Numismatics and the ANA in the early 1900s

[leeg]

On Christmas Day last year I did a post of the attendee's at the 1908 ANA Convention. Conder101 brought up a great point:

 

Today we are used to huge conventions with thousands of people attending. This photo (and other similar photos of those early years) shows the total attendance of the convention, 30 people. In the early years the major focus of the convention were lectures and presentations and visiting with other numismatists. In the early years there was no bourse, and when it did develop it started out small. The buying and selling of coins was a minor sideline of the convention.

 

I thought this was a super topic to expand on. This great hobby of ours was much different then:

 

 

 

As you can see in the image above, Dr. George F. Heath (1) considered numismatics as “a Science.” How often do we as collectors today hear the terms “Science and Numismatics” in the same sentence? When I think about science, my mind goes to coin history and research. Science is synonymous with history and research.

 

(1) In 1888 Dr. George F. Heath of Monroe, Michigan, printed, published and distributed a four-page leaflet, the first edition of “THE NUMISMATIST.” Also on October 7 and 8, 1891, five men-Heath, William G. Jerrems, David Harlowe, J.A. Heckelman and John Brydon-holding 26 proxies, met in Chicago and with 61 charter members founded the American Numismatic Association.

 

In the early 1900s collectors and coin dealers enjoyed coin club meetings, banquets, giving lectures and the camaraderie of ANA Conventions. Any chance of getting together for short trips to historic locations to discuss coins and “the science of numismatics,” was admired and appreciated.

 

Here are some of the articles THE NUMISMATIST of January 1900 discussed:

 

American Coins, the Weight of

 

Coinage, A Short Study of

 

Coin Study, Mottoes

 

Colloquial Names of Coins

 

Diversity of Coin Types

 

Does Numismatics Dispose to Extravagance?

 

The Lafayette Dollar

 

What I feel is a very nice touch: Plate Coins were shown for a good majority of the articles:

 

The American Store or Business Cards

 

Some of the editorial content of the day as presented by Dr. Heath was:

 

A STATEMENT issued by the director of the mint shows that the total coinage executed at the mints of the United States during the calendar year ending December 30, 1899 was….

 

W. K. HALL, Petersboro, Ont., sends us a rubbing of a Van Buren Medal….

 

“LEAVES From a Numismatist’s Note Book” will be kept up during the year…..

 

As has been announced, we take, beginning with this issue, several associates, who will divide us the responsibility of our evil doings. The names are well known and familiar ones to the readers of this magazine…. (Brudin, Heaton, Hooper, Rice and Thurston)

 

The minutes of Coin Clubs and Numismatic Society’s were also written about. Not just U.S. but foreign as well. Such as The Numismatic Society of London, among others.

 

 

ANA Conventions were mainly for the display of coins, medals, and other ephemera. Speeches by experts in their fields were one of the highlights of the convention. Dealing in coins at Conventions was not prevalent during this period.

 

The American Numismatic Association has as its objectives:

 

I. The association of students of our science for the purpose of mutual advantage and good fellowship.

 

II. The maintenance of union, harmony and good government among its members; thereby, promoting the character, interest, honor and usefulness of our science.

 

III. The cultivation and advancement of numismatic science and numismatic literature and the elevation of the standard of numismatic literature.

 

It is confidently believed that the above subjects will receive the hearty approval of every collector of coins, who has at heart the best interests of his collecting.

 

The Association was organized in 1891 and has had a steady growth from that time. It is not a close corporation with completed membership, but desires to largely extend its usefulness and welcomes to its ranks all honorable collectors, professional or amateur, who will come in for the good of the science and who believe in effective economical organization as a means for such advancement.

 

If you are not a member, you are invited to join with us. Application blanks and further information gladly furnished on request. (Geo. F. Heath, Sec., Monroe, Mich., Jos. Hooper, Pres., Port Hope, Ont.)

 

(Sigh) Time’s seem much simpler then.

 

ANA Logo in those days.

 

No ANA Convention’s were held during the period 1896 thru 1900.

 

Dr. Heath writes: “The following statistics regarding our new members added during 1900 will be interesting to many. Sixty-two members who give their ages confess to a total age of 2,386 years or an average of about 38 ½ years each. Our oldest admitted were 59 years of age, and the youngest 15. All but three give their occupations. We have 12 merchants, 6 traveling salesmen, 5 clerks, 3 bookkeepers, 3 druggists, 2 wholesale tobacco, 2 engravers, 2 barbers, 2 real estate, 2 students and the following diversity of occupations are represented: Life insurance, optician, custom service, cattle breeder, farmer, stenographer, janitor, broker, motorman, teamster, draftsman, cotton manufacturer, clergyman, engineer, bridge manufacturer, plate roller boss, manufacturer, hotel, bank cashier, poultry farmer, physician, secretary Trust Co., chemist, county Supt. Of schools and curio dealer.

 

Illinois furnishes us the most new members, 12. Pennsylvania follows with 8. New York and Wisconsin give us five each. 3 came from each Massachusetts, Ohio and Michigan, while Iowa gives us 4. The rest came from Maine, Indiana, Kansas, New Jersey, Minnesota, Arkansas, Virginia, Rhode Island, Washington, Georgia, Ontario, New Brunswick, Quebec, Utah, Oregon, Kentucky, California, Connectcut [sic] and Missouri.

 

Applications keep coming in with gratifying regularity. Thirty-one new applications since the first of the year is a record never before equaled. Why cannot this good work be kept up until the Association becomes more than a simple organization. How can we best make our body an ideal one?

 

Let us have your views in the matter. GEO, F. HEATH, Sec., Monroe, Mich, Feb 20, 1901.”

 

“The month closes with a nominal membership of 268 and 18 new applications. From this, however, must be deducted our losses by death since our foundation 13, about 15 resignations and perhaps as many more who are virtually in a state of “suspended animation,” from nonpayment of dues. Taken as a whole the Association has today more members in good standing than at any one period in its past existence, not excepting our boom period of 1895, and our progress now is exceeding the fondest expectations of our most ardent dreamers. Without seeming to boast I made the assertion that the American Numismatic Association, in point of numerical strength and enthusiasm, leads every other organization of the kind past or present…..Keep in mind our meeting in Buffalo, at Pan-American next summer, and also that next October with be the tenth anniversary of our organization. More regarding each later. GEO. F. HEATH, Sec’y., Monroe, Mich., March 20, 1901.”

 

Editorial Feb 1901: The school committee of the National Academy of design have announced the formation by The American Numismatic and Archaeological Society of a class in coin and medal designing and die cutting, under the direction of Mr. Charles J. Pike. The first class in now in operation, with a hopeful attendance. This is a move in the right direction and we shall watch with interest in its growth and prosperity. The Woodbury G. Langdon prize of $100, will be awarded for the close of the school term in May next.

 

 

More to follow.

 

 

 

 

 

[RWB]

A century ago it was about knowledge and discovery. Now it's mostly ...

[leeg]

A century ago it was about knowledge and discovery. Now it's mostly ...

 

(thumbs u

 

 

A VALUED correspondent in the East has this to say anent the article of W. in our December issue:

 

“I notice some California man, in his kicking against auctions and dealers, is risking the latter’s rage again, but both auctions and dealers seem indispensible, and scattered collectors can only make the best of it and keep their wits about them in dealing and bidding. The suggested ‘Sale Bureau’ would certainly be an advantage to our members if practicable, but no one would desire to assume charge of so much work, and be subject to so much probable complaint from inexperienced members, unless compensated to an extent that would equal the cost of selling or buying in the usual way. Some worthy dealer, whose time is entirely given to coins-such as young Frossard-could best fill such a position; as he carries no stock of his own, but even he, with a commission, might object to the responsibility. As the leading coin auctioneers take bids on their sales, I think, without commission from the buyer, it seems to me that the best plan for the A. N. A. would be to appoint some one of these firms as a regular sales agent of the Association, receiving all bids direct from its members, upon catalogues made and issued from time to time as lots of coins from members accumulated. These catalogues might be prepared by some trustworthy, obliging member or committee under your eye and published in THE NUMISMATIST on final pages at a higher subscription price for so valuable addition.

 

“Another plan would be for not an individual, but some coin circle or club (say Detroit, if there is one) to assume the receiving and describing of lots of coins from the members of the A. N. A., in the N-at their regular meetings. It would give interesting occupation to a club that an individual would tire of and upset prices could be added by owners to their coins in the N-list (dispensing with auction sale), the club receiving cash offers and charging a reasonable commission to either buyer or seller (not both) towards printing, cost, postage, expenses, etc., or highest offers over a private limit might be received by the club, and no prices given in the published lists. In short, a Detroit or Monroe club (if you have one) might at regular meetings find it a pastime to act as sale and exchange agents for the A. N. A. in co-operation with the N-, thus relieving any one person of trouble or responsibility and reducing the expense of coin selling and buying to the members.

 

“Such a club would have otherwise dry, unoccupied meetings enlivened by much distributed activity, would get a wide acquaintance with coins and have many opportunities of beneficial personal purchase. The club would always have a good floating stock of coins in charge for study, etc., and, if if excess, could return lots after fair trial to owners. This club plan seems best; see if your associates near at hand cannot work it out.”

 

“THE NUMISMATIST,” April 1901, p. 107-108.

 

 

[leeg]

We are all fish. It is only a question of bait that will attract our taste or fancy and lure us on. Most of us take to the deep water when the heat of summer comes, but a surprisingly large number still haunt the shallow feeding grounds.

 

 

Thomas L. Elder, like the secretary, leans towards the historical in his collecting and consequently the ancient and mediaeval are more to his taste and fancy. Ex-President Heaton is emphatically a collector of U. S. coins, and a fine mint mark or California private mint gold dollar will always bring him to the hook. He has now gone to deep water, -Stoneyman Camp, via. Luray, Va. A. H. Purdle, Pekin, Ill., enjoys the French five-franc pieces but is liable to bite at any numismatic bait that is odd, interesting, or curious. President Hooper collects only the coins of the Anglo Saxon peoples, and finds therein full scope for all his inclinations and finances. B. H. Collins will soon leave for a two month’s trip in Europe. There seems a general impression that Dr. Wright will only rise at Store Cards. Never was greater mistake. To be sure he has about two thousand varieties of these cards, but the facts are, that Store Cards are but a minor portion of his holdings. He is really an all round collector, and very strong in many departments. Fred A. Gilmore, Norwood, N. Y., is a collector of U. S. and foreign copper coins, and has many duplicates to exchange. Guy O. Walser snaps at anything in the shape of a coin. Any old thing will attract our brother J. A. Black when he is hungry, and he always carries a hungry look.

 

Our Association is large and in much better shape than ever before, and is going to keep on growing. Beginning with September or October it is hoped that the Exchange Department will be running again, and the Library, as soon as some one finds time to go over the mass of material, and get it into shape, will be again in service. While we are one in collecting we are a heterogenous [sic] mass in ideas. We know one another long-distancely, but as a general thing know little of each others qualifications for office. We have lots of good material if it were known, and plenty who will take interest and give of their time to it. Whatever may have happened in the past-and we know office has been crowded on to some who have not had the time to attend to it, will not hold now. We know of no one rushing after office, still we feel that any one may feel honored by being elected to office in our Association and serving during 1902. We have tried to find a larger body interested in our science, a body with more life and enthusiasm, a body with larger capabilities for usefulness, a body with more elements that count for growth and development than The American Numismatic Association, but so far we have failed to fine one. We used to have kickers. We believe they are as necessary to the body numismatic as fleas are to the body canine. As Uncle Eben Holden would say, they tend to activity and to prevent “broodin.” The time to correct matters is when you make nominations and remember it when you vote. We trust all will take an interest in this when the time comes and all vote.

 

THE SECRETARY THINKS

 

The time has come when this Association, not only needs a general Vice President, but one for Canada, the Eastern and Middle States, the Southern and Western states this side the Mississippi, and one for the great West beyond. The Secretary is not inclined to dictate but he has reasons for believing that taking location into consideration, and the promises that have been made by local collectors, that S. C. Stevens of Chicago, would make a good Librarian; at the same time, leaving out locations, he must admit Clarence Mathis of Nebraska, to be his ideal for the place. The present incumbent no doubt would be re-elected, if he had the time to devote to the office. Again, he has good reasons for thinking that Mr. A. R. Frey by virtue of ability and location, would make an excellent Exchange Superintendent, if he would allow himself to take the position.

 

But these are only suggestions thrown out for you consideration. The calls for Nomination and Convention follow.

 

GEO. F. HEATH, Sec’y

Monroe, Mich., June 20.

 

To the members of the American Numismatic Association, Greetings:-Nominations for the following offices in our Association to serve Jan. 1, 1902, to December 31, 1902, or until their successors are elected, should be sent before July 10th next, to either the secretary or myself: President, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, librarian and curator, counterfeit detector, superintendent of exchange, and five trustees. The election will be held in Buffalo, Aug. 22, at our convention, and we hope all that can make it convenient to be there at that time will be on hand.

 

J. A. HECKELMAN,

Chairman Board of Trustees.

 

Cullom, Ills, June 17.

 

To the Official Board and members of the American Numismatic Association, Greetings:-Brethern [sic], it being deemed expedient to call for a convention of our Association for the election of officers and transaction of business, I hereby call upon all officers and members to convene at Buffalo, N. Y., on the 22nd of August next, at some suitable place which may be designated through our official organ, “The Numismatist.”

 

Trusting for a good attendance numerically, and a pleasant communion of kindred spirits, I am Sincerely yours,

 

JOSEPH HOOPER,

President, A. N. A.

 

Port Hope, Ont., June 13, 1901.

 

“THE NUMISMATIST,” GOSSIP, June 1901, p. 163-165.

 

 

[RWB]

Elder was certainly a better character than Farran Zerbe.

[leeg]

Elder was certainly a better character than Farran Zerbe.

 

Seem to be quite a few "characters" in the early days Roger.

[RWB]

Treasury people described Zerbe as "sly" and someone not to be trusted.

[leeg]

Treasury people described Zerbe as "sly" and someone not to be trusted.

 

 

A Farran Zerbe quote in 1905:

 

“I am the only man,” says Mr. Zerbe, “who ever sold 50,000 dollars at $3 a piece.”

 

Mr. Zerbe had charge of the sale of the Louisiana Purchase gold dollar at St. Louis last year, which sold at $3 each.

[leeg]

Logo of the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo in 1901 by Raphael Beck. In 1923 this logo and the reverse of the Monroe Doctrine half dollar, designed by Chester Beach, would cause some controversy between Beck and Beach.

 

The Convention at Buffalo on August 22nd, compared with other similar meetings, of the Association, was in every way a success. Promptly at 10 a. m. the members began to put in an appearance at Dr. Wrights office, 158 Pearl St., the first being Miss Eaton and the Secretary, who met each other at the elevator going up, and who asking to be put off at the doctor’s office, immediately mistook each other for patients. The error was, however, soon remedied and in the course of the half hour the healthiest and jolliest crowd that ever assembled in a doctor’s office were in eager consultation, and as well acquainted as if they had known one another for years, instead of, as in most instances, meeting for the first time.

 

This is the first meeting of our Association when ladies have honored the occasion by their presence at our sessions. Miss Eaton being present as a member, also Mrs. W. O. Buck and, a member by proxy, remained during the deliberations. It is hoped this innovation will be more fully observed in the future, and that our lady members and the wives and daughters of our members may often and always grace our Conventions.

 

The contents of Dr. Wright’s elegant cabinets of coins were open to the inspection of the members during the day, and the days following, as individual members returned to the local Mecca, and one at least became so infatuated over it, tuat [sic-that] he went home on Saturday night without even visiting the Exposition.

 

Without exception all voted the Convention a grand success, and took the solemn obligation to be in at the next, which, wherever or whenever it will be held, will be the best of all. The utmost good feeling and unanimity prevailed in all the proceedings and the general good of the Association was the end all aimed at.

 

With regret, some who had attended our pas meetings, and others who had signified their intention to be present at the time, did not find it convenient to attend. This was our, as well as their loss. Mr. H. E. Deats and Mr. W. C. Stone, who had been engaged in other work in the city during the morning, did not report until after our adjournment.

 

"The Mall" at the 1901 Pan-American Expo in Buffalo.

 

At 3 p. m., all work being accomplished, adjournment at the call of the President was made and a general Hegira to the Exposition grounds took place. There, in the mists of the Midway, we gradually but surely missed one another. The official report follows:

 

THE AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION

 

The Annual meeting of the A. N. A. was called to order at Buffalo, N. Y. August 22nd, 1901. For temporary officers. Geo. W. Rice of Michigan, was elected chairman, and Ed Frossard of New York, Secretary.

 

The following nominations for office were made:

 

President, Dr. B. P. Wright, Buffalo, N. Y.

1st. Vice President, Albert R. Frey, Brooklyn, N. Y.

2nd Vice President, Jeremiah Gibbs, Hamilton, Ontario.

Secretary, Dr. Geo. F. Heath, Monroe, Mich.

Treasurer, Dr. A. L. Fisher, Elkhart, Ind.

Librarian and Curator, S. C. Stevens, Chicago, Ill.

Counterfeit Detector, Chas. Steigerwalt, Lancaster, Pa.

Board of Trustees, P. O. Tremblay, Chairman, Montreal, Canada; N. Marcuson, Cleveland, O; Miss Virginia Eaton, Verona, Pa.; W. O. Buckland, Binghampton, N. Y.; Geo. W. Rice, Detroit, Mich.

 

All of the above were unanimously elected, and will serve one year from January 1st, next or until their successors are elected.

 

The Office of Superintendent of Exchange not being filled, it was ordered the matter be left to the Board of Trustees, they to use their best judgement in the matter of selecting a suitable person for the position.

 

It was duly moved and supported, that, owing to the absence at this time of both President and Vice President, and to avoid as far as possible like contingencies in the future, that the constitution be amended, providing for a 2nd Vice President. The motion prevailed, Mr. Jeremiah Gibbs of Hamilton, Ont. was unanimously elected.

 

It was duly moved and seconded, that votes of thanks be tendered to Dr. Geo. F. Heath and Dr. B. P. Wright; the former for his energetic efforts in making this meeting a success, past labor and general interest in the Association; and to the latter for his hospitality and courtesies extended. Both of these motions were unanimously carried by a rising vote.

 

The Association then adjourned, subject to the call of the President as to time and place of next meeting.

 

The following members were present and took part in the proceedings:

 

Geo. W. Rice, Detroit, Mich.

Dr. Geo. F. heath, Monroe, Mich.

J. A. Black, Bay City, Mich.

S. C. Stiles, Warren, O.

M. Marcuson, Cleveland, O.

P. O. Tremblay, Montreal, Canada.

Miss Virginia Eaton, Verona, Pa.

Isaiah Rudy, Pittsburg, Pa.

Geo. W. Rode, Pittsburg, Pa.

Chas. Steigerwalt, Lancaster, Pa.

Dr. B. P. Wright, Buffalo, N. Y.

Ed Frossard, New York, N. Y.

W. O. Buckland, Binghampton, N. Y.

A. R. Frey, Brooklyn, N. Y.

D. W. Tompkins, SingSing, N.Y.

J. F. Jones, Jamestown, N. Y.

Frank E. Culp, Bethalto, Ill.

 

Twenty-seven (27) members were represented by proxies, and full as many more by letters authorizing the bearers to represent them in all matters that might come before the Association.

 

ED FROSSARD,

Acting Secretary.

 

 

Courtesy “The Express Gazette,” Cincinnati, September 15, 1896. Circulating among the officials, agents, and employes of the Adams, American, Canadian, dominion, Denver & Rio Grande, Earle & Prew, Great Northern, Long island, Mexican, National, N. Y. & B. D., Northern Pacific, National Pacific, southern, United States, Wells-Fargo & Co., Western, West Jersey, and other Expresses.

 

The express service has afforded opportunities to the progressive woman for many years-long before the newspaper humorists thought of designating as the “new woman” all womankind who were ambitious and enterprising enough to enlarge their sphere of usefulness by essaying and filling-with credit, too-roles in life thought through many years of exclusion to be the inherent right of men only. For the past twenty or more years woman have acted as express agents, station agents, and telegraph operators, and have constituted as competent and worthy members of the craft as the men. There are quite a number of lady express agents, and the EXPRESS GAZETTE takes pleasure in reproducing the portrait of one of them, as a matter of general interest to expressmen, and as a particular compliment to express women.

 

Miss Virginia H. Eaton, the Adams Express Co.’s agent at Verona, Pa., where she is also railroad agent, ticket agent, and telegraph operator, began her express career early in life, being not quite sixteen when she assumed the responsibilities of running an office. She tells the story in her own charming way much better than any biographer could write it, so we append her own words, written at the request of the EXPRESS GAZETTE:

 

“I was born in Elgin, Ill., but received my school education in Philadelphia. During my last vacation I visited Pittsburg, where I learned telegraphy in the train dispatcher’s office of the Allegheny Valley Railway. I was given a position as soon as I had learned the art. Of course I was familiar with wire work, but agency work was all new to me. The route agent, however, was vey kind and helpful when he found I was afraid to try and handle the express business. ‘Reports’ were an unknown terror, so he promised to come each month and make them out himself, until I learned how to do so. This encouraged me, and, after his first visit, I found the work comparatively easy. This was at Parnassus, Pa., nearly nine years ago.

 

“In 1889 I was transferred to Verona, Pa., a much larger office, and a transfer point for the Plum Creek Mines branch. I attend to all the duties-railroad, express, and telegraph. I hire the baggagemaster for the actual handling of express matter on and off the trains, and the transfer to and from the Branch trains; but I waybill and deliver, and do all else connected with the service.

 

“I like the express business very much, and would prefer being express agent solely, could I have a choice.”