I've discussed previously how El Paso, Texas coin dealer LW Hoffecker was the driving force behind the 1935 Old Spanish Trail Memorial Half Dollar - I've also discussed how his motives for the coin may not have been the hallmark of altruism.
In a post from more than two-and-one-half years ago, I wrote:
"There is a distinct possibility that no El Paso Museum existed in 1935. There had been talk locally of starting a museum for at least 15 years, but, until the El Paso Centennial Museum initiated construction in 1936 as a Texas Centennial project, using state-supplied funds, I find no published record of an established museum in El Paso. In addition, I haven't yet found a documented connection between Hoffecker and the Centennial Museum." (You can read the full post here:
1935 Old Spanish Trail - Origin StoryNews Flash! I've now located evidence of a pertinent El Paso museum, of a LW Hoffecker connection and of a related positive impact made by the Old Spanish Trail Memorial Half Dollar's primary driver.
In an article in the
El Paso Herald-Post from September 1, 1945, Mrs. CM Newman, the president of the International Museum and Art Center in El Paso, Texas stated that LW Hoffecker was a member of the Museum's Board and that he donated $6,500 from coin sale profits to the Museum to help fund it.
Newman stated, "To residents like Mr. Hoffecker we owe our thanks today."
The El Paso International Museum traces its roots to 1925, and was chartered as a Museum in 1930; the Museum's collection continued to grow with a focus on art objects. In 1940, the City of El Paso rented a large house that had been deeded to it to the Museum's supporters (the annual rent was set at $1). The International Museum opened to the public in 1947. Today, the Museum operates as the International Museum of Art. (You can learn more about the Museum here:
https://www.internationalmuseumofar...e-museum-2/)So, while Hoffecker's misrepresentations regarding the Old Spanish Trail's history and the justifications he promoted to support a US commemorative coin, all remain questionable, it appears that proceeds from coin sales did not simply go to line his pockets - they actually did some public good. Another example of history revealing itself after a close inspection!
1935 Old Spanish Trail Half Dollar
For more of my topics on commemorative coins and medals, including other Spanish Trail stories, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 10/31/2024 1:26 pm
