Mr. SNEED. We have bought the house; it is paid for. Mrs. COULTER. Yes, we do. Senator CLARK. Let the record show that the witnesses produced a sketch, showing a proposed restoration of Gen. James White's home in Knoxville, Tenn., known as White's Fort, built in the 1780's, which, unfortunately, cannot appear in the record. You can leave it with us if you want. Mr. SNEED. We would like to have this for the record. Senator CLARK. Does that just about cover your problem, or do you want to add something? Mrs. COULTER. Of course, we realize that the housing authority may object to this on account of the fact that it does take some money out of their budget, so to speak. But, at the same time, our own housing authority is very, very much in favor, to a man, of our having it. We feel it is of enough interest, as these letters will show that we have furnished you for the record, to make it worthwhile for the Federal Government to take a hand. Senator CLARK. How much are they asking for that land now? Senator CLARK. Have you been up there to try to negotiate with them and see if they will not make you a better offer? Mrs. COULTER. We were given to understand, as things stand now, as Mr. Sneed explained to you, there is some other land in this whole area which they have taken over, which is very valuable. It just happens that this is in the downtown area. In fact, it is only one block from the Andrew Johnson Hotel, the largest in town. Senator CLARK. So this is very valuable real estate. Mrs. COULTER. It is very valuable real estate. Mr. SNEED. I do not think this is so valuable as the other pieces. They are on the level area and down in the business district. Mrs. COULTER. But the strange thing is that the historic area of Knoxville does lie right behind the main street, almost. Yet, it is an urban area because it has gone down in that particular area. Senator CLARK. I would make an informal suggestion, which is only for me personally, that while you are here in Washington you go down and see the agency people and explain to them what took place at this hearing and ask them if they cannot give you a better figure, which you might be able to raise from your own sources, without asking the Congress to make an exception in this case. Then, if you find they will not do it, let us know, and we will see where we go from there. Mr. SNEED. We are hoping that this national bill will not only help the James White Association, but it will help many other historic organizations. I would like to mention that this fort was most important nationally because it was the territory south of the Ohio River. It was a fort that was used in opening the westward movement. Today, General James White's descendants are still prominent in the law-making bodies of our country. Senator CLARK. Thank you very much. Do you care to add anything, any of you? Thank you so much. We are happy to have you. Mr. SNEED. Thank you for the opportunity of appearing. Statement of ESTES KEFAUVER, A U.S. SENATOR From the State of Mr. Chairman and members, I'm very grateful for the opportunity to appear before your subcommittee in support of my bill, S. 3148, which would permit the Housing and Home Finance Agency to donate to a public or private nonprofit organization real property, not to exceed one acre, acquired in an urban renewal area, if the Administrator finds that the property has historic significance of general interest and if such property is to be preserved on a nonprofit basis as an historical site or monument. Surely there's not one person here who doesn't recognize the importance of preserving our Nation's historic sites and buildings. They serve as eloquent reminders of the debts we owe those Americans who came before us, and as a constant inspiration, illustrating as they do the hardships men endured in order to be free. My good friends, Mrs. Earle Coulter and Mr. Joseph Sneed, have told the subcommittee something of the remarkable story of a truly admirable man, General James White, who to my mind represents what is finest in our American heritage. It is the purpose of my bill to promote and encourage the preservation of tangible reminders of men like James White, not only in Tennessee but throughout the Nation. Time moves on, and what was virgin timber in the late 18th century becomes thriving, pleasant towns. By now, though, the oldest parts of many of our towns and cities-where historic sites are usually found-have become blighted and in need of renewal. True, most old buildings don't- warrant special consideration; but here and there is a spot that because of some association in the past is worth keeping. I submit that our urban renewal programs can be even more effective if more than token encouragement is given to the preservation of historic sites that fall within urban renewal areas. Reminders of the past will add character, interest and value to what otherwise might be expanses of raw, new mid-20th century buildings. The James White's Fort Association is embarked upon a very, very meritorious project, and the public-spirited citizens who make up the association are doing a magnificent job in marshaling support for permanent recognition of James White. The project will cost the association and its supporters some $100,000 to move and furnish General White's house, and to construct a replica of the stockade which protected the early settlers. In light of this substantial expense, and in light of the debt that the entire Nation owes James White, as detailed by Mrs. Coulter and Mr. Sneed, it's felt that the Federal Government can bear a greater burden in acquiring the land than the law now allows. I feel that there are in the country other sites that merit the treatment which my bill would provide, and I hope that the law can be changed so that we and those who follow us can gain inspiration from those who came before. Thank you very much. STATEMENT OF ALBERT GORE, A U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF TENNESSEE Mr. Chairman, I am glad to have this opportunity to appear before this subcommittee in support of S. 3148, introduced by my distinguished colleague, Senator Kefauver. Enactment of this bill would make possible the restoration and preservation of historic shrines lying within the area of urban renewal projects. Some urban renewal projects already underway include sites of major historic interest, the significance of which will be forever lost unless action is taken promptly. The need for prompt enactment of legislation such as that proposed in S. 3148 is demonstrated by a situation which exists with respect to an urban renewal project in Knoxville, Tenn. This particular urban renewal area includes part of the tract upon which were located the historic residence and fort of Gen. James White, a Revolutionary War officer, a pioneer settler of the territory south of the Ohio and founder of the settlement which became the city of Knoxville. There is a great deal of interest among local citizens and civic groups in the restoration of the James White cabin and fort. The James White Fort Association has been organized to undertake a restoration program and to preserve the shrine on a nonprofit basis. The plans of the association can go forward if the association can obtain title to the small plot of land which is part of the original tract upon which the structures were located. I am informed by the executive director of the Knoxville Housing Authority that the plans of the association are fully consistent with plans for the construction of a housing project within the area and that the housing authority strongly supports the proposal of the James White Fort Association. Under the provisions of S. 3148, conveyances are limited to transfers to eligible public, and private nonprofit organizations. In no instance could land in excess of one acre be conveyed. The authority contained in the bill is permissive only and may be exercised only when the Administrator finds that the project has historical significance of general interest which is to be preserved, restored, or otherwise developed as a historical site to be operated on a nonprofit basis under a plan of use which is not inconsistent with the overall urban renewal plan. These limitations constitute adequate safeguards against misuse of the authority contained in the bill and restrict the use of such authority to those instances in which the preservation of a historic site is in the public interest. Congress has long recognized the importance and desirability of preserving for posterity landmarks which played an important role in the development of our country. This bill proposes no direct appropriation of Federal funds. It would only make possible the conveyance of small historical sites to publicspirited groups interested in preserving them. It would, thus, encourage both public and private groups to take such action. I commend this bill to the attention of the subcommittee and respectfully urge its favorable consideration. CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COMMITTEE ON BANKING AND CURRENCY, Hon. HOWARD H. BAKER, MY DEAR COLLEAGUE: I am writing in answer to your letter to Chairman Spence on your bill, H.R. 10894. I am glad that there is so much local support in your district for the preservation of a historical site and am certainly in sympathy with their objectives. Moreover, this would seem to fit in well with the growing feeling that parks and other open areas should receive more emphasis. At present our attention is concentrated on H.R. 10213, the Emergency Home Ownership Act, which I feel is sorely needed to halt the sharp drop in homebuilding. I am hopeful that this bill will speed through the House before the Easter recess. My Housing Subcommittee will begin hearings on a general housing bill sometime late in April and I assure you that we will have your proposal before us when we do. Sincerely yours, ALBERT RAINS, Chairman. CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D.C., March 28, 1960. Hon. ALBERT RAINS, Chairman, Subcommittee on Housing, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I deeply appreciate your fine letter of March 22 relative to H.R. 10894. Senator Kefauver has introduced an identical bill in the Senate, and we are very much interested in obtaining enactment at this session. It is most gratifying to know of your interest in this matter. Sincerely, HOWARD H. BAKER. Hon. ESTES KEFAUVER, U.S. Senate, Senate Office Building, CITY OF KNOXVILLE, TENN., Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR: I appreciate your interest in the James White Fort project for Knoxville and I am sure it will be a fine attraction for the city of Knoxville when it is completed. City council went on record February 11, 1960, supporting this project and appropriated $3,000 toward the expense of this project. Anything you do in support of this bill will be appreciated. Best wishes, I am, Sincerely, JOHN J. DUNCAN, Mayor. KNOXVILLE, TENN., May 2, 1960. Hon. JOHN SPARKMAN, U.S. Senator, Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: In connection with your subcommittee hearing on S. 3148 I would like to inform you and the committee that the city of Knoxville is very much in favor of the project sponsored by the City Association of Women's Clubs in view of the fact the city of Knoxville has obligated for certain financial assistance in order that this land can be obtained for the James White Fort and House. The City Council of Knoxville has gone on record also in favor of this bill and your earnest consideration will be appreciated by all. Sincerely, Senator ESTES KEFAUVER, JOHN J. DUNCAN, Mayor. KNOXVILE HOUSING AUTHORITY, INC., Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR KEFAUVER: Mrs. Earl Coulter, president of the James White's Fort Association and its members have requested of the Knoxville Housing Authority a plot of land approximately 1 acre which is located at the east end of Hill Avenue Bridge north side. This land is to be used for the restoration of the James White's house and fort which is of great historic value to not only this section of the United States but is of national importance due to the part it played in the early development of Tennessee and also of the opening of the west. We regret that due to the title I of the Housing Act we are unable to donate this land. However, the Knoxville Housing Authority wishes to go on record as heartly endorsing this most worthwhile project. We hope that some action can be taken to allow this land be given this association and appreciate any assistance that you can give regarding the reconstruction of this historic fort. Yours very truly, ROBERT C. HEMBREE, Executive Director. KNOXVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY, INC., Senator ESTES KEFAUVER, Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR KEFAUVER: In a conversation with Mr. J. L. Sneed this morning, there seems to be some doubt as to the Knoxville Housing Authority's attitude concerning bill No. S. 3148 introduced by you. This is to advise that the Knoxville Housing Authority, Inc., heartily indorses this worthwhile program. If we can be of any help, please advise. Yours very truly, ROBERT C. HEMBREE, Executive Director. KNOX COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, In re SB-3148. Hon. JOHN SPARKMAN, Senator From Alabama, Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR SPARKMAN: It is our considered opinion that the above-named bill is certainly worthy of your full support and we jointly urge that you use every means at your disposal to aid in the passage of this measure. The restoration of the James White Fort as a historical development is a most highly favorable project from every angle and has gained the full cooperation of your elected officials as well as other civic leaders. We, of the board of commissioners, would be most grateful for your careful consideration on this matter. Most sincerely, Chairman, Housing Subcommittee of the Committee on Banking and Currency, Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR SPARKMAN: I am writing to request that you lend your support to bill No. S. 3148, amendment to housing authority, to allow land up to an acre to nonprofit organizations to be used for the preservation of historical shrines. The Knox County Board of Education approved a plan for the solicitation of funds for the purpose of restoring the James White Fort. The board felt that the preservation of the James White Fort is of local, State, and National historical value. We will appreciate anything that can be done to see that this land is given to the James White Fort Association. Sincerely, MILDRED E. DOYLE, Superintendent, Knox County Schools Hon. JOHN J. SPARKMAN, KNOXVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, Chairman, Subcommittee on Housing, Banking and Currency Committee, Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR SPARKMAN: We understand that your committee is currently considering a possible amendment to the housing bill, S. 3148, which would allow the use of certain properties in redevelopment areas for historical, nonprofit purposes. May we respectfully urge your favorable consideration of such an amendment. We have found broad interest in Knoxville and Tennessee for the establishment of a historical shrine on a site in a redevelopment area here, and we feel that this interest is paralleled in many other areas throughout the country. In our country's tremendous growth and development, we hope that proper attention always can be given to recognition of the pioneers who built our Nation. Such recognition may be most opportune in redevelopment areas-as is true in Tennessee's effort to create a suitable memorial to James White, the founder of Knoxville. We are taking the liberty of conveying this endorsement to Tennessee's Senators Kefauver and Gore and to our own Congressman Howard Baker. Respectfully yours, 55869-6020 CHARLES F. HERD, Manager. 1 |