National Audubon Society

History and architecture

The National Audubon Society occupies an outstanding example of early Twentieth Century residential architecture, designed in the best tradition of the American town house.

Combining the severity of the Federal Style in its formal conservatism with a certain freedom of design, this six-story brick house with marble trim radiates an expression of vitality and a gaiety of spirit that is refreshing to behold. This large, sunny dwelling occupying a corner lot was admirably suited for the domestic city life of a socially prominent family, and since 1953 it has served as national headquarters for an important conservation organization.

The elegant doorway with its arched opening is framed by a pair of engaged Tuscan columns. It is crowned by an entablature that connects with the second floor belt course. Reminiscent of the Federal Style are the floor length windows of the second story and the plain lintels above the square-headed openings. The bulls-eye (oculus) windows of the fourth floor and the belt courses, together with the carved garble cornice and balustrade above it, have an urban richness and refinement which give the building great dignity and considerable architectural sophistication.

Willard D. Straight (1882-1918) diplomat, financier, and publicist, was bom in Oswego, N, Y. A graduate of Cornell University with a B.A. in architecture in 1901, Straight went to the Orient the same year, He worked as a correspondent, then hold several diplomatic posts in the Orient, and later served as acting chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs in the State Department from 1908 to 1909.

In 1911, Straight married Dorothy Whitney, daughter of William C. Whitney the Vail Street financier. Subsequently Straight was associated with J.P. Morgan & Co. as a Par Eastern expert. As a publisher, and with his wife's cooperation, he founded a weekly journal, the Now Republic, and later in 1915 he established a monthly magazine, first known as the Journal of the American Asiatic Association and later renamed Asia.

He died in 1918, while serving as a Major with the American Expeditionary Forces, Founded in 1903, the National Audubon Society is among the oldest and largest national conservation organizations in North America. The Society is privately financed; receiving no government funds.

It is supported primarily by membership duos, contributions and bequests. The official publication of the Society is an illustrated bi-monthly named Audubon Magazine.

On the second floor at Audubon House, the Society maintains a library of over 18,000 books, pamphlets and periodicals. The reference library is open to members and the public on week days only.