Q. David Bowers
Letter from Ralph Evans to Adam Pietz, datelined Davenport, Iowa, November 16, 1946:
"Dear Mr. Pietz:
"Many thanks for your letter of November 12. Yesterday afternoon, I received a telegram from Mrs. Ross, director of the Mint, from which I quote.
"'It is advisable representative of Iowa Centennial Committee be present at Philadelphia Mint on Wednesday November 20 to official approve new coin on behalf of Committee. Stop. If you concur please wire name of representative you are sending.'
"Governor Blue has asked me to make the trip to Philadelphia, so I am planning to be there early Wednesday morning, November 20. I am not familiar with the hotels and I would deeply appreciate your courtesy in making a hotel reservation for me and sending me a telegram, collect, here in Davenport, that such reservation has been made. If there is a good hotel close to the Mint itself, it would be better.
"I talked with Mrs. Ross this morning over the telephone, and she knows that I will represent the Centennial Committee at the Philadelphia meeting. I have some business matters to take care of in Washington, D.C., so this trip to Philadelphia will work nicely into my schedule. It will also provide the opportunity I had hoped to express to you personally our appreciation for the fine work you have done in our behalf.
"Ralph Evans, Chairman "Sub-Committee on Coin
"[The following notation in Pietz's hand is at the bottom of the letter and is the text of the telegram sent in reply by Pietz] A room has been reserved for Nov. 20. Bellevie [sic] Broad & Walnut. You can reach the Mint by taxi in 5 minutes from there & I shall be glad to have you call for me at Mint. Belleview [sic] Broad & Wal-nut. PE 5-0700"
Letter from Ralph Evans to Adam Pietz, datelined Davenport, Iowa, November 29, 1946:
"My dear Adam:
"First let me again express the pleasure I derived from my trip to Philadelphia. Ever since my return, the mail has been piling in as a result of the nationwide publicity given to the Iowa commemorative half dollar, so I have been delayed in fulfilling my promise to send you the Iowa Centennial stamps. I am enclosing two First Day covers and also four sets, blocks of four, with plate number for your collection.
"We are holding a meeting of all the members of our State Centennial Commit-tee this weekend, so there will be a definite announcement early next week concerning the rules and regulations set up for distribution of the coin. Present indications are that the demand for the coin will be far in excess of the number of coins available.
"With high personal regards and appreciation.
"Sincerely yours,
"Ralph Evans, Chairman "Sub-Committee on Coin"
Letter from Ralph Evans to Adam Pietz, datelined Davenport, Iowa, November 29, 1946:
"My dear Adam:
"First let me again express the pleasure I derived from my trip to Philadelphia. Ever since my return, the mail has been piling in as a result of the nationwide publicity given to the Iowa commemorative half dollar, so I have been delayed in fulfilling my promise to send you the Iowa Centennial stamps. I am enclosing two First Day covers and also four sets, blocks of four, with plate number for your collection.
"We are holding a meeting of all the members of our State Centennial Commit-tee this weekend, so there will be a definite announcement early next week concerning the rules and regulations set up for distribution of the coin. Present indications are that the demand for the coin will be far in excess of the number of coins available.
"With high personal regards and appreciation.
"Sincerely yours,
"Ralph Evans, Chairman "Sub-Committee on Coin"
Letter from Ralph Evans to Adam Pietz, datelined Davenport, Iowa, December 13, 1946:
"Dear Mr. Pietz:
"Please pardon the delay in answering your letter of December 2. I have been out of the city and I will leave tomorrow morning for a rest and vacation in Florida. A few days ago, I received your most thoughtful gift of the book-ends of the Anna May Wong and the Lincoln medals. I shall prize these for the rest of my days. In due time, you will receive the coins from the State of Iowa.
"I am enclosing a bulletin, outlining the procedures we have taken thus far, because I remember you asked me to send you this material. I am also enclosing this publicity carried in the Davenport Times, another from the Chicago Tribune, and also one from the Davenport Democrat. These are all which have come to my attention thus far. I understand that the picture was carried by other newspapers throughout the country, but as yet I have not obtained them. If I do, I'll be very happy indeed to send them on.
"I am glad you are interested in having the covers and I am enclosing some additional First-Day covers, one with block of four with plate number, together with some extra blocks of four and plate number. I am glad to be able to do this.
"With high personal regards and best wishes, I am
"Sincerely yours,
"Ralph Evans, Chairman "Sub-Committee on Coin"
Letter from Robert D. Blue (governor of Iowa) to Adam Pietz, datelined Des Moines, Iowa, January 18, 1947:
"Dear Mr. Pietz:
"The Centennial Committee has authorized the sending to you of 25 Iowa Centennial coins in appreciation, not only of the splendid work in connection with the designing of the coin, but of the very generous assistance in connection with expediting the work of minting it.
"We are all delighted with the coin and think that it is an outstanding piece of work.
"Sincerely yours, "[signed] Robert D. Blue
"Governor"