Q. David Bowers
Letter from Ralph Evans to Adam Pietz, datelined Davenport, Iowa September 9, 1946 (on letterhead from Iowa Centennial Committee, Des Moines):
"Dear Mr. Pietz:
"Many thanks for your letters of September 4 and September 7. Confirming my telephone conversation with you this afternoon, the three sketches were received this morning and our committee is hereby approving the suggested design for the coin of the Old Stone Capitol and the eagle. We were particularly glad to know that you had had a long conference with Mr. JR. Sinnock, Sculptor of the Mint, and that his impression was that the eagle and the Capitol design will make a very beautiful coin. The only important requirement suggested by our committee is that the words 'Iowa City' be added to the design showing the Old Stone Capitol. Either of the following will be all right:
THE OLD STONE CAPITOL
IOWA CITY
or
OLD STONE CAPITOL-IOWA CITY "Also, we believe that the two front lampposts can be eliminated. We had some doubts about the vines covering the right side of the building, but my conversation with you today has erased any concern about the vines. One individual asked that we request you to please check the proportions of the eagle on your final drawing, but this suggestion is merely as such, with our full confidence in your ability and judgment to make final decision. Speaking in behalf of our committee, I can assure you that, if the coin itself turns out to be as beautiful as the designs indicate, we shall all be very happy. We do hope that the legibility of the motto on the coin itself will equal that shown on the photograph submitted."
Letter from Adam Pietz to Mrs. Nellie Tayloe Ross (director of the Mint, Washington, D.C.), September 11, 1946:
"Dear Mrs. Ross:
"Please pardon my neglect in sending the sketches for the Iowa coin designs to Mr. Ralph Evans before you had the Art Jury pass judgment. As Mr. Evans informed that your Department would be satisfied if I had Mr. Sinnock's opinion on the sketches [sic; not a complete sentence]. This matter was taken up on September 7th and I mailed the sketches to Mr. Evans and his committee heartily approved my ideas. However, the originals were returned to me this morning, and I am mailing them special delivery today to you.
"I want to thank you for your kind interest in my ability to handle this class of work. Also please note I have a fine model of General Marshall as well as several reverses. 27
"Adam Pietz"
Letter from Adam Pietz to Ralph Evans, September 11, 1946:
"Dear Mr. Evans:
"The three sketches arrived safely this morning, and at a command from Washington I must submit them to the Art Jury and Mrs. Ross before I can proceed. How-ever, I have the assurance that ample time will be given to have my models finished on time. I shall ask our Director if her office wants to pass on them before you can see them.
"Yours very truly, "Adam Pietz"
Letter from Ralph Evans to Leland Howard (acting director of the Mint, Treasury Department, Washington, D.C.), September 11, 1946:
"Dear Mr. Howard:
"With reference to our telephone conversation yesterday morning, I am enclosing for your information copy of letter addressed to Mr. Adam Pietz dated September 9, 1946, in which we advised Mr. Pietz that our committee has approved the suggested designs submitted by him for the Iowa commemorative half-dollar.
"We understand that these designs are now awaiting approval by the Commission of Fine Arts. The Iowa Legislature first met at the Old Stone Capitol November 30, 1846, and if at all possible, we would like to have the coins available by November 15 or at least several days before November 30. I saw Governor Blue personally yesterday afternoon and he is wiring the Commission of Fine Arts, urging their full and prompt cooperation in this matter.
"Subsequent to my conversation with you yesterday morning, I telephoned Mr. Pietz at Philadelphia and told him it would not be necessary to submit the plaster models to us for our approval-instead, he should deal directly with you and other officials for the purpose of expediting actual coinage of the Iowa commemorative half dollar. We have full confidence in Mr. Pietz and feel assured that with the co-operation that will be forthcoming from yourself and other proper officials, Iowa will have a very beautiful commemorative coin.
"Needless to say, your personal interest and cooperation in this matter is deeply appreciated. To avoid any possible confusion or delay, our committee prefers that no publicity be given to this matter until such time that actual minting of the coin is in process.
"Sincerely yours,
"Ralph Evans, Chairman
"State Centennial Sub-Committee on Coin"
Letter from Mrs. Nellie Tayloe Ross to Adam Pietz, September 16, 1946:
"Dear Sir:
"Thank you for your letter of September 11, 1946, and for your promptness in forwarding the sketches for the Iowa coin designs, which, I understand were approved last week by the Iowa Centennial Committee.
"On September 13, your sketches were forwarded to the Commission of Fine Arts for comment as to their artistic merit. The secretary, Mr. [H.P.] Caemmerer, has advised me that they would be given prompt consideration. I am enclosing some photostatic copies which were made in the Department which may be of assistance to you pending receipt of the original designs.
"Very truly yours,
"[signed] Nellie Tayloe Ross "Director of the Mint."