Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 3.djvu/351

 of horticulture and arboriculture by collection and dissemination of correct information concerning the cultivation of such fruits, flowers and trees as are adapted to the soil and climate of Iowa.” From that time forward the society has held annual meetings and exhibitions of fruits and its transactions, published by the State, embracing the experience of the leading fruit growers and horticulturists of Iowa and many other States, make up a library of valuable information on these subjects nowhere excelled. The General Assembly has recognized the value of its work by making appropriations to aid in paying the current expenses of the society. Rooms in the State House are furnished for the use of the officers, and safe keeping of the library and other property.

THE HISTORICAL DEPARTMENT

This department was created by act of the Twenty-fourth General Assembly in 1892. The first step in this direction was taken by the previous Legislature in providing for collections of historical materials relating to Iowa. The later act made a liberal appropriation for the Historical Department to be expended largely in securing records, data and objects relating to Iowa and the territory of which it originally formed a part. The Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth General Assemblies made appropriations for the erection of a section of the Hall of History, on lots northeast of the State House grounds. The laying of the corner-stone was an occasion of unusual interest; both because of the importance of the department and the large number of distinguished Iowans who participated in the ceremonies, among them were Hon. Theodore S. Parvin, Rev. William Salter, Hon. A. B. F. Hildreth, Hon. James Harlan and Hon. John A. Kasson, the latter of whom delivered the principal address. He called attention to the fact that “the Historical Department for which the State is providing a home, will be an