Architects Pay Tribute to Mills
Monument at Grave is Dedicated-Roosevelt Letter Read
Tribute to the memory of Robert Mills, first Federal architect, was paid at Congressional Cemetery yesterday when a monument erected at his grave by a group of architects, was dedicated in the presence of Mills' descendants and many interested architects and admirers of his work.
A message from President Roosevelt, lauding Mr. Mills' work, was read.
"Every visitor who comes to Washington," wrote the President in a message to Edwin B. Morris of the Monument Committee, "is impressed with the classic beauty of the Treasury, the Patent Office and the Land Office, notable among the structures designed by Mills.
"Of all the monuments in our National Capital, the one outstanding in silent, solemn grandeur is that which Mills designed and which the Nation erected in memory of Washington. None but a very great genius could have evolved in his mind such a lofty conception of the greatness of a man and of a great Nation's love for that man. I am truly glad that belated tribute is to be paid to Mills' memory."
The message was read by Francis P. Sullivan, who presided.
The memorial was unveiled by Mrs. Robert Mills Evans of this city, great granddaughter of Mr. Mills. Other members of the family present included a great-grandson, Robert Mills Dimitry, of Brookly, N.Y., with his wife, and a great-great-grandson, Richard X Evans, of this city. A letter of appreciation was read from Mills' surviving grandson, Thomas Dabney Dimitry, of New Orleans, unable, on account of age, to be present.
Rear Admiral Christian Joy Peoples, director of procurement for the Government, was the principal speaker. He praised the work of Mills, declaring he was an "inspiration and example" to his successors.
Louis A. Simon, supervising architect of the Treasury's Procurement Division, said Mills' work "breathes the spirit of all that is universal and permanent in beauty, undimmed by the passing of years."
David Rankin Barbee, author and historian, reviewed the life and works of Mills comprehensively, declaring his buildings here "express the majesty, the dignity and the beauty of our country."
The grave of Mills had remained unmarked by monument for more than 80 years. The memorial was designed by P.G. Golden and Harry Cunningham.
Published by: The Evening Star
Publishing date: May 31, 1936