Res Gestae 1976: The Supreme Court Historical Society

WILLIAM H. PRESS

This Society, an infant organization When Yearbook 1976 was published, has matured rapidly during the last year and made significant accomplishments. Every indication now is that during 1977 activities will broaden and intensify and progress will be outstanding.

Members who attended the first annual meeting of the Supreme Court Historical Society on May 19, 1976 were impressed by the demonstration that we have become an efficacious agency for the achievement of our basic objectives.

The day began with a well-attended and spirited Executive Committee meeting. The General Membership meeting in the West Conference Room of the Supreme Court Building concluded with standing room only for the more than 150 attendees. This was followed by the first annual Board of Trustees meeting.

The First Annual Dinner in the Great Hall of the Supreme Court was sold out in advance to almost 250 diners. President Elizabeth Hughes Gossett presided; Chief Justice Warren E. Burger made interesting and humorous comments; John Paul Frank of Phoenix, Arizona--once law clerk to Justice Hugo L. Black--delivered the principal oration "Supreme Court Appointments--Controversy to Accomplishment."

Mrs. David Acheson and Mrs. Earl Warren were elected Trustees of SCHS, and the following were reelected for three-year terms: Ralph E. Becker, Herbert Brownell, G. Howland Chase, William T. Coleman, Jr., Newell W. Ellison, Erwin N. Griswold, Joseph H. Hennage, Nicholas deB. Katzenbach, Harvey T. Reid, Fred Schwengel, Whitney North Seymour and Hobart Taylor, Jr.

Appropriately the Society placed emphasis on Bicentennial activities during 1976 mainly by jointly sponsoring with the Supreme Court (1) completion of the first floor display of sculptures of former Chief Justices, (2) execution of twelve missing portraits of former Associate Justices for the ground floor, (3) an exhibit on "The Court and the American People," (4) the Hugo L. Black Exhibit and (5) preparation of continuous films from Archives newsreel footage for viewing by visitors to the Supreme Court. SCHS also provided the full cost of a portrait of retired Associate Justice Tom C. Clark.

Publication of Magna Carta and the Tradition of Liberty, a full-color, 64-page book written by Louis B. Wright, was completed in May. It was jointly sponsored by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, the Supreme Court Historical Society and the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. Both historical societies offer the books for sale at modest prices with discounts for members.

To mark the Bicentennial the U.S. Mint has, pursuant to strong urging, agreed to execute and strike fifteen medals of Chief Justices to be added to its list of about 300 historic three-inch bronze medallions. The first two medals are of John Jay, the First Chief Justice, and Warren E. Burger, current Chief Justice. These may be purchased from SCHS.

Speaking of portraits, the Society in December assumed the responsibility of providing portraits to be hung in the Supreme Court Building of all current and future Justices. Families, associates and clerks will have the opportunity of contributing to their cost by making contributions to SCHS. An Art Committee, chaired by Rowland F. Kirks, will oversee this activity.

During 1976 a number of historically significant objects and memorabilia were obtained as gifts according to Joseph H. Hennage, Acquisitions Committee Chairman. These include a dinner invitation to Justice and Mrs. Cushing from George Washington, a French carriage clock which belonged to Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, a plat map of New York signed by John Jay, several group photos of former Supreme Court benches, an oil portrait and plaster bust relief of Justice John Marshall Harlan (the first), a tortoise-shell box from the desk of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, the World Court robe and a number of academic hoods and medals of Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes and an 1800 James Howell sterling teapot presented to SCHS in honor of Chief Justice Warren E. Burger by his former law clerks. SCHS also purchased a mahogany Sheraton sideboard c. 1800-1810, which has been placed in the Justices' Dining Room.

An understanding has been reached with the Federal Bar Foundation, the present operator, for SCHS to take over and enlarge the kiosk, inside the main entrance of the Supreme Court Building, where postal cards, publications and mementos are sold. Items stocked there will be made available through the Newsletter and circulars to members of SCHS throughout the country. A "taste" committee will be appointed to approve sale items and their prices.

The Society in August decided to embark on an oral history project as soon as it is feasible. A committee is being named to review a consultant's proposal and other recommendations concerning a program and then to draft the initial oral history project for adoption by the Board of Trustees.

Major steps toward a scholarly publishing program have been taken and are being developed by the Publications Committee chaired by Dr. William F. Swindler.

On September 13, 1976, the National Historical Publications and Records Commission approved our proposal to publish a documentary history of the Supreme Court 1789-1800 and a matching grant of $25,000 per annum to meet forecast $50,000 annual costs. Preparation time is estimated at four to five years. The history will primarily consist of hitherto unpublished materials of the unfamiliar pre-Marshall period when the Court considered questions central to creating a workable national government out of the Constitution's blueprint. This is a major step in implementing SCHS's encouragement of serious scholarship in the field of constitutional history.

Before year's end it is hoped that a new publication Magna Carta Documents will be published commercially with SCHS sponsorship. Additional titles in this arrangement have been projected annually for four years.

A compendium of opinions of all Justices in all decisions of the Supreme Court since its formation is under discussion now.

Organizationally and administratively, the Society, as was expected, grew larger, increased its income, moved to larger quarters and enlarged its staff.

On August 1, 1976, SCHS moved into Suite 333 in the Investment Building, 1511 K Street, N. W. , Washington, D.C. 20005. This provided more and better space to accommodate an additional staff person as membership coordinator and also volunteer aides provided by D.C. Lawyer's Wives and other cooperating agencies.

A full audit of the Society's financial operations was made by a Washington CPA firm as of June 30, 1976, the end of the SCHS fiscal year. No exceptions were taken. Members wishing to examine the audit may do so by visiting the Society offices.

Overall figures for the year July 1, 1975-June 30, 1976 show receipts of $185,153, expenses of $108,782 and the fund balance of $202,336 on June 30, 1976. Assets consisted of cash $164,581 and acquisitions held for display $88,830 for a total of $253,411. Liabilities--all current--were $51,075.

As Yearbook 1977 goes to press, membership totals approximately 1,350. A major membership campaign will be in full swing beginning in October 1976. Striking new brochures and invitations and expanded mailing lists will be used. Cooperation through personal support of leading lawyers in all states and major communities is being sought. Our second full-year objective is to at least triple our membership.

Standing Committee chairpersons

Annual Meeting Linwood Holton

Arts Rowland F. Kirks

Acquisitions Joseph H. Hennage

Budget and Finance Earl W. Kintner

Exhibits Robert T. Stevens

Membership Fred M. Vinson, Jr.

Nominating Elizabeth S. Black

Publications William F. Swindler

Yearbook Editorial Board Merlo J. Pusey

Copyright 1976, Supreme Court Historical Society