Description:

Mamie Eisenhower
various, ca. 1952-1972
Mamie Eisenhower Archive of 15 Letters, A Charming Collection to a Lifelong Friend
Archive
A collection of 15 autograph letters and typed letters signed by Mamie Eisenhower, in various formats and spanning the years 1952-1972. Each letter is addressed to a lifelong friend, Josephine Barth in Whittier, California, whom she affectionally calls "Jo" and even "Little Jo." Offered with six letters by Mamie and Ike's various secretaries. Most letters are accompanied by the original envelope, and the archive is in very good to fine condition. Details about each letter are below, in chronological order.

1. T.L.S. on her letterhead embossed in gilt, New York, December 2, 1952, sending thanks for a birthday message.

2. A.L.S. on a "get well soon" greeting card, Washington, November 9, 1963, signed twice.

3. A.L.S. on letterhead of the Eldorado Country Club, Palm Desert, May 6, 1964. In part: "…Ike's arms have given him trouble but he still has played golf most every day…".

4. A.L.S. on the interior of a greeting card, Gettysburg, August 3, 1964, in part: "…Ike keeps reminding me that at our age we cannot feel like we did at twenty-five - somehow one never realizes that you cannot gainsay the calendar…".

5. A.L.S. on the interior of a greeting card, [Washington], November 9, 1964, sending wishes for a speedy recovery.

6. T.L.S. on her personal letterhead embossed in gilt, Palm Desert, March 31, 1965, sending social news and mentioning: "…Ike has had a virus for about ten days and is still house-bound which is sad because the weather is so beautiful for golf…".

7. A.L.S. on letterhead of the Eldorado Country Club, Palm Desert, February 14, 1966, sending social news and adding: "…Fifty years ago to-day Ike gave me my engagement ring - the West Point class ring - what a lot has happened to two happy young people…"

8. A.L.S. on her personal correspondence card, [Gettysburg], November 25, 1966, sending thanks for a card and family news.

9. T.L.S. on her personal letterhead embossed in gilt, Gettysburg, November 25, 1969, sending thanks for a birthday note and adding in holograph news of an ailing friend.

10. A.L.S. on her personal correspondence card, [Gettysburg], November 22, 1967, in part: "…Ike was so pleased you liked his book 'At Ease'," and adding social news.

11. A.L.S. on her personal card headed "in the Mamie manner" in gilt, [Riverside, CA], May 3, 1968, mentioning Ike: "I am greatly pleased I can be close to Ike. He can have no visitors but me and I for only minutes. Each day is closer to recovery but at the least it will be two weeks…".

12. T.L.S. on personal letterhead embossed in gilt, Augusta, March 27, 1971, sending congratulations on her marriage.

13. T.L.S. on letterhead embossed in gilt with her name, Augusta, April 2, 1971, sending congratulations on a bridal book.

14. T.L.S. letterhead embossed in gilt with her name, Palm Desert, November 16, 1971, sending social news.

15. A.L.S. letterhead of the Eldorado Country Club, Palm Desert, February 29, 1972, sending social news and adding that she may want to do a photo album on Ike.

Mamie Eisenhower was known for her hospitality, social acumen and welcoming personality. She reveled in being a hostess and organizing social gatherings and charitable events important to Eisenhower's career. She would declare: "Ike runs the country, I turn the lamb chops," and devoted herself with the spirit of a Five Star General, organizing and overseeing her staff with precision.

Despite her busy career as First Lady, Mamie always found time to return and write personal letters and cards. "She insisted that everybody who wrote to her should get some sort of personal reply," according to the UVA Miller Center. "Mamie usually got 700 letters each month, so providing an answer to all those correspondents was an enormous task. She relied on fifteen staff members to help her, but her letters had her own touch. People around the country thrilled at getting a reply from the First Lady with her signature."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: Archive

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