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<p>[QUOTE="leeg, post: 3564145, member: 17073"]“OREGON TRAIL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION, INC.</p><p><br /></p><p>Bayside, Long Island, New York</p><p><br /></p><p>April 1933</p><p><br /></p><p>ANNOUNCEMENT:</p><p><br /></p><p> In response to urgent requests from over the country, our Association is now releasing a limited number of the Oregon Trail Memorial half dollars of the 1928 issue, and offering them for sale with the few remaining of the 1926 issue on the following terms:</p><p><br /></p><p> 1. Set of three coins (one 1928, one 1926 San Francisco Mint, one 1926 Philadelphia Mint)<b>. . .</b>$3.75.</p><p><br /></p><p> 2. Set of two coins (one 1928, one of either the San Francisco or the Philadelphia Mint) to any person</p><p><br /></p><p> who has purchased directly from our Association since January 1, 1932, one of the 1926 coins<b>. . . </b></p><p><br /></p><p><b> </b>$2.75.</p><p><br /></p><p> 3. One 1928 coin– to any person who has purchased directly from our Association since January 1,</p><p><br /></p><p> 1932, two or more of the 1926 coins $1.75.</p><p><br /></p><p> 4. Ten 1928 with ten 1926 coins of either San Francisco or Philadelphia Mint or both<b>. . .</b>$22.00. This</p><p><br /></p><p> discount of 20% will apply on orders of equal numbers of 1928 and 1926 coins up to 90 of each.</p><p><br /></p><p> 5. For prices on 200 or more coins equally divided between the 1928 and the 1926 issues, write our</p><p><br /></p><p>Association.</p><p><br /></p><p> Note: The above prices hold only for April 1933. All coins are Uncirculated. Orders accompanied by money order or draft on New York Bank will be promptly filled. Coins will be sent by registered mail postpaid, unless otherwise ordered.”<b>8</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>8 <i>An Inside View of the Coin Hobby in the 1930s: The Walter P. Nichols File</i>, Edited by Q. David Bowers, Bowers and Merena Galleries, Inc., Copyright 1984 by Bowers and Merena Galleries, Inc, p. 36.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><img src="https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Dr.%20Minnie%20Howard.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><b>Dr. Minnie Frances Hayden Howard. One of the founding women of Pocatello who loved writing. Courtesy of <i><a href="https://pocatellowriters.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://pocatellowriters.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow">Pocatello Writers</a></i>, a support group for professional and aspiring writers in the Pocatello, Idaho, area.</b></p><p><br /></p><p> “In early 1926 Rep. Addison Smith of Idaho and Sen. Wesley Jones of Washington state sponsored the Memorial Coin Bill to authorize the coinage of 50 cent pieces to commemorate the heroism of the fathers and mothers who traversed the Oregon Trail to the far west.</p><p><br /></p><p> In 1986 Bert Webber wrote ‘The Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar, 1926-1939.’ Webber dedicated his book to the memory of Ezra Meeker. While Meeker’s role has been thoroughly documented, there is another story. The concept of the Oregon Trail half dollar originated in Pocatello and Dr. Minnie F. Howard was the central catalyst.</p><p><br /></p><p> The Dr. Minnie Howard Collection at Idaho State University contains many documents relating to the Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar. There is also a book, ‘Covered-Wagon Centennial and Ox-Team Days,’ (I have this in my Numismatic Library (LG). which contains information on the Oregon Trail half dollar and has many notes in the margins written by Dr. Minnie Howard or as she liked to be called, Dr. Minnie. The book and documents reveal that there was a direct connection between the Oregon Trail half dollar, the Fort Hall Monument Association of Pocatello and Ezra Meeker’s Oregon Trail Memorial Association.</p><p><br /></p><p> Dr. Minnie’s association with Ezra Meeker and Fort Hall dated back many years. Meeker first came to Pocatello as part of his trek from Oregon back across the Oregon Trail with his ox team and dog. Both in 1906 and in a subsequent visit in 1912 Meeker made numerous inquiries in an attempt to find the site of Fort Hall, which he stated that he considered to be the most important historic point on the great trail. On his third trip over the Oregon Trail in 1916 in an automobile, under the auspices and guidance of Dr. William Howard and Dr. Minnie Howard (with Joe Rainey serving as a guide, and accompanied by D. Keeney and E. Young), they found the exact spot where the fort had stood. Following the location of the old fort a marker was erected to mark the site.</p><p><br /></p><p> Ezra Meeker and Dr. Minnie shared a greater goal. According to Dr. Minnie: ‘Mr. Meeker always told us that the most pretensions monument on the Oregon Trail should have been at Fort Hall. The Nathaniel Wyeth Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution took the initiative to preserve the exact site of the old fort, which was in danger of being covered by the waters of the American Falls Reservoir, and to design a creditable monument to commemorate Fort Hall as a place of destiny.’</p><p><br /></p><p> To build a monument it was necessary to obtain funds. In October 1925 Ezra Meeker wrote a letter to Dr. Minnie asking if her Pocatello people had a plan of financing the Fort Hall Monument. Dr. Minnie replied to Meeker: ‘I had no financial plan, but I would consult with others of the group interested. Among these was Mr. F. C. McGowan, whom I often consulted as he was the husband of our regent of D.A.R. which until now was sponsoring the monument plan. He replied without hesitation: ’Yes, Coinage. Like this!’ and he drew form his pocket a Stone Mountain memorial coin. I said fine! Will you write that in a letter to the New York office and I will enclose it in this letter I am taking to mail on this train.’</p><p><br /></p><p> Ezra Meeker began working with Dr. Minnie and others to obtain congressional and national support for the Oregon Trail half dollar and the incorporation of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association. Legislation was introduced in the U.S. House early in 1926 and was passed on April 5, 1926. Passage in the Senate was placed in jeopardy when Secretary of the Treasury A. W. Mellon recommended substituting a medal for the coin.</p><p><br /></p><p> Ezra Meeker immediately telegraphed Dr. Howard and the members of the Pocatello organization (G. Nicholas Ifft, Augustus C.Hinkley, Ethelyn Glasser, Bertha M. Winters, and Jesse L. Retherford) informing them of what had happened and requesting their help. The Pocatello group notified Ezra Meeker by telegram that it was essential that a coin, not a medal, be created. Ezra Meeker presented this information in a Senate hearing and the coin bill subsequently passed the Senate without opposition.</p><p><br /></p><p> Once the Oregon Trail coin bill was signed by the president on May 17, 1926, the next step was to design and distribute the coins. Letters from Ezra Meeker and other members of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association Board of Directors detail how Dr. Minnie and her advisors in Pocatello were consulted in each phase. The correspondence reveals that the selection of the sculptors and the final design of the reverse of the coin both come directly from Dr. Minnie. She also drafted proposals to the D.A.R. and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs that brought their support in the sale of the Oregon Trail coinage.</p><p><br /></p><p> When the Oregon Trail memorial coinage was sent into circulation, Ezra Meeker was presented with the first coin. Dr. Minnie Howard of Pocatello received the second coin. Dr. Minnie accepted the coin on behalf of her state and deposited it in the state museum at Boise.</p><p><br /></p><p> A score of years had passed after Ezra Meeker’s first venture eastward over the old trail when again we fin him on busy Broadway, in the years 1926-1928, still striving to arouse America to an appreciation of the pioneers who had won our great west. His hair has grown white and thin, but his body is unbroken and his spirit has lost none of its fire. Though past ninety, he still is vigorous, with almost boyish enthusiasm for the cause on which for twenty years he has expended his vast energy.</p><p><br /></p><p> Ezra Meeker’s activity has expanded; other means than the ox team and the prairie schooner are now commanded by him. With schools, churches, clubs, the motion picture, the radios, and the airplane he is now pioneering. And America begins to pay closer attention. One of the important events that brought the old pioneer into public notice at this time and that interested men of means and vision in his cause was his introduction to the Camp Fire Club by his good friend, Casper W. Hodgson. It was on this occasion that he was first brought into contact with George D. Pratt. From this time on the way was opened for him to carry on his work in New York.</p><p><br /></p><p><img src="https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Interior%20View%20of%20Fort%20Hall.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><b>Courtesy of <i>Wagons West, 1843-1943 Old Oregon Trail Centennial</i>, p.8.</b></p><p><br /></p><p> At this milestone in his struggle Ezra Meeker brought about the organization of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association. It was the outcome of years of dreaming and experimenting on the part of Mr. Meeker and a group of earnest friends who had gathered round him. The old pioneer had long felt the need of such reinforcement as he would get from a supporting organization. His most ambitious program, embracing the marking of all the old trails to the West, the creating of motion pictures, the organizing and directing of lecture bureaus, the building of museum and libraries – all with the purpose to teach the story of America’s making – required a national following as well as an inspiring leadership. The Oregon Trail Memorial Association was created to fill that need and furnish that following.</p><p><br /></p><p> The impracticality of undertaking an extensive program at the time, however, was soon brought home to the aged pioneer. He did not cease to dream; but he was quick to turn from his dreams to the practical tasks of the hour.</p><p><br /></p><p> A definite plan of immediate action must be evolved – one with a clear central purpose. Ezra Meeker recalled the first objective that had set him forth on the pathway of the pioneers – the preservation of the trail itself and the marking of its historic spots. Here was a central aim toward which the efforts of his lat (<i>sic</i>) years should be turned. He acted accordingly.</p><p><br /></p><p> The Oregon Trail Memorial Association, with its clearly focused purpose, challenged new interest and brought new friends to the cause. The drive for membership resulted in adding such outstanding Americans as John Hays Hammond, Julius F. Stone, Thomas A. Edison, Mrs. Edward H. Harriman, Chauncey M. Depew, ex-Governor Chase Osborn.</p><p><br /></p><p> Ezra Meeker was elected first president of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association. Charles W. Davis, Edmund Seymour, Chauncey M. Depew, became the vice presidents, David G. Wylie was chosen as secretary, with Robert Bruce as assistant; M.S. Garretson was elected treasurer. The executive committee included, besides Mr. Meeker and Mr. Seymour, Allen Eaton, Palmer Rogers, and Guthrie Y. Barber.</p><p><br /></p><p> Mr. Davis generously provided office space in the rooms of the National Highways Association on historic Old Slip in Lower New York. From this new headquarters the work was promoted vigorously, with the good help of Robert Bruce. Edmund Seymour performed a helpful service, rallying good friends to the cause and giving support to the Association during its formative years. Through the efficient and generous services of these and all other pioneer officers of the Association the foundations were laid for the great work that has since been established.</p><p><br /></p><p><img src="https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Meeker%20in%20Airplane.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><b>Courtesy of the book <i>Covered Wagon Centennial and O</i>x<i>-Team Days</i> by Ezra Meeker. World Book Company, Yonkers-on-Hudson, New York, December 29, 1931, p. 290. Signed (Howard Driggs) edition in my numismatic library.</b></p><p><br /></p><p> Ezra Meeker’s visit to the Western cities at this time to rally support for the Association suggested a new motive for his efforts. In Pocatello, Idaho, a group of interested persons had banded together to help locate and preserve the site of old Fort Hall. These workers had planned to present to Congress a bill for the minting of a memorial coin, profits from the sale of which might be used to finance a memorial enterprise. Here, Ezra Meeker felt, was a golden opportunity for the cooperation of the new Association. He immediately acted on his impulse and brought about a joining of forces. The Oregon Trail Memorial Association espoused the cause of the Memorial Coin Bill, with the Idaho group earnestly reinforcing the national movement. To this group of Idaho supporters belongs great credit for the success of the later efforts of the national society.</p><p><br /></p><p> The cause now demanded a new challenge, it appeared. There was to be an international air meet in Dayton, Ohio. Ezra Meeker seized on the opportunity suggested by this event. Why not fly in an airplane along the pioneer trail to that meeting? This thought had hardly flashed across the veteran’s mind before he began to act on it. Success was to crown his efforts.</p><p><br /></p><p> And what came of it all? The net result was the final victory of the Memorial Coin Bill. The bill was sponsored by the Honorable Addison Smith, representative from Idaho, and Senator Wesley Jones of Washington.</p><p><br /></p><p> While this bill was under consideration, Ezra Meeker and his associates of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association spent much time in Washington. On one occasion the aged pioneer was called before the congressional committee in charge of the measure. His earnest plea, backed by his picturesque personality and the help of his friends, carried the day. The bill came out of the committee with a unanimous endorsement, and not long thereafter it was passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate without a dissenting vote. It was signed by President Coolidge in the presence of the old pioneer.</p><p><br /></p><p><img src="https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Line%20of%20Original%20Emigration%20Map.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><b>The Oregon Trail. Line of Original Emigration to the Pacific Northwest Commonly Known as the “Old Oregon Trail" from The Ox Team or the Old Oregon Trail 1852-1906 by Ezra Meeker. Fourth Edition 1907.</b></p><p><br /></p><p> Six million half-dollar coins were placed at the command of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association to carry on the work of perpetuating the pioneer story. These coins are rare beauty, designed by two of America’s eminent artists – James Earle Fraser and Laura Garden (<i>sic</i>) Fraser – express the spirit of the covered-wagon pioneers. Mr. Meeker was confident every American citizen would be eager to possess such a memento and at the same time to help forward a great cause by paying a dollar for the coin.</p><p><br /></p><p> The coin, to be sure, would bring millions of patriotic citizens into active participation in the work of the Association and would provide ample funds for this work. With these funds, Mr. Meeker proudly asserted, the old trail could be marked from end to end; the story could be portrayed in motion pictures, true to the verities of the great romance; books could be created to preserve the epic; the historic shrines alone the way could be restored; and a stately memorial could be erected in the national capital to the memory of the stalwart winners of the West.</p><p><br /></p><p> Ezra Meeker did not live, however, to realize this hope. He had spent his strength in laying the foundation for such realization. With failing steps but rugged determination he carried on despite growing disappointments. He refused to give up, and brushed aside every discouragement with the remarkable resourcefulness and good cheer.</p><p><br /></p><p> Mr. Meeker’s friends suggested that he become president-emeritus of the Association and pass the arduous burdens on to others; but he could not relinquish the helm so long as he had strength to hold it. The work must be accomplished in a spirit of self-sacrifice and fine understanding of its true import. To this end he gave all his strength.</p><p><br /></p><p> Among those who won and held his confidence throughout these trying days was Mrs. Rose Jay Schwartz, his secretary. She came to him at a time when he most needed an earnest and intelligent counselor. With sympathetic understanding of the aged pioneer, with patience and tact, she served faithfully and efficiently right up to the close of his life, and afterward for more than a year she held an important place in the Association.</p><p><br /></p><p> In one of the last chapters of <i>Ox-Team Days</i> the story of the last days of the valiant old pioneers is told. He had given a great cause to America. By intense devotion and study he had clarified that cause and made America conscious of its importance. Finally, he had left a national association of interested citizens, inspired by his leadership and endorsed by the President and the Congress of the United States, to promote that cause and achieve the purpose for which he had given twenty years of his life.</p><p><br /></p><p> Immediately after the death of Mr. Meeker a host of friends gathered in the historic Judson Chapel on Washington Square in New York to hold memorial services in his honor. Out of that impressive ceremony cam a purpose and a deep resolve to carry on the work of which the dauntless old pioneer had struggled.</p><p><br /></p><p> This group – all members of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association – soon faced the realities of their resolution and turned to the problem of reorganizing for the work ahead.</p><p><br /></p><p><img src="https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Meeker%20at%20Dedication%20Ceremony.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><b>Ezra Meeker at a statue dedication ceremony.</b></p><p><br /></p><p> Howard R. Driggs, professor of English Education at New York University, was chosen as the successor of Ezra Meeker<b>. . .</b>The directorate pledged itself in addition to provide the funds necessary to carry on the work through the year. With these assurances of support, the new president entered upon his duties.”<b>9</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>9<i>1934 Souvenir Handbook for the Centennial Celebration of the Forts Founding in 1834</i>, p. 8-25.</b>[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="leeg, post: 3564145, member: 17073"]“OREGON TRAIL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION, INC. Bayside, Long Island, New York April 1933 ANNOUNCEMENT: In response to urgent requests from over the country, our Association is now releasing a limited number of the Oregon Trail Memorial half dollars of the 1928 issue, and offering them for sale with the few remaining of the 1926 issue on the following terms: 1. Set of three coins (one 1928, one 1926 San Francisco Mint, one 1926 Philadelphia Mint)[B]. . .[/B]$3.75. 2. Set of two coins (one 1928, one of either the San Francisco or the Philadelphia Mint) to any person who has purchased directly from our Association since January 1, 1932, one of the 1926 coins[B]. . . [/B] [B] [/B]$2.75. 3. One 1928 coin– to any person who has purchased directly from our Association since January 1, 1932, two or more of the 1926 coins $1.75. 4. Ten 1928 with ten 1926 coins of either San Francisco or Philadelphia Mint or both[B]. . .[/B]$22.00. This discount of 20% will apply on orders of equal numbers of 1928 and 1926 coins up to 90 of each. 5. For prices on 200 or more coins equally divided between the 1928 and the 1926 issues, write our Association. Note: The above prices hold only for April 1933. All coins are Uncirculated. Orders accompanied by money order or draft on New York Bank will be promptly filled. Coins will be sent by registered mail postpaid, unless otherwise ordered.”[B]8[/B] [B]8 [I]An Inside View of the Coin Hobby in the 1930s: The Walter P. Nichols File[/I], Edited by Q. David Bowers, Bowers and Merena Galleries, Inc., Copyright 1984 by Bowers and Merena Galleries, Inc, p. 36.[/B] [IMG]https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Dr.%20Minnie%20Howard.png[/IMG] [B]Dr. Minnie Frances Hayden Howard. One of the founding women of Pocatello who loved writing. Courtesy of [I][URL='https://pocatellowriters.wordpress.com/']Pocatello Writers[/URL][/I], a support group for professional and aspiring writers in the Pocatello, Idaho, area.[/B] “In early 1926 Rep. Addison Smith of Idaho and Sen. Wesley Jones of Washington state sponsored the Memorial Coin Bill to authorize the coinage of 50 cent pieces to commemorate the heroism of the fathers and mothers who traversed the Oregon Trail to the far west. In 1986 Bert Webber wrote ‘The Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar, 1926-1939.’ Webber dedicated his book to the memory of Ezra Meeker. While Meeker’s role has been thoroughly documented, there is another story. The concept of the Oregon Trail half dollar originated in Pocatello and Dr. Minnie F. Howard was the central catalyst. The Dr. Minnie Howard Collection at Idaho State University contains many documents relating to the Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar. There is also a book, ‘Covered-Wagon Centennial and Ox-Team Days,’ (I have this in my Numismatic Library (LG). which contains information on the Oregon Trail half dollar and has many notes in the margins written by Dr. Minnie Howard or as she liked to be called, Dr. Minnie. The book and documents reveal that there was a direct connection between the Oregon Trail half dollar, the Fort Hall Monument Association of Pocatello and Ezra Meeker’s Oregon Trail Memorial Association. Dr. Minnie’s association with Ezra Meeker and Fort Hall dated back many years. Meeker first came to Pocatello as part of his trek from Oregon back across the Oregon Trail with his ox team and dog. Both in 1906 and in a subsequent visit in 1912 Meeker made numerous inquiries in an attempt to find the site of Fort Hall, which he stated that he considered to be the most important historic point on the great trail. On his third trip over the Oregon Trail in 1916 in an automobile, under the auspices and guidance of Dr. William Howard and Dr. Minnie Howard (with Joe Rainey serving as a guide, and accompanied by D. Keeney and E. Young), they found the exact spot where the fort had stood. Following the location of the old fort a marker was erected to mark the site. Ezra Meeker and Dr. Minnie shared a greater goal. According to Dr. Minnie: ‘Mr. Meeker always told us that the most pretensions monument on the Oregon Trail should have been at Fort Hall. The Nathaniel Wyeth Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution took the initiative to preserve the exact site of the old fort, which was in danger of being covered by the waters of the American Falls Reservoir, and to design a creditable monument to commemorate Fort Hall as a place of destiny.’ To build a monument it was necessary to obtain funds. In October 1925 Ezra Meeker wrote a letter to Dr. Minnie asking if her Pocatello people had a plan of financing the Fort Hall Monument. Dr. Minnie replied to Meeker: ‘I had no financial plan, but I would consult with others of the group interested. Among these was Mr. F. C. McGowan, whom I often consulted as he was the husband of our regent of D.A.R. which until now was sponsoring the monument plan. He replied without hesitation: ’Yes, Coinage. Like this!’ and he drew form his pocket a Stone Mountain memorial coin. I said fine! Will you write that in a letter to the New York office and I will enclose it in this letter I am taking to mail on this train.’ Ezra Meeker began working with Dr. Minnie and others to obtain congressional and national support for the Oregon Trail half dollar and the incorporation of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association. Legislation was introduced in the U.S. House early in 1926 and was passed on April 5, 1926. Passage in the Senate was placed in jeopardy when Secretary of the Treasury A. W. Mellon recommended substituting a medal for the coin. Ezra Meeker immediately telegraphed Dr. Howard and the members of the Pocatello organization (G. Nicholas Ifft, Augustus C.Hinkley, Ethelyn Glasser, Bertha M. Winters, and Jesse L. Retherford) informing them of what had happened and requesting their help. The Pocatello group notified Ezra Meeker by telegram that it was essential that a coin, not a medal, be created. Ezra Meeker presented this information in a Senate hearing and the coin bill subsequently passed the Senate without opposition. Once the Oregon Trail coin bill was signed by the president on May 17, 1926, the next step was to design and distribute the coins. Letters from Ezra Meeker and other members of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association Board of Directors detail how Dr. Minnie and her advisors in Pocatello were consulted in each phase. The correspondence reveals that the selection of the sculptors and the final design of the reverse of the coin both come directly from Dr. Minnie. She also drafted proposals to the D.A.R. and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs that brought their support in the sale of the Oregon Trail coinage. When the Oregon Trail memorial coinage was sent into circulation, Ezra Meeker was presented with the first coin. Dr. Minnie Howard of Pocatello received the second coin. Dr. Minnie accepted the coin on behalf of her state and deposited it in the state museum at Boise. A score of years had passed after Ezra Meeker’s first venture eastward over the old trail when again we fin him on busy Broadway, in the years 1926-1928, still striving to arouse America to an appreciation of the pioneers who had won our great west. His hair has grown white and thin, but his body is unbroken and his spirit has lost none of its fire. Though past ninety, he still is vigorous, with almost boyish enthusiasm for the cause on which for twenty years he has expended his vast energy. Ezra Meeker’s activity has expanded; other means than the ox team and the prairie schooner are now commanded by him. With schools, churches, clubs, the motion picture, the radios, and the airplane he is now pioneering. And America begins to pay closer attention. One of the important events that brought the old pioneer into public notice at this time and that interested men of means and vision in his cause was his introduction to the Camp Fire Club by his good friend, Casper W. Hodgson. It was on this occasion that he was first brought into contact with George D. Pratt. From this time on the way was opened for him to carry on his work in New York. [IMG]https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Interior%20View%20of%20Fort%20Hall.png[/IMG] [B]Courtesy of [I]Wagons West, 1843-1943 Old Oregon Trail Centennial[/I], p.8.[/B] At this milestone in his struggle Ezra Meeker brought about the organization of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association. It was the outcome of years of dreaming and experimenting on the part of Mr. Meeker and a group of earnest friends who had gathered round him. The old pioneer had long felt the need of such reinforcement as he would get from a supporting organization. His most ambitious program, embracing the marking of all the old trails to the West, the creating of motion pictures, the organizing and directing of lecture bureaus, the building of museum and libraries – all with the purpose to teach the story of America’s making – required a national following as well as an inspiring leadership. The Oregon Trail Memorial Association was created to fill that need and furnish that following. The impracticality of undertaking an extensive program at the time, however, was soon brought home to the aged pioneer. He did not cease to dream; but he was quick to turn from his dreams to the practical tasks of the hour. A definite plan of immediate action must be evolved – one with a clear central purpose. Ezra Meeker recalled the first objective that had set him forth on the pathway of the pioneers – the preservation of the trail itself and the marking of its historic spots. Here was a central aim toward which the efforts of his lat ([I]sic[/I]) years should be turned. He acted accordingly. The Oregon Trail Memorial Association, with its clearly focused purpose, challenged new interest and brought new friends to the cause. The drive for membership resulted in adding such outstanding Americans as John Hays Hammond, Julius F. Stone, Thomas A. Edison, Mrs. Edward H. Harriman, Chauncey M. Depew, ex-Governor Chase Osborn. Ezra Meeker was elected first president of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association. Charles W. Davis, Edmund Seymour, Chauncey M. Depew, became the vice presidents, David G. Wylie was chosen as secretary, with Robert Bruce as assistant; M.S. Garretson was elected treasurer. The executive committee included, besides Mr. Meeker and Mr. Seymour, Allen Eaton, Palmer Rogers, and Guthrie Y. Barber. Mr. Davis generously provided office space in the rooms of the National Highways Association on historic Old Slip in Lower New York. From this new headquarters the work was promoted vigorously, with the good help of Robert Bruce. Edmund Seymour performed a helpful service, rallying good friends to the cause and giving support to the Association during its formative years. Through the efficient and generous services of these and all other pioneer officers of the Association the foundations were laid for the great work that has since been established. [IMG]https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Meeker%20in%20Airplane.png[/IMG] [B]Courtesy of the book [I]Covered Wagon Centennial and O[/I]x[I]-Team Days[/I] by Ezra Meeker. World Book Company, Yonkers-on-Hudson, New York, December 29, 1931, p. 290. Signed (Howard Driggs) edition in my numismatic library.[/B] Ezra Meeker’s visit to the Western cities at this time to rally support for the Association suggested a new motive for his efforts. In Pocatello, Idaho, a group of interested persons had banded together to help locate and preserve the site of old Fort Hall. These workers had planned to present to Congress a bill for the minting of a memorial coin, profits from the sale of which might be used to finance a memorial enterprise. Here, Ezra Meeker felt, was a golden opportunity for the cooperation of the new Association. He immediately acted on his impulse and brought about a joining of forces. The Oregon Trail Memorial Association espoused the cause of the Memorial Coin Bill, with the Idaho group earnestly reinforcing the national movement. To this group of Idaho supporters belongs great credit for the success of the later efforts of the national society. The cause now demanded a new challenge, it appeared. There was to be an international air meet in Dayton, Ohio. Ezra Meeker seized on the opportunity suggested by this event. Why not fly in an airplane along the pioneer trail to that meeting? This thought had hardly flashed across the veteran’s mind before he began to act on it. Success was to crown his efforts. And what came of it all? The net result was the final victory of the Memorial Coin Bill. The bill was sponsored by the Honorable Addison Smith, representative from Idaho, and Senator Wesley Jones of Washington. While this bill was under consideration, Ezra Meeker and his associates of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association spent much time in Washington. On one occasion the aged pioneer was called before the congressional committee in charge of the measure. His earnest plea, backed by his picturesque personality and the help of his friends, carried the day. The bill came out of the committee with a unanimous endorsement, and not long thereafter it was passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate without a dissenting vote. It was signed by President Coolidge in the presence of the old pioneer. [IMG]https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Line%20of%20Original%20Emigration%20Map.png[/IMG] [B]The Oregon Trail. Line of Original Emigration to the Pacific Northwest Commonly Known as the “Old Oregon Trail" from The Ox Team or the Old Oregon Trail 1852-1906 by Ezra Meeker. Fourth Edition 1907.[/B] Six million half-dollar coins were placed at the command of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association to carry on the work of perpetuating the pioneer story. These coins are rare beauty, designed by two of America’s eminent artists – James Earle Fraser and Laura Garden ([I]sic[/I]) Fraser – express the spirit of the covered-wagon pioneers. Mr. Meeker was confident every American citizen would be eager to possess such a memento and at the same time to help forward a great cause by paying a dollar for the coin. The coin, to be sure, would bring millions of patriotic citizens into active participation in the work of the Association and would provide ample funds for this work. With these funds, Mr. Meeker proudly asserted, the old trail could be marked from end to end; the story could be portrayed in motion pictures, true to the verities of the great romance; books could be created to preserve the epic; the historic shrines alone the way could be restored; and a stately memorial could be erected in the national capital to the memory of the stalwart winners of the West. Ezra Meeker did not live, however, to realize this hope. He had spent his strength in laying the foundation for such realization. With failing steps but rugged determination he carried on despite growing disappointments. He refused to give up, and brushed aside every discouragement with the remarkable resourcefulness and good cheer. Mr. Meeker’s friends suggested that he become president-emeritus of the Association and pass the arduous burdens on to others; but he could not relinquish the helm so long as he had strength to hold it. The work must be accomplished in a spirit of self-sacrifice and fine understanding of its true import. To this end he gave all his strength. Among those who won and held his confidence throughout these trying days was Mrs. Rose Jay Schwartz, his secretary. She came to him at a time when he most needed an earnest and intelligent counselor. With sympathetic understanding of the aged pioneer, with patience and tact, she served faithfully and efficiently right up to the close of his life, and afterward for more than a year she held an important place in the Association. In one of the last chapters of [I]Ox-Team Days[/I] the story of the last days of the valiant old pioneers is told. He had given a great cause to America. By intense devotion and study he had clarified that cause and made America conscious of its importance. Finally, he had left a national association of interested citizens, inspired by his leadership and endorsed by the President and the Congress of the United States, to promote that cause and achieve the purpose for which he had given twenty years of his life. Immediately after the death of Mr. Meeker a host of friends gathered in the historic Judson Chapel on Washington Square in New York to hold memorial services in his honor. Out of that impressive ceremony cam a purpose and a deep resolve to carry on the work of which the dauntless old pioneer had struggled. This group – all members of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association – soon faced the realities of their resolution and turned to the problem of reorganizing for the work ahead. [IMG]https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/leeg1957/Book%20Project%20Images/Oregon%20Trail%20Memorial%20Association/Meeker%20at%20Dedication%20Ceremony.png[/IMG] [B]Ezra Meeker at a statue dedication ceremony.[/B] Howard R. Driggs, professor of English Education at New York University, was chosen as the successor of Ezra Meeker[B]. . .[/B]The directorate pledged itself in addition to provide the funds necessary to carry on the work through the year. With these assurances of support, the new president entered upon his duties.”[B]9[/B] [B]9[I]1934 Souvenir Handbook for the Centennial Celebration of the Forts Founding in 1834[/I], p. 8-25.[/B][/QUOTE]
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