Commems Collection Classic: 1902 Washington Monument Association - Medal / Origin Story

I previously posted about the efforts of John Franklin Rixey (D-VA) to secure commemorative half dollars on behalf of the Washington Monument Association of Alexandria, Virginia; the effort took place in late 1900 / early 1901. You can read about it here: What If? 1900-1901-1910-1911 Washington Monument Association.

Based on the amendment to his bill made by the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures (and the Treasury Department's objections to commemorative coins), Representative Rixey changed his approach in late 1901. He was rather sloppy with the bill's language, however, coupling the Title of his original coin bill with the medal request language developed by the House Committee in response to his original bill. In any case, upon its introduction in December 1901, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures.

The bill called for the striking of up to 200,000 medals - of silver and/or bronze - based on the desires of the Monument Association. Multiple dies were to be created, to enable the striking of a souvenir medal for each aspect of Washington's time as a citizen of Alexandria, VA: Farmer, Fireman, Surveyor and Mason. The House Committee reported the bill with an amended Title, and recommended that the medal bill pass; the Committee reported the bill in late March 1902.

Just prior to the Report, Thomas Staples Martin (D-VA) introduced a medal bill for the Monument Association in the Senate. The bill was essentially a duplicate of the House bill that came before it, once again calling for up to 200,000 bronze and/or silver medals. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.

The Finance Committee reported the bill without amendment. The Senate passed the bill via Unanimous Consent and sent it to the House for its consideration. In the House, Representative Rixey brought the bill for consideration, and it was passed by the House without objection. Subsequently, the bill was examined and signed in each chamber, sent to the President for approval and signed into Public Law on July 1, 1902 by President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt.

The Monument Association had its fundraising tool!

Proposed Washington Monument/Statue in Alexandria, VA with Images of Souvenir Medals



For more about the design and sales promotion of the Washington Monument Association medals, see:

- 1902 Washington Monument Association Medals / Designs and Sales Efforts


For other of my topics on commemorative coins and medals, including many more What If? stories, see: Commems Collection.