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<p>[QUOTE="leeg, post: 3562890, member: 17073"]Now back to our regularly scheduled programming. <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie50" alt=":happy:" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> “At the Buffalo convention there was considerable discussion on the issue of the 50,000 Oregon Trail half dollars dated 1928 which are still in the Philadelphia Mint waiting to be claimed by the Oregon Trail Memorial Association. The matter was disposed of by referring it to the Board of governors for such action as seemed best to them.</p><p><br /></p><p> The facts in the case are, briefly, these: In 1926 there were struck at the Philadelphia Mint 48,030 Oregon Trail half dollars and 100,055 at the San Francisco Mint, all of which are dated 1926. In 1928 the Philadelphia Mint struck 50,028 additional pieces of this issue. These are dated 1928 and they are still at the mint, ready to be turned over to the Oregon Trail Memorial Association on payment of face value for them. No individual or group of individuals or other organization can obtain any of them. It is this latest issue that collectors want made available.</p><p><br /></p><p> It appears that all of the 148,085 half dollars struck in and dated 1926 have not yet been sold, and it is not general knowledge whether the Oregon Trail Memorial Association is still actively functioning since the death of Ezra Meeker, its president, several months ago. As matter stand, it seems probable that the coins dated 1928 will not be taken from the mint until those dated 1926 are sold.</p><p><br /></p><p> It is obvious that the initial move should be to get in touch with the officials of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association and learn whether it will be possible for them in the near future to withdraw 1,000, 2,000, or 5,000 of the 1928 issue if purchasers can be found at the usual price of $1 each for the entire number withdrawn. The law under which they were coined permits the withdrawal of a portion of the issue at any time. This would mean a considerable profit to the Memorial Association with a minimum of effort. If a favorable reply is received, let the dealers and others who can use a quantity of them get together and learn whether they can absorb the entire number requested to be withdrawn. If so, we should have Oregon Trail half dollars dated 1928 in a short time to supply all demands. If the Memorial Association declines to act in the matter, the present situation will not be changed. It is a very simple proposition.”<b>5</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>5 <i>The Numismatist</i>, Editorial Comment—Numismatic News, Those Oregon Trail Half Dollars Dated 1928, November, 1930, p. 752-753.</b></p><p><br /></p><p> “It is a well known fact that Oregon Trail half dollars bearing the date of 1928 were struck for the Oregon Trail Memorial Association, Inc., but have not been released for sale to the public because the association wishes to dispose of its 1926 Oregon Trail half dollars before it sells its 1928 coins. I have a letter from Mae Baker Berryman, office secretary, dated January 28, 1931, in which it is stated that the association had 33,000 of the 1926 coins to dispose of. This may take a long time and make a lengthy wait before the 1928 coins are available. I believe it would be a good idea to appeal to all collectors of commemorative half dollars through The Numismatist to write to the association requesting the release of the 1928 half dollars to collectors and others interested in them.</p><p><br /></p><p>Paul H. Ginther</p><p><br /></p><p>New Holland, Ill., March 7, 1932”<b>6</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>6 <i>The Numismatist</i>, April 1932, The Oregon Trail Half Dollars, p. 245.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><img src="https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Fort%20Hall%20Marker%20No.%2011%20%20B.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><b>Fort Hall - An Indian Trading Post in <a href="http://www.waymarking.com/cat/details.aspx?f=1&guid=8084870d-7bea-4b37-8e61-606ef128d09d&st=2" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.waymarking.com/cat/details.aspx?f=1&guid=8084870d-7bea-4b37-8e61-606ef128d09d&st=2" rel="nofollow">Idaho Historical Markers</a>. This historical marker, erected by the Boy Scouts and the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association, is located on US Highway 91 on the south edge of Fort Hall, 1932. Courtesy of <i>Waymark</i>.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><img src="https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Fort%20Hall%20Marker%20No.%2011%20%20A%20by%20Waymark%20%20A.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><b>Close up of plaque on the Fort Hall Marker.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><img src="https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Fort%20Hall%20Marker%20No.%2011%20%20D%20%201.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><b>View of emblem at top of monument. Undated (Circa 1930s) Oregon Trail Memorial Association Plaque. Cast Brass, Bronze Finish. 16.5 inches. Approximately 14 pounds. By James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser. Essentially As Made.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b> A typed paper label affixed on the back reads PROPERTY OF O.T.M. A., accompanied only by two loops linked by a wire for hanging.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b> Designed by the husband and wife team of James Earle and Laura Gardin Fraser. Very similar in design to the reverse of the Oregon Trail Memorial half dollar, except the date and motto have been omitted, and J.E. AND L.G. FRASER SCULPTORS has been added at the bottom of the design in small letters. This piece shows no evidence of the inevitable wear and corrosion that would occur as a result of mounting and display outdoors, as was the intended destiny of most of these plaques, which were used as historic markers at various points along the Oregon Trail.</b></p><p><br /></p><p>“<b>To the Acting Director of the Mint Mary O’Reilly from the President of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association Howard Diggs on February 6, 1933, regarding the Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar.</b></p><p><br /></p><p> In response to your letter of February 3 inquiring as to the probability of the use of the Oregon Trail 1928 coins by our Association, may I say that it is highly probable that we shall require all of them during this year and next. Most of the 1926 issue has now been put to the service of saving the story of our American pioneers of the West, more than one hundred monuments having been erected during the past two years, despite the depression, along the old trails. That good work is far from completed. This summer will see renewed activities. It would be a serious disappointment to the various states immediately concerned, and to many patriotic societies over the country that are interesting themselves in this work should the coins now being held be melted.</p><p><br /></p><p> In addition to the monumenting of the Oregon Trail and its allied branches – the Pony Express, the Overland State, the Utah, and the California Trails, which work is being carried through, there are two centennial celebrations – that of the founding of Fort Hall and of the Whitman Mission – in prospect. Those are now planning for these important historical events are counting on the reinforcement of the coin to help them in their memorialization plans. The Idaho people who are promoting the Fort Hall centennial for 1934 were the ones, indeed, who first started the movement to have the coin minted. We want by all means to help them realize their dreams of restoring this old post at the division point on the Oregon-California Trails.</p><p><br /></p><p> So far as the immediate sale of the 1928 coins is concerned may I say that our Association has held back a great many orders for this issue because our board decided to clear away the 1926 issue first. I explained our plan at one time to your Mr. Grant, who assured me of your cooperation. Since then we have, as I just out-lined, been very successful in putting the first issue to good use. So few of that minting remain, that we are now in position to consider the orders for the other coins.</p><p><br /></p><p> Just this last Saturday some of our officials were laying plans for the release of some of the coins you hold. We are just not financially in a position to take over all the 1928 issue, but I feel sure that we may be able within a comparatively short time to order some of it. This would be through our fiscal agent, Chase National Bank. Our question is? May we procure the coins in lots of say five hundred or more? If we may have such an arrangement, it will help us greatly in our coming campaign for the funding of our memorialization projects. You will understand that we have various groups, historical associations, societies, Boy Scout troops, and others who take on the work of erecting monuments or carrying through other activities allied to the saving of history. There are others also who desire to purchase some of the coins.</p><p><br /></p><p> It is our earnest desire to clear off this 1928 issue as soon as we can do so. We feel sure that you are interested with us in having it serve the high patriotic purpose for which it was created. Some months ago I think we sent to you personally a copy of our Covered Wagon Centennial and Oxteam Days, which gives a vivid account of the story of the work accomplished already. If it did not reach you we shall be happy to send another copy of the book that you may have more detailed information as to the great work the Oregon Trail coin has helped achieve.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>To the Acting Director of the Mint Mary O’Reilly from the President of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association Howard Diggs on July 18, 1933, regarding the Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar.</b></p><p><br /></p><p> Are you in a position to give me definite information as to just when the 1933 coins will be ready? The supply of 1928 coins which we obtained some time ago, is practically exhausted, and we should be helped if we may make the exchange that has been arranged in the not far distant future. I am laying plans to have Mr. Jackson, if possible, at the Century of progress celebration. This is in line with your helpful suggestion during our visit in Washington. It is our hope that we may put this old veteran at the Fair, and have him supplied with coins, maps, and other materials which will not only aid in spreading the story of our cause, but will help in the sale of these beautiful coins.</p><p><br /></p><p> One other point which I am presenting to your for your frank and helpful advices. I think through our possible sales of the coins I feel that it would feel better if we could exchange twelve thousand 1926 coins minted for seven thousand 1933 coins and five thousand 1928 coins. You understand that there were a great many of the 1926 coins minted, and therefore there is no great call for this particular issue at this time. We should still have a few hundred of them left to meet special demands for them.</p><p><br /></p><p> Now, if Mr. Jackson, as we hope, is to be at the Century of Progress Exposition, he ought to be able to help us clear away a large part of this seven thousand issue of 1933 coins. I am sure that we can handle them all with that and with other calls that we have for them.</p><p><br /></p><p>However, if you feel it is not wise to make any change in the present arrangement please be frank to say so. We are very happy over the plan that has been thus far effected, and we do not wish to make any changes if they will at all inconvenience you or the Treasury. I merely put this matter up to you for your helpful suggestion.”<b>7</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>7 <i>The</i> <i>Authoritative Reference on Commemorative Coins 1892-1954</i>, by Kevin Flynn, Published by Kyle Vick, 2008, p. 308-309.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Hope you've enjoyed this chapter so far.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="leeg, post: 3562890, member: 17073"]Now back to our regularly scheduled programming. :happy: “At the Buffalo convention there was considerable discussion on the issue of the 50,000 Oregon Trail half dollars dated 1928 which are still in the Philadelphia Mint waiting to be claimed by the Oregon Trail Memorial Association. The matter was disposed of by referring it to the Board of governors for such action as seemed best to them. The facts in the case are, briefly, these: In 1926 there were struck at the Philadelphia Mint 48,030 Oregon Trail half dollars and 100,055 at the San Francisco Mint, all of which are dated 1926. In 1928 the Philadelphia Mint struck 50,028 additional pieces of this issue. These are dated 1928 and they are still at the mint, ready to be turned over to the Oregon Trail Memorial Association on payment of face value for them. No individual or group of individuals or other organization can obtain any of them. It is this latest issue that collectors want made available. It appears that all of the 148,085 half dollars struck in and dated 1926 have not yet been sold, and it is not general knowledge whether the Oregon Trail Memorial Association is still actively functioning since the death of Ezra Meeker, its president, several months ago. As matter stand, it seems probable that the coins dated 1928 will not be taken from the mint until those dated 1926 are sold. It is obvious that the initial move should be to get in touch with the officials of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association and learn whether it will be possible for them in the near future to withdraw 1,000, 2,000, or 5,000 of the 1928 issue if purchasers can be found at the usual price of $1 each for the entire number withdrawn. The law under which they were coined permits the withdrawal of a portion of the issue at any time. This would mean a considerable profit to the Memorial Association with a minimum of effort. If a favorable reply is received, let the dealers and others who can use a quantity of them get together and learn whether they can absorb the entire number requested to be withdrawn. If so, we should have Oregon Trail half dollars dated 1928 in a short time to supply all demands. If the Memorial Association declines to act in the matter, the present situation will not be changed. It is a very simple proposition.”[B]5[/B] [B]5 [I]The Numismatist[/I], Editorial Comment—Numismatic News, Those Oregon Trail Half Dollars Dated 1928, November, 1930, p. 752-753.[/B] “It is a well known fact that Oregon Trail half dollars bearing the date of 1928 were struck for the Oregon Trail Memorial Association, Inc., but have not been released for sale to the public because the association wishes to dispose of its 1926 Oregon Trail half dollars before it sells its 1928 coins. I have a letter from Mae Baker Berryman, office secretary, dated January 28, 1931, in which it is stated that the association had 33,000 of the 1926 coins to dispose of. This may take a long time and make a lengthy wait before the 1928 coins are available. I believe it would be a good idea to appeal to all collectors of commemorative half dollars through The Numismatist to write to the association requesting the release of the 1928 half dollars to collectors and others interested in them. Paul H. Ginther New Holland, Ill., March 7, 1932”[B]6[/B] [B]6 [I]The Numismatist[/I], April 1932, The Oregon Trail Half Dollars, p. 245.[/B] [IMG]https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Fort%20Hall%20Marker%20No.%2011%20%20B.jpg[/IMG] [B]Fort Hall - An Indian Trading Post in [URL='http://www.waymarking.com/cat/details.aspx?f=1&guid=8084870d-7bea-4b37-8e61-606ef128d09d&st=2']Idaho Historical Markers[/URL]. This historical marker, erected by the Boy Scouts and the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association, is located on US Highway 91 on the south edge of Fort Hall, 1932. Courtesy of [I]Waymark[/I].[/B] [IMG]https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Fort%20Hall%20Marker%20No.%2011%20%20A%20by%20Waymark%20%20A.jpg[/IMG] [B]Close up of plaque on the Fort Hall Marker.[/B] [IMG]https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Fort%20Hall%20Marker%20No.%2011%20%20D%20%201.jpg[/IMG] [B]View of emblem at top of monument. Undated (Circa 1930s) Oregon Trail Memorial Association Plaque. Cast Brass, Bronze Finish. 16.5 inches. Approximately 14 pounds. By James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser. Essentially As Made.[/B] [B] A typed paper label affixed on the back reads PROPERTY OF O.T.M. A., accompanied only by two loops linked by a wire for hanging.[/B] [B] Designed by the husband and wife team of James Earle and Laura Gardin Fraser. Very similar in design to the reverse of the Oregon Trail Memorial half dollar, except the date and motto have been omitted, and J.E. AND L.G. FRASER SCULPTORS has been added at the bottom of the design in small letters. This piece shows no evidence of the inevitable wear and corrosion that would occur as a result of mounting and display outdoors, as was the intended destiny of most of these plaques, which were used as historic markers at various points along the Oregon Trail.[/B] “[B]To the Acting Director of the Mint Mary O’Reilly from the President of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association Howard Diggs on February 6, 1933, regarding the Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar.[/B] In response to your letter of February 3 inquiring as to the probability of the use of the Oregon Trail 1928 coins by our Association, may I say that it is highly probable that we shall require all of them during this year and next. Most of the 1926 issue has now been put to the service of saving the story of our American pioneers of the West, more than one hundred monuments having been erected during the past two years, despite the depression, along the old trails. That good work is far from completed. This summer will see renewed activities. It would be a serious disappointment to the various states immediately concerned, and to many patriotic societies over the country that are interesting themselves in this work should the coins now being held be melted. In addition to the monumenting of the Oregon Trail and its allied branches – the Pony Express, the Overland State, the Utah, and the California Trails, which work is being carried through, there are two centennial celebrations – that of the founding of Fort Hall and of the Whitman Mission – in prospect. Those are now planning for these important historical events are counting on the reinforcement of the coin to help them in their memorialization plans. The Idaho people who are promoting the Fort Hall centennial for 1934 were the ones, indeed, who first started the movement to have the coin minted. We want by all means to help them realize their dreams of restoring this old post at the division point on the Oregon-California Trails. So far as the immediate sale of the 1928 coins is concerned may I say that our Association has held back a great many orders for this issue because our board decided to clear away the 1926 issue first. I explained our plan at one time to your Mr. Grant, who assured me of your cooperation. Since then we have, as I just out-lined, been very successful in putting the first issue to good use. So few of that minting remain, that we are now in position to consider the orders for the other coins. Just this last Saturday some of our officials were laying plans for the release of some of the coins you hold. We are just not financially in a position to take over all the 1928 issue, but I feel sure that we may be able within a comparatively short time to order some of it. This would be through our fiscal agent, Chase National Bank. Our question is? May we procure the coins in lots of say five hundred or more? If we may have such an arrangement, it will help us greatly in our coming campaign for the funding of our memorialization projects. You will understand that we have various groups, historical associations, societies, Boy Scout troops, and others who take on the work of erecting monuments or carrying through other activities allied to the saving of history. There are others also who desire to purchase some of the coins. It is our earnest desire to clear off this 1928 issue as soon as we can do so. We feel sure that you are interested with us in having it serve the high patriotic purpose for which it was created. Some months ago I think we sent to you personally a copy of our Covered Wagon Centennial and Oxteam Days, which gives a vivid account of the story of the work accomplished already. If it did not reach you we shall be happy to send another copy of the book that you may have more detailed information as to the great work the Oregon Trail coin has helped achieve. [B]To the Acting Director of the Mint Mary O’Reilly from the President of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association Howard Diggs on July 18, 1933, regarding the Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar.[/B] Are you in a position to give me definite information as to just when the 1933 coins will be ready? The supply of 1928 coins which we obtained some time ago, is practically exhausted, and we should be helped if we may make the exchange that has been arranged in the not far distant future. I am laying plans to have Mr. Jackson, if possible, at the Century of progress celebration. This is in line with your helpful suggestion during our visit in Washington. It is our hope that we may put this old veteran at the Fair, and have him supplied with coins, maps, and other materials which will not only aid in spreading the story of our cause, but will help in the sale of these beautiful coins. One other point which I am presenting to your for your frank and helpful advices. I think through our possible sales of the coins I feel that it would feel better if we could exchange twelve thousand 1926 coins minted for seven thousand 1933 coins and five thousand 1928 coins. You understand that there were a great many of the 1926 coins minted, and therefore there is no great call for this particular issue at this time. We should still have a few hundred of them left to meet special demands for them. Now, if Mr. Jackson, as we hope, is to be at the Century of Progress Exposition, he ought to be able to help us clear away a large part of this seven thousand issue of 1933 coins. I am sure that we can handle them all with that and with other calls that we have for them. However, if you feel it is not wise to make any change in the present arrangement please be frank to say so. We are very happy over the plan that has been thus far effected, and we do not wish to make any changes if they will at all inconvenience you or the Treasury. I merely put this matter up to you for your helpful suggestion.”[B]7[/B] [B]7 [I]The[/I] [I]Authoritative Reference on Commemorative Coins 1892-1954[/I], by Kevin Flynn, Published by Kyle Vick, 2008, p. 308-309.[/B] Hope you've enjoyed this chapter so far.[/QUOTE]
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