The Association in its early years put forth untiring efforts to raise the funds necessary to restore the mansion and collect the original furnishings and relics. It inaugurated various enterprises, such as lectures, concerts, balls, etc. President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Hermitage, October 22, 1907, and in a speech then promised government aid. He incorporated the matter in his annual message, and as a result and through the efforts of Senator James B. Frazier and Congressman John W. Gaines, both of whom were trustees, Congress made an appropriation of $5,000 to repair and improve the Hermitage. The present sources of revenue are admission fees, souvenir shop sales, and Association membership dues. The collection of relics and furniture now in the house is the result of years of effort of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association. It is interesting to note, in this connection, that the Hermitage is the only great National Shrine in this country having original furnishings throughout. All furnishings in the house originally belonged to General Jackson, with the exception of a few articles which, in each case, are noted in the catalogue. In 1961, the National Park Service of the U. S. Department of the Interior designated the Hermitage as a Registered National Historic Landmark. For forty-five years following the opening of the Hermitage to the public, Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Baker served as careful and dedicated custodians of the buildings and grounds. They were succeeded by their son, Andrew Jackson Baker, who was born at the Hermitage, and his wife, and it is due to their continued dedication and interest that the Hermitage has maintained its reputation as the nation’s best-kept shrine. Due to ill health, Mr. Baker resigned in 1963. The present custodian is Steve S. Lawrence. ANDREW JACKSON CHRONOLOGY BY W. B. MARR