Roger Burdette poses an interesting question for U.S. researchers and bibliophiles.
-Editor
Edwin L. Hobart"s Denver Mint Booklet
According to a letter of July 10, 1914 Denver Mint Watchman E[dwin] L. Hobart prepared a
booklet describing mint processes. He intended to sell the booklet to mint visitors and had talked
with the Superintendent"s personal secretary about the booklets. No one told him that employees
were prohibited from selling pamphlets or souvenirs at the mint. He had 1,000 copies printed
plus an advertising flyer, and was preparing to sell booklets when he was advised to get
permission from mint director George Roberts.
Hobart wrote to Roberts who replied to Denver Mint Superintendent Thomas Annear that he
would grant Hobart permission to sell the booklet ––
"In view of the fact which is not questioned, that Mr. Hobart was acting in good faith and
without knowledge that what he proposed to do was contrary to the rules, I am disposed to allow
him to sell the edition of 1000 copies which he has had printed on condition that the public shall
not be solicited to buy, and that the attention of visitors shall be directed to the pamphlet in an
entirely unobjectionable manner."
[RG104 E-235 Vol 403]
But the next day Roberts received one of Hobart"s advertising flyers sent anonymously,
"It illustrates that it is impossible to permit anything of this kind without causing criticism."
[RG104 E-229 Box 302. July 11,1914.]
Superintendent Annear was having none of it and quashed Hobart"s little venture.
"…I received
your letter of the 10th giving him permission to sell 1000 copies. However, I have ordered the sale
of the booklet and the giving of all circulars in connection therewith discontinued…. It seems
this is the best way…."
[RG104 E-229 Box 302. July 14,1914.]
Has anyone seen a copy of Edwin Hobart"s booklet? A few must have been sold before it was
discontinued – likely to visitors from the Denver vicinity.
Great question - can anyone help? I don't recognize the Hobart name.
-Editor
Wayne Homren, Editor
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