9 FEB 19 1964




Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
P. 0. Drawer 1431
A42 St. Augustine, Florida
February 18, 1964


Mr. Frank D. Upchurch
President, St. Augustine
Historical Society
22 Saint Francis Street
St. Augustine, Florida

Dear Mr, Upchurch:

As a member of the Society I was most pleased to read your letter of
February 5 which pledges the continuing identity and independence of
our organization.

Quite frankly, as a member and as the representative for all National
Park Service activities here I was quite concerned with respect to the
discussion at the last meeting as to the Post Office (former site of
the Governor's Palace) and the reference to the National Park Service
becoming involved in an operation of the present structure on that site.

It seemed to me at the time that perhaps the Society was being used, not
as a forum, but instead as a lobby.

The future use of the present Post Office structure is certainly a diffi-
cult problem and I hope you have noted that Our Service has not, and will
not, take any position on the question of present use as opposed to Exhibit
Center use. Similarly we take no position on future use of the building
after 1965. However, if we are involved publicly, as possible future
operators, particularly with as firm a statement as was made at the Society
meeting, then we feel that publicly too we should have the opportunity to
explain our broad policies, Advisory Board procedures, etc., that are pre-
requisite to inclusion of a historic site within the National Park System.
I mention this only because, as you point out, the Society may later be
obligated to lead the people in bringing to light the true history of the
structure now on the Governor's Palace site.

National Park Service personnel have always been most interested as mem-
bers and collateral workers for the Society's program. Be assured of our
best wishes and support for a productive term of office as President of
our Society.

Sincerely yours,


B. C. Roberts
Superintendent

cc: Mr. Earle W. Newton