A. L. Washburn

Abstract

The decision of the Board of Governors of the Institute, in early 1945, to ask Lincoln Washburn to take on the Executive Directorship, proved a wise and a happy one. Dr. Washburn, known to his very large circle of friends as "Linc", came to Montreal in the same year and set up office in the Institute headquarters. During his six years as Executive Director, he saw the headquarters moved twice, from the top floor of the administration wing of the McGill University Arts Building to the Ethnological Museum, then housed in the Medical Building, and from there to the present offices in Bishop Mountain House. He left Montreal in March 1951 to establish the Washington Office, and in this present year he has given up his close administrative connection with the Institute for other work in which he will continue his great interest in furthering arctic research. The Institute is very greatly indebted to Dr. Washburn; it was he, more than anyone else, who set the pattern of its early development. His great devotion to his work, his gift for detail and his thoroughness have constantly amazed his associates, and it is to these qualities of his that the sound foundation of the organization can surely be ascribed. His work for the Institute did not appear to cease day or night, as witness the many guests on social occasions in his home who found themselves suddenly involved in impromptu committee meetings in the corner. Much of the financial endowment which started the work of the Institute, and which still carries it on, was due to Dr. Washburn's energy and enterprise. His tact and modesty gained him firm friends in both capitals, but it was in Montreal that he became perhaps better known to Institute friends than anywhere else, especially to the Arctic Associates of Montreal. He became a well-known figure at McGill University, and there was a real feeling of loss when he moved south to Washington. No appreciation of the work of Dr. Washburn, in Institute matters, could omit warm and special tributes to his wife. Tahoe Washburn was an important member of the team; her charm, cheerfulness, verve and warmth will never be forgotten in Montreal. She accompanied her husband on several of his northern expeditions, and she became known to many as the hostess of the Washburn home on Westmount Mountain, which came to be a natural Mecca for arctic people going through the city; a sort of unofficial hostelry of infinite hospitality. There are remarkably few United States citizens who achieve real understanding of Canadian problems and points of view, even though they may live in Canada for many years. The Washburns are two who undoubtedly did, and the importance of that understanding to the welfare of the Institute can scarcely be over-rated. (It was even said that Linc Washburn was gradually changing his pronunciation of the very word "Institute"!). From the standpoint of those in Montreal it was a great pity that for various good reasons he felt he had to return to the United States, and in so doing had to relinquish the Executive Directorship. It goes without saying that he will remain in continued close association with the Institute, which will continue to benefit from his experience and wise help.