Description:

Armstrong Neil

Archive comprised of program signed by Neil Armstrong and ticket stub to the 18th Annual Airlines Ball held in the Imperial Ballroom of the Muehlebach Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri on October 24, 1970. Both in near fine condition. The program has two tiny tack holes and a fold along the left side, whereas the ticket has been used and shows light handling marks. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Zarelli Space Authentication signed by Steve Zarelli.
 
The disc shaped program measuring 8” in diameter contains the souvenier quote "One small step for man, one giant leap for Mankind" added at a later unknown date. It is dramatically signed “Neil Armstrong” verso in blue ball point pen. The program shows a view of Earth as seen from the surface of the moon, a perspective granted to Apollo XI astronaut and ball honoree Aviation Man of the Decade Neil Armstrong just fifteen months before during the first lunar mission. Ball admission cost the bearer $3.00. Ticket stub No. 1753 has an overall metallic finish with black lettering.
 
The 18th Annual Airlines Ball was co-hosted by twenty-six international and U.S. domestic airline companies at the Muehlebach Hotel in downtown Kansas City. The Muehlebach was frequented by celebrities and U.S. Presidents alike between its opening in 1915 and its incorporation into the Marriott in 1996. The ticket stub proudly announced that Warren Durrett and his 17-piece orchestra would entertain attendees. Aviation Man of the Decade Neil Armstrong was presented with a 3’ sculptural trophy around 10 pm, followed by the crowning of the Airlines Ball Queen among preselected airline female employees at 10:30 pm. Door prizes included airfare to and hotel accommodation at destinations around the world. Guests played with souvenir flags and astronaut figurines. A 4-foot tall spaceship model decorated the large ballroom.
 
Gary Lint, a TWA engineer between 1964-1991, served as chairman of the 18th Annual Airlines Ball in 1970. Lint recollected that, with the record-breaking astronaut receiving 200 invitations per day from organizations, the chances of Neil Armstrong personally attending Aviation Man of the Decade ceremonies in Kansas City were slim to none in 1970. Armstrong did attend the ball, however, and spent approximately two hours signing autographs like ours.

Comes with an October 20, 2017 Letter of Authenticity from Zarelli Space Authentication signed by Steve Zarelli.

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