jefferson Memorial Expansion.

Mayor approved Ordinance 41,950, authorizing cooperative agreement with United States Government for improvement, construction and maintenance of Third Street.

Bids were opened for putting a new roof on all four wings of the Old Courthouse, using a new steel frame, over which a new lead-sheathed copper roof was laid. Early in 1941 additional contracts were let for plumbing, heating, and electrical work in the whole building; for the painting of the entire exterior of the building; and for plastering, painting, floor finishing and museum cases in the South Wing, first and second floors; and a part of the second floor in the East Wing.

Contracts for work in the Old Courthouse were performed, involving the construction of a new steel frame and lead-sheathed copper roof; installing plumbing, heating, electrical and fire protection systems; the restoring of portions of the building; and the painting of all exterior surfaces. The contract work, together with force account work and construction material purchased, required an expenditure of $183,389.

Presidential approval was granted for Works Projects Administration projects for: Restoring the Old Rock House; the General Improvement of the Memorial area; the Construction of National Memorial Drive (widening Third Street); Partial Restoration of the the Old Courthouse; Preparing Museum Exhibits; and constructing New Facilities in the Memorial area.

Projects for Restoring the Old Rock House, General Improvement of the Memorial area and Preparing Museum Exhibits were started, the first-named project being completed on March 6, 1942, whereas the latter two were officially closed by the terminating of the W. P. A. activities on January 30, 1943. The grading project had been virtually completed in October 1942.

Demolition of historic Old Custom House begins.

Chief engineer of Missouri Pacific Lines describes plan to remove elevated and surface tracks from riverfront.

Mayor approved Ordinance 42,059, vacating streets and alleys in Memorial area.

A contract was let with the Kramer Construction Company for the remodeling of the South Wing of the Old Courthouse.

Ickes has agreed to Mayor Becker's plan to remove elevated and leave surface tracks.

Terminal officials listen as city officials outline proposal for re-routing passenger trains over Muny bridge to remove elevated tracks. Cold reception given plan.

Mayor signed Ordinance 42,139, designating Third Street as "Memorial Highway."

The offices of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, National Park Service, were moved into the restored south wing of the Old Courthouse.

Prodding letter sent by city administration to TRRA as to plans for track removal.

Mayor Dee Becker rejects TRRA proposal that removal of tracks be postponed until after war.

Becker announces city will ask I. C. C. for order directing TRRA to remove tracks.

The demolition of all buildings to be removed from the Memorial area was completed in May, 1942.

Ickes urges I. C. C. to approve track removal plan.

Track removal hearing opened by I. C. C.

The Museum of National Expansion was opened to the public in temporary quarters in a portion of the south wing of the Old Courthouse.

Examiner recommends I. C. C. dismiss city suit.

Last suit over riverfront area ended, winding up seven years of litigation for 37—block site at cost of $8,804,048 for land, razing of buildings and clearing of site.

City, Park Service and Memorial Association propose demolishing elevated tracks and diverting traffic to Washington avenue tunnel and East Side.

City, Park Service and Memorial Association propose demolishing elevated tracks and diverting traffic to Washington avenue tunnel and East Side.

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Association opens $225,000 competition for design for Memorial.

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Association solicited funds to finance a nationwide architectural competition to obtain the best idea for developing the Memorial area. A subscription of $225,000 was completed in February 1947.

The first floor of the west wing of the Old Courthouse was restored at a cost of $4,173.

Parking project on riverfront opens.

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Association engaged Mr. George Howe, F. A. I. A., as Professional Advisor in conducting the competition.

The United States Territorial Expansion Memorial Commission approved the plans prepared by the Professional Advisor for the nationwide competition. The program of the competition was mailed to the competitors.

Five prizes of $10,000 each were awarded the winners of the first stage of the competition.

The dome of the Old Courthouse was resurfaced with copper. Total cost $17,723.

Mr. Eero Saarinen and Associates was adjudged winner of the second and final stage of the competition.

The U. S. Commission approved the winning design of Mr. Eero Saarinen and recommended to the Secretary of the Interior that the design be adopted and Mr. Saarinen be employed as architect.

The Secretary of the Interior accepted the recommendations.

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Association donated $15,000 to the Department of the Interior for the purpose of preparing estimates of the cost of the proposed development of the Memorial and the employment, on a temporary basis, of Mr. Eero Saarinen to assist in preparing the estimates.

The U. S. Engineers made a topographic survey of the Memorial area and supplied the National Park Service with a contour map.

A contract between Eero Saarinen and the National Park Service was entered into for the purpose of preparing preliminary estimates of the cost of the Memorial.

The U. S. Engineers made core borings into the foundations for the Memorial arch.

TRRA abandons May plan for removal of tracks and offers substitute plan to place three tracks on earthwork embankment east of and level with Memorial.

The U. S. Commission received the report of the Executive Committee on progress of the drafting of an authorization bill for introduction in the Congress and directed that committee to proceed with utmost speed to complete a final draft and report it to the Commission at the earliest possible moment.

Mayor Darst tells Memorial Commission he hopes riverfront will be dedicated in four years.

TRRA and other railroad officials agree to placing tracks in tunnel after Mayor Darst says he will use site for housing if he cannot get agreement on relocating tracks.

Memorandum of Understanding in regard to relocation of Missouri Pacific and Terminal Railroad tracks signed by the City of St. Louis, U. S. Territorial Expansion Memorial Commission, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Association, Eero Saarinen and the National Park Service and Missouri Pacific Railroad.

National Park Service approves memorandum of understanding for removal of TRRA two elevated tracks to modified tunnel.

Interior Secretary Chapman approves track relocation agreement.

An authorization bill was introduced in Congress to provide for the construction of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial at the site of Old St. Louis Missouri, in accordance with the plan approved by the United States Territorial Expansion Memorial Commission, and for other purposes.

In the House of Representatives the bill was introduced by Hon. John B. Sullivan, member of the U. S. Commission, identified as H. R. 6573, and referred to the Committee on House Administration.

In the Senate the authorization bill was introduced by Hon. Clinton P. Anderson (for himself, Senators Martin and Morse, all members of the U. S. Commission), identified as S. 2784, and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Bill authorizing construction of Memorial introduced in Congress by Senators Anderson, Martin and Morse; aims to complete project by 1953.

TRRA directors ratify track relocation agreement.

Hearing on authorization bill for construction of Memorial, H. R. 6573 was held in Washington before the Library Subcommittee of the Committee on House Administration Hon. Ken Regan, Chairman.

Library Subcommittee reported favorably authorization bill H. R. 6573 with City, Committee and Government amendments.

Amended authorization bill, as reported favorably by Library Subcommittee, introduced in the House of Representatives by Hon. John B. Sullivan . . . identified as H. R. 8591 and referred to Committee on House Administration.

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial site dedicated by President Harry S. Truman.

Hearing held in Jefferson City before Missouri Public Service Commission on Case No. 11,935. City of St. Louis and JNEMA complainants, appealed for Commission's approval of an 18-foot vertical clearance in proposed railroad tunnel for Terminal and Missouri Pacific Tracks. Hearing continued to July 17, 1950.

Committee on House Administration reported favorable authorization bill H. R. 8591 . . . Mary Norton, Chairman.

Mrs. Norton asked for unanimous consent of House for consideration of H. R. 8591. Inasmuch as the bill involved a cost exceeding $1,000,000, Representative Francis Case's objection was heard and the bill referred to the Rules Committee for ruling . . . Adolph J. Sabath of Illinois, Chairman.

Amended bill (counterpart of H. R. 8591) introduced in Senate by Senator Clinton P. Anderson (Senators Martin and Morse, co-sponsors) and identified as S. 3867 . . . referred to Committee on Rules and Administration.

Hearing (continued from June 15, 1950) held in Jefferson City on Case No. 11,935 . . . request for approval of 18—foot vertical clearance in railroad tunnel.

The JNEMA, in view of the Korean War and international situation, adopted policy of making a determined effort to obtain passage of the authorization bills in the Second Session of the 81st Congress; however, requests for appropriation bill or bills would await such time as the President of the United States or the Secretary of the Interior felt that the time was propitious.

Efforts were continued and arrangements made to procure a hearing before the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration but upon the Chinese intervention in the Korean War these efforts were necessarily dropped upon the advice of Vice President Barkley, Senator Anderson and others.

Senator Clinton P. Anderson (with Senators Martin, Morse and Hennings as co-sponsors) introduced authorization bill in 82nd on Interior and Insular Affairs . . . Sen. Joseph C. O'Mahoney of Wyoming, Chairman.

Representative Frank M. Karsten introduced authorization bill in 82nd Congress . . . bill identified as H. R. 2937 and referred to the Committee on House Administration . . . Hon. Thomas B. Stanley of Virginia, Chairman.

Agreement between the City of St. Louis and the Department of the Interior was entered into for the purpose of temporary landscaping and beautifying the Memorial area.

Luther Ely Smith dies.

Upon the advice of the sponsors of the legislation, other Congressmen and friends . . . to wit: that it would be unwise to seek a hearing because of the number and nature of matters pending before Congress, and that the bills could be heard in a more propitious atmosphere either later in the year or during the 1952 Session of the 82nd Congress; the Association decided to defer requests for hearings on S. 230 and H. R. 2937.

The Missouri Public Service Commission approved the 18—foot vertical clearance in the tunnel for the relocation of the railroad tracks extending in front of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Case No. 11,935.

Missouri Public Service Commission approves riverfront rail relocation and tunnel.

Five (identical) authorization bills were introduced in the House of Representatives to provide for the construction of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial at the site of old Saint Louis, Missouri in general accordance with the plan approved by the United States Territorial Expansion Memorial Commission, and for other purposes. The Bills were numbered H. R. 2215; H. R. 2216; H. R. 2217; H. R. 2218; and H. R. 2219; were introduced by Mrs. John D. Sullivan, and Messrs. Melvin Price, Frank Karsten; C. W. Bishop, and Thomas Curtis, respectively; and referred to the Committee on House Administration.

Bill introduced in the Senate by Hon. Thomas C. Hennings (for himself, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Martin, Mr. Morse and Mr. Symington) authorizing the construction of an appropriate memorial upon the Jefferson National Expansion memorial National Historic Site. The bill was identified as No. 970 and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Argument held in the Circuit Court of Cole County, Missouri, on the Railroad Unions' petition to refuse the order of the Public Service Commission of Missouri authorizing the 18—foot clearance in the riverfront tunnel.

Hearing on authorization bill for construction Memorial, S. 970, was held in Washington before Library Subcommittee of the Committee of the Committee on Rules and Administration—Senator William A. Purtell, Chairman of the Subcommittee.

Mayor Tucker in Washington with group of St. Louisans asking Congress to authorize immediate completion of memorial.

Hearing on authorization bill for construction of Memorial, M. R. 2316 (one of five identical bills introduced January 29, 1953), was held in Washington before the Library Subcommittee of the Committee on House Administration—Hon. Robert D. Harrison, Chairman of the Subcommittee.

Tunnel method for relocating surface and elevated tracks challenged by rail unions, upheld in Cole County Circuit Court.

Following the hearing before the House Subcommittee a revised bill was formulated out of alterations and revisions of H. R. 2216. The bill limited authorization to only five elements of the plan as accepted by the U. S. Commission and the Department of the Interior and was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mrs. John B. Sullivan. The bill was identified as H. R. 6549 was reported out by the Committee on House Administration and passed by the House of Representatives by Mrs. John B. Sullivan. The bill was identified as H. R. 6549 and referred to the Committee on House Administration.

H. R. 6549 was reported out by the Committee on House Administration and passed by the House of Representatives.

H. R. 6549 was introduced in the Senate of the United States and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

A contract was entered into between the National Park Service and Continental Construction Company in the amount of $47,513.00 for restoration of the first three balconies in the Rotunda; and re-plastering the Dred Scott Room in the West Wing.

A contract was let to the Ideson Construction Company for replacing exterior doors and windows in various parts of the building, and their contract totaled $15,522.00.

A contract was let to Puckett Flooring Company for asphalt tile in the Dred Scott Room in the amount of $439.50.

LeCoutour Construction Co. began restoration of the North Wing and Part of the West Wing for $43,400.00. The same Company in the same month got a contract for restoring the Oval Courtroom in the East Wing for 14,696.00.

The Alberice Construction Company was awarded the contract for new granite steps at the four entrances to the building—their contract amounting to $17,886.90.

House accepts Senate riverfront bill and sends it to President Eisenhower; Government aid limited to $5,000,000 instead of the $22,500,000 originally planned.

President Eisenhower signs Public Law 361 (H. R. 6549) an Act authorizing the construction of the memorial in accordance with the Saarinen Plan approved by the U. S. Territorial Commission on May 25, 1948, and authorizing an appropriation of $5,000,000 to complete certain elements of the memorial.

Stanley Hanks Painting Company was awarded the contract for painting five second floor rooms in the south Wing for $478.00.

One hundred folding chairs of special design and finish for the Oval Courtroom in the East Wing. Chairs bought from National Chair Co. for $780.00.

Old box locks on the large doors of the building were restored and some of them replaced in kind by Tobe Monday of Webster Groves for $495.00.

R. F. Koedding Painting Co. was awarded the contract for painting the exterior of the Courthouse, in the amount of $9,726.00.

Hasemann Manufacturing Company was authorized to proceed with making and installing special millwork in the Oval Courtroom, East Wing, and in the light wells of the East and North Wings. The two contracts awarded to Hasemann totaled $1,399.00.

Contract for furnishing and laying linoleum in the large rooms and halls of the North Wing was let to Val Baker for $4,387.00.

Contract was let to the Continental Construction Company for laying a new brick sidewalk on all four sides of the Courthouse Square, following the pattern that is shown in the Boehl photograph dated 1868. The amount of the contract was $43,445.00.

A contract for wrought iron window guards at all the basement windows was awarded to the Ludlow-Saylor Co. in the amount of $3,260.90.

Another contract was the furnishing and laying of linoleum around the Judge's Bench and the Jury Box in the Oval Courtroom, East Wing. Amount of contract $401.40.

Murals in the rotunda of the Old Courthouse were restored.

One of the most important contracts in the restoration program was begun. This was the restoration of the Rotunda and West Courtroom on the second floor. Elaborate scaffolding had to be put in place first before removal of old plaster could begin. The contract for this again went to LeCoutour Construction Company, whose bid was $62,600.00. By the latter part of May it was possible for restoration work on the mural paintings to begin, under the supervision of Walter Mitkiewicz, of the Museum Division, National Park Service.

Contract was let to Carl Schaefer for electrical work in the Rotunda for $3,570.00.

Payments totaling $665.27 were made on the steel scaffolding.

A contract was let to the Ted Puckett Flooring Company for green carpet on the Judge's platform and the Jury Box. The amount of the contract was $483.50.

Cooperative agreement for parking lot—NPS with St. Louis City.

The president signed a supplemental appropriation bill making available $2,640,00 for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

A contract was signed with Pring Brothers for the landscaping of the four yards within the Courthouse Square. The amount of the contract was $5,800.00.

TRRA, Missouri Pacific, National Park Service and city agree to finance engineering study for the relocation of tracks on tunnel.

Contract was let to Smith-Cooke Construction Company for the creation of the fence surrounding the Courthouse Square. This totaled $120,637.00—about $50,000 being for the gray granite base which came from Minnesota; and the for the ornamental iron railing, posts and gates fabricated by Kupferer Brothers Ornamental Iron Company of St. Louis.

Contract was let to Smith-Cooke Construction Company for providing a concrete floor in S19 and S20—a large space on the south side of the hall on the first floor of the East Wing. The amount involved was $495.90. Other work in these rooms, including plastering, involved $398.00.

Work was begun on the Reception Room, north side of hall on first floor of East Wing. Butler Kohaus Company got the contract for ceiling light fixtures at $336.00; Contemporary Furniture Company chairs and small tables at $1,424.00; while Hill & Hill for special cabinets and desks got $11,929.00.

Alfred Benesch & Associates recommends memorial be built but that decision on track relocation be postponed until after memorial is in use.

TRRA President Chinn admits he proposed Benesch firm to make relocation survey.

National Park Service announces it has decided to go ahead with the Saarinen plan, including the arch, and will ask Congress for approval.

The National Park Service announced a revision of the Memorial Plan whereby the tunnel for the relocation of the elevated tracks was shortened, thereby reducing the costs. This revised plan also showed abandonment of the Museum of Architecture and the early St. Louis buildings to be reproduced near the Old Cathedral.

U. S. Territorial Expansion Commission approves revised memorial plans: Missouri Pacific will accept them.

Railroads, Department of Interior and city accept general terms of revised plans for track relocation.

Railroads reported studying new plan for relocating tracks that would eliminate tunnel and open cuts.

A contract was let to Butler-Kohaus Company for new bracket, lights in the West Courtroom and also desk lights in the West and East Courtrooms.

U. S. Territorial Expansion Commission voted to request Congress to appropriate additional sum of $14,610,000 to be extended by the United States for construction of the Memorial at the ratio of $3 of Federal funds for each $1 of money contributed by the City of St. Louis or other non Federal source.

Terminal, City of St. Louis and National Park Service in substantial agreement on all phases of track relocation including distributions of costs.

LeCoutour Construction Company was awarded the contract for plastering the basement in the North Wing of the Old Courthouse in the amount of $6,193.00.

Track Relocation Agreement between City of St. Louis, National Park Service, Terminal Railroad Association and Missouri Pacific Railroad, signed.

Escrow Agreement signed whereby Terminal Railroad Association deposited $500,000 in escrow as their contribution toward relocation of elevated railroad tracks.

Mayor Tucker approved an ordinance of the Board of Aldermen of the City of St. Louis providing for the sale of bonds to match the Federal appropriation of $2,640,000.

Public Service Commission modified their order of August 7, 1952 and approved the relocation of the elevated tracks in a 960 foot tunnel with an eighteen (18) foot overhead clearance above top of rail.

Bensinger Supply Company delivered the special chairs and tables for the West Courtroom for which they were paid $1,365.00.

The Federal Office Furniture Company delivered the specially made walnut chairs for the spectators' section of the West Courtroom. Price for 50 of these was $1,750.00

Six (identical) bills were introduced in Congress to amend the authorization Act of May 17, 1954 (Public Law 361) to provide for construction of the entire Jefferson National Expansion Memorial project by authorizing a total appropriation of $17,250,000. Bill S. 4085 introduced in the Senate by Messrs. Stuart Symington, Hon. Thomas C. Hennings and Clinton P. Anderson and referred to Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. Bills H. R. 13242, Mrs. Leonor K. Sullivan; H. R. 13243, Frank M. Karsten; H. R. 13244, Thomas B. Curtis; H. R. 13245, Mr. Melvin Price; H. R. 13246, Mr. Kenneth J. Gray—referred to the Committee on House Administration.

Contract was let to Ted Puckett Flooring Co. for linoleum in north room, first floor, of West Wing in the amount of $1,250.60.

Contract was let to Ernest Lay for providing and setting a new fountain in the Southeast yard of Square, and also repairing and re-setting the antique sun dial in the same area. Amount of contract $13,837.00.

President Eisenhower signed the bill on funds for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, authorizing expenditures totaling $17,250,000 for riverfront development and removing restrictions on design of arch, also permitting appropriations without the Federal budget being balanced.

President Eisenhower signed Public Law 85—936 authorizing $17,250,000 for construction of the Memorial in the ratio of $3 of Federal funds for each $1 of City money.

At a meeting held by the National Park Service, Mayor Raymond R. Tucker presented Mr. Howard W. Baker, Regional Director, Region Two, National Park Service, with a check for $880,000 representing the City's contribution for financing the First Phase of development. The money came from a bond issue voted in 1935 to provide $1 City money for each $3 Federal money for developing the Memorial.

The contract for the Railroad Relocation Project was awarded to the MacDonald Construction Company of St. Louis. The bid submitted by MacDonald was $2,426,115.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Railroad Relocation Project were held within the Memorial grounds at Third and Market Streets. The event was sponsored jointly by the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Association, the Advertising Club of St. Louis, and Downtown in St. Louis, Inc. Many civic, professional, City, State, and Federal Government officials were in attendance. Mr. Conrad L. Wirth, Director of the National Park Service, was the principal speaker at a noon luncheon at the Hotel Statler.

Change Order No. 4 in the amount of $2,506,199.30 for the North and South Crossover Bridges and Retaining Walls was approved.

President Eisenhower signed a Supplemental Appropriation Bill making available an additional $2,953,000 for the development of the Memorial.

Vice President Richard M. Nixon visited the Old Courthouse and the Memorial development project.

Klaric Contracting Company of St. Louis was awarded a contract in the amount of $98,504.00 for repairs and replacements of cornices, pediments and chimneys on the Old Courthouse.

The contract for Gateway Arch and Visitor Center excavations and Levee Redevelopment, was awarded to MacDonald Construction Company in the amount of $3,796,015.

President Kennedy signed the 1962 fiscal year Interior Department Appropriation Bill. Included in the bill was $9,497,000 for construction of the Gateway Arch and Visitor Center. Matching funds amounting to $2,835,667 from the City of St. Louis are available.

MacDonald Construction Company was awarded a contract in the amount of $11,442,418 for construction of the Gateway Arch and Visitor Center shell.

A Cooperative Agreement between the National Park Service and Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District was executed, providing for the construction and operation of the transportation system in the Gateway Arch by the Bi-State Development Agency.

A contract between Laclede Gas Company, Charles Guggenheim & Association, Inc., and the National Park Service was signed for the production of the film, "Time of the West," for showing in the Visitor Center's theaters.

A construction contract for the installation of the transportation system in the Gateway Arch was signed by the National Park Service, Bi-State Development Agency, and MacDonald Construction Company in the amount of $1,977,750.

President Kennedy signed the 1963 fiscal year Interior Department Appropriation Act. Included in the bill was $510,000 for construction of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

First stainless steel section of the Gateway Arch was set in place.

Letter Agreement between American Iron and Steel Institute, Laclede Gas Company, Charles Guggenheim & Associates, Inc., and National Park Service was signed for the production by Guggenheim of a motion picture, "Monument to the Dream," documenting the conception, fabrication, and construction of the Gateway Arch.

President Lyndon B. Johnson was welcomed at the Gateway Arch construction site on the occasion of his St. Louis visit to address the City's 200th birthday banquet.

Funds authorized to be appropriated for construction of the Memorial were increased from $17,250,000 to $23,250,000 by Public Law 89—269.

The contract for Interior Finishes of the Gateway Arch and Interim Visitor Center was awarded to Hoel-Steffen Construction Company, St. Louis, in the amount of $1,071,027.

The exterior shell of the Gateway Arch was completed. Under Secretary of the Interior John A. Carver, Jr., was the principal speaker at ceremonies at the Arch.

The voters of St. Louis rejected a $2,000,000 bond issue which was to provide the city's share of funds necessary for the completion of construction at the Memorial.

The interim Museum of Westward Expansion in the Visitor Center beneath the Gateway Arch was opened to the public.

The transportation system of the Gateway Arch was inaugurated and the north leg transporter was opened to the public.

The south transporter of the Arch was opened to the public, and the north leg was closed for completion of finish work in the load zone.

The operation of the north leg's transportation system was resumed, both transporters being operational from this date.

The Gateway Arch was dedicated by Vice-President Hubert H. Humphrey, with Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall as master of ceremonies.

Luther Ely Smith Memorial Square, the park east of the Old Courthouse, was dedicated.

A contract was awarded to Suburban Tree Service, Manchester, Missouri, to perform the first phase of planting on the Memorial grounds, including furnishing 573 trees.

The newly completed North Theater at the Gateway Arch was officially opened to the public for the premier showing of Charles Guggenheim's prize-winning 35mm film, "Time of the West."

The Living History Fur Trade Room, Loom Room, Pioneer Cab Room, and Environmental Education Workshop-Library were opened in the Old Courthouse.

Mayor James E. Williams of East St. Louis, Illinois, and Superintendent Ivan D. Parker of the National Park Service initiated a comprehensive study and master plan for a prop expansion of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial to east bank of the Mississippi River directly across from the Gateway Arch.

Completion of the paving of the North and South Overlooks and associated walkways.

The historical doctor/dentist office was opened in the east wing of the first floor of the Old Courthouse, by the St. Louis Medical Society.

"Gateway to the West," a 30 minute, 35mm film, first shown to the public in North Theater of the Gateway Arch.

A contract was let in the amount of $107,000 for improvement to the bus parking area and for landscaping on Washington Avenue.

Dedication of Tucker Theater and unveiling of the Jefferson statue at the Gateway Arch.

House Omnibus Bill No. 1 was introduced in the U. S. Congress increasing the development ceiling for the Memorial by $9,500,000.

Dedication and opening of the St. Louis Room exhibit in the Old Courthouse. Funds donated by the First National Bank in St. Louis.

Mayor John H. Poelker, St. Louis, participates in the ribbon-cutting ceremony opening phase 1 of the Grand Staircase from Wharf Street to the Gateway Arch.

Special all-day Bicentennial celebration at the Memorial with approximately 800,000 visitors in attendance.

Museum of Westward Expansion completed at a cost of $3,178,000 and opened to the public.

Dedication of the Museum of Westward Expansion by the Secretary of the Interior, Thomas S. Kleppe.