The American Institute of Physics Building. I. Early History of the Building

Abstract

A HOME office for the American Institute of Physics, as well as a national headquarters for its member societies and for the physicists of America is no longer a dream but a definite accomplished fact. At a fraction of its former value, the Institute has obtained a building eminently suited to its needs. Because of the durable construction and fire-proof nature of the building, upkeep costs will be reasonably low. This fact together with the tax-free status of the Institute makes ``home-ownership'' decidedly a matter of good business. The suitability of the building for the purposes of the Institute has been emphasized in the appeal for funds. The dignified entrance hall will make physicists proud of ``their building.'' The large member's room on the second floor will provide a place for physicists visiting New York to read, write, telephone, and meet people. In addition, this room will make an excellent board room and meeting place for small groups. The other rooms on the second, third, and fourth floors will provide adequate space for the Director, Publications Manager, and other officers of the Institute, and for the publications staff. Fortunately there is room for the expansion of the activities of the Institute which is sure to come in the near future. Many of the interior photographs in this issue of the Journal show the furnishings of the building when used as a residence. Naturally when used as an office some of the elegance will be sacrificed for utility. The Institute will of necessity carry out gradually interior decorations adapted to its new use. Since the building has not been used for several years minor repairs and a thorough cleaning will be in order first of all. Although the present appearance of the building inside and out is not as bright as the pictures used here indicate the architectural details are in sound condition underneath the grime. Dr. Barton has pointed out that the goal of $75,000 which must be raised if this building is to be owned by the Institute free-of-debt has not yet been reached. Physicists are asked to send in their contributions soon. Every physicist will want to own a small part of this building. It is to be hoped that everyone will make a contribution even if it must be small so that the Institute will know that physicists are unanimously back of its carefully formulated program for the future of organized physics in America. Great credit is due to the Governing Board and the War Policy Committee, but those close to the Institute know that were it not for the hard work and unbounded enthusiasm of the Director and the Publications Manager, a national headquarters for physicists would not have been possible for a long time to come. So that physicists may become better acquainted with their new headquarters, a series of articles describing the building is planned. The first of these is concerned with its early history and follows below.—The Editor