On October 17, 1900, William Randolph Hearst launched a New York Times promotion to raise money for victims of the 1900 Storm at the Galveston Orphan’s Bazaar which took place at the Waldorf Astoria. Coppini came to the attention of NY and Texas socialites with his winning entry of an early maquette design to commemorate the victims”.

Galveston leaders turn to Pompeo Coppini to design a monument to commemorate those who died. He brings them the design you see in the photo. The leaders say it is “too painful” and they decided not to award the commission.