Q. David Bowers
Letter from Ralph Evans to Adam Pietz, datelined Davenport, Iowa, October 28, 1946:
"Dear Mr. Pietz:
"I returned to my office this morning and, needless to say, I was very happy to have the additional photographs of the coin; but, I was particularly glad to have your own photograph which is now being framed and which will hang in my office and become a constant reminder of the splendid service received from your good self.
"Our Committee will not release any definite publicity concerning methods of distribution of the coin until about November 10. We do not know where the secretary of the Treasury obtained his information on the price of the coin, unless it may have been in discussion with some of our congressmen several months ago when the matter was under discussion, at which time some general comment may have been circulated about the sale price being $1. However, based on careful investigation and consultation with informed individuals, I am inclined to believe that our Committee will eventually establish the sale price of $2.50 per coin, which price may include postage; while on the other hand, I know some members feel that the price should be $2.75, including postage. In any event, what I have said regarding the price of the coin is strictly confidential at this period because no definite decision has been reached and it will not be reached until the next full meeting of our Committee, which, in all probability, will be held the second week in November. I will have a copy of the publicity release sent to you at that time.
"I have not written to Leland Howard, acting director of the Mint, regarding the use of photographs for publicity purposes. Do you know whether it is permissible to use the photographs sent to me for reproduction in newspapers and magazines, or would it be better for me to ask the Bureau of the Mint to send us photographs for such use?
"I shall be in Des Moines next week and will put your bill for services in the proper channels for payment at that time and you may be assured that I shall recommend very highly that at least twenty-five of the coins be sent to you in recognition of the fine service you have given to the State of Iowa. I have added the incidental expenses of $25 to your bill, because you are most certainly entitled to this consideration.
"With highest regards and appreciation, and hoping some day to have the pleasure and privilege of meeting you personally, I am
"Sincerely,
"Ralph Evans, Chairman "Sub-Committee on Coin"
Letter from Edith Wasson McElroy to Adam Pietz, datelined Des Moines, Iowa, November 4, 1946:
"My dear Mr. Pietz:
"Enclosed is State Warrant #54635, in payment of your invoice for sketches and models for the Iowa commemorative half dollar. To this amount, Mr. Evans has added $25.00 to cover incidental expenses incurred by you.
"We are all much pleased with the design and think ours will be one of the most beautiful of all the commemoratives struck.
"Very sincerely yours,
"[signed] Edith Wasson McElroy "Iowa Centennial Committee"
Letter from Ralph Evans to Adam Pietz, datelined Davenport, Iowa, November 9, 1946:
"Dear Mr. Pietz:
"Thanks for your thoughtful letter of November 7. I am glad to know that the check reached you promptly. I put it in proper channels for payment when I was in Des Moines last week. I shall be in Des Moines next Tuesday morning for the purpose of following up discussions on ways and means of distribution.
"When we do release definite publicity, the newspapers are going to want mats from which to cast pictures of the coin. I can have these mats made from the photographs you've already sent me, but I would appreciate definite word from you that there is nothing improper in having these mats made and used by the newspapers. I have not advised the Treasury Department that I have these photographs, because, of course, they were sent to me by you and naturally I don't want to use them unless it is proper to do so. I believe there is a Federal law prohibiting the reproduction of photographs of currency, but I'm not clear in my own mind whether there is any such prohibition in carrying illustrations of coins.
"I am enclosing a self-addressed envelope to me in Des Moines and will appreciate word from you on this point.
"Sincerely,
"Ralph Evans, Chairman "Sub-Committee on Coin"