Description:

Eisenhower Dwight



President Eisenhower Thanks "Salute to Eisenhower" Dinner Fundraiser

 

1p TLS signed by 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) as "D.E." near bottom. Written at the White House, Washington, D.C. on January 21, 1956. Cream watermarked paper with "The White House, Washington" embossed letterhead. Expected paper folds and an isolated smudge to the left margin, else near fine. Measures 7.125" x 10.375".

 

Eisenhower thanked friend Barry T. Leithead for his support in launching the first "Salute to Eisenhower" Dinner Republican Party fundraising effort on January 20, 1956.

 

"Dear Barry:

 

Rarely in my life have I been so moved as I was last evening by the overwhelming evidence of the effort, the thought, the spirit underlying the Salute Dinners. Although I felt strongly that the tribute had its firmest foundation on the record of accomplishments and by many millions of my fellow Americans, the demonstration of personal attachment and esteem was so strong that I shall never forget the evening.

 

In every respect, I am told, the Dinners were a success. Because you, and those who worked with you, contributed importantly to this achievement, you have my warm thanks for a splendid job splendidly done on behalf of the Party and the Administration. I am deeply grateful to you and to all your associates.

 

My best wishes to all of you.

 

Sincerely,

D.E."

 

The "Salute to Eisenhower" Dinner was in reality many dinners hosted simultaneously all over the country to fundraise for the Republican Party. Dinner goers listened to principal speaker President Eisenhower via closed-circuit television and radio. Eisenhower addressed 53 rallies in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, as well as the attendees of innumerable satellite dinners. Republican Party supporters attending the Madison Square Garden shindig purchased $100 a plate dinner tickets, feasting on cold lobster and cheesecake while enjoying an ice show and choral performances. In one evening, the G.O.P. raised $5.5 million; the Salute Dinner model was so successful it was replicated in 1958 and 1960.

 

President Eisenhower made his first public appearance since his 1955 heart attack. In his 10-minute-long address, Eisenhower, who had not yet decided if he would run for reelection that fall, thanked Republican Party supporters.

 

Eisenhower said: "In this past half hour, on the magic carpet of Television, I have traveled around the country, recognizing faces of old friends hundreds of miles distant, recalling visits to cities as I glimpsed them on the screen, feeling the enthusiasm and warm friendship of so many thousands I have never met. I wish I could meet them so that I might personally say to each: 'Thank you!'

 

In fact, my friends, all my friends, after such a tribute as has been paid to Mrs. Eisenhower and to me this evening, the heart is so full that it is indeed dangerous to try to say more than 'Thank You.' I shall let it go at that.

 

Naturally, we have been deeply moved through the flying minutes of this electronic tour. I am grateful to everyone--the Republican Clubs, and all the organizations, the workers and all individuals and their friends--who, directly or indirectly, participated in this Salute."

 

President Eisenhower's correspondent, Barry T. Leithead (1907-1974), was the chairman and C.E.O. of Cluett, Peabody and Co., an apparel manufacturer. Leithead had worked his way up the ranks from Chicago floor salesman in 1929 to New York corporate chairman in 1966. A zealous Republican, Leithead fundraised for Eisenhower in 1952 and 1956, in the latter year generating $1,000,000 as chairman of the New York State rally. Leithead was also a personal friend and an occasional golfing partner.

 


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