Description:

Harry Truman
Key West, FL, November 11, 1948
Truman & WH Staff Celebrate Election Win vs. Dewey at "Little White House" in Key West! Rare with Vice President Barkley! 16 Signatures!
Signed photograph

Oversized color photograph of President Harry S. Truman seated in the center among members of his cabinet and staff during a post-election retreat at Key West, Florida. The upper margin bears printed text: Key West, Florida, November 11, 1948. Surrounding the image are bold ink signatures of those pictured, including President Harry S. Truman, Vice President-elect Alben W. Barkley, Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy (USN), Brigadier General Wallace H. Graham (USAF, Truman's personal physician), Clark M. Clifford, Stanley Woodward, William D. Hassett, John R. Steelman, Donald S. Dawson, Eben A. Ayers, Colonel Robert B. Landry (USAF), Major General Harry H. Vaughan (Army Reserve), Leslie L. Biffle, Captain Robert L. Dennison, Jonathan Daniels, and William Bray. Some expected toning to the mount, all signatures appear boldly signed. The photograph measures 7.25" x 9" and is mounted to an overall size of 11.75" x 15."

In February 2024, University Archives sold a similar example, not celebrating the election win, but at Key West for $5,000. That example did not have the signature of Vice President Barkley, in fact this is the only group photo we have handled with the signature of both President Truman and Vice President Barkley.

Signatures include:

Harry S. Truman (1884–1972) – 33rd President of the United States (1945–1953), who assumed the presidency upon Franklin D. Roosevelt's death and led the nation through the end of World War II. His administration defined early Cold War policy through the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, NATO's formation, and desegregation of the U.S. military.

Alben W. Barkley (1877–1956) – Vice President of the United States under Truman (1949–1953) and a longtime Democratic senator from Kentucky. Known as "The Veep," he was a staunch supporter of New Deal and Fair Deal legislation.

William D. Leahy (1875–1959) – Fleet Admiral of the U.S. Navy and the highest-ranking American military officer during World War II. As Truman's Chief of Staff, he was a key adviser on national security and military policy in the early Cold War years.

Wallace H. Graham (1910–1996) – Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force and personal physician to President Truman from 1945 to 1953. He managed the president's medical care and famously recommended the warm-weather retreats to Key West.

Clark M. Clifford (1906–1998) – White House Counsel to Truman and later Secretary of Defense under Lyndon B. Johnson. He was instrumental in Truman's 1948 campaign strategy and helped shape early U.S. Cold War policy.

Stanley Woodward (1899–1992) – Chief of Protocol of the United States from 1944 to 1950. A career diplomat, he was respected for his skill in state ceremonies and foreign relations in the postwar period.

William D. Hassett (1880–1965) – Appointments Secretary to Presidents Roosevelt and Truman. He was a trusted aide responsible for managing the president's schedule and correspondence.

John R. Steelman (1900–1999) – Served as the first White House Chief of Staff (Assistant to the President) from 1946 to 1953. A labor economist by training, he mediated strikes and oversaw policy coordination for Truman.

Donald S. Dawson (1908–2005) – Special Counsel and close aide to Truman. He managed patronage and political appointments, playing an influential role in Democratic Party strategy during the Truman years.

Eben A. Ayers (1890–1977) – Deputy Press Secretary to Truman and a former journalist. He oversaw press relations and helped shape the president's public communications.

Robert B. Landry (1909–2000) – Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and the first Air Force Aide to the President. He provided Truman with advice on aviation policy and Air Force operations during the service's formative years.

Harry H. Vaughan (1893–1981) – Major General in the Army Reserve and Military Aide to Truman throughout his presidency. A World War I comrade of Truman's, Vaughan was known for his loyalty and constant presence at the White House.

Leslie L. Biffle (1889–1966) – Secretary of the U.S. Senate during much of Truman's presidency. He was a skilled political operator and a trusted Truman ally within Congress.

Robert L. Dennison (1901–1980) – U.S. Navy Captain and Naval Aide to Truman from 1948 to 1953. He advised on naval affairs and Cold War maritime strategy.

Jonathan W. Daniels (1902–1981) – Served briefly as White House Press Secretary in 1945 under both Roosevelt and Truman before returning to journalism. As editor of The News & Observer and author of several books, including a Truman biography, he was a prominent Southern political commentator.

William J. Bray (1911–2004) – Assistant to John R. Steelman in the Truman White House, serving in administrative and advisory capacities. He was part of the official presidential party during Key West retreats and contributed to Truman's 1948 campaign efforts.

This photograph captures Truman and his close advisers at the "Little White House" in Key West, a naval station residence he used as a presidential retreat. In 1946, General Graham prescribed warm-weather rest for Truman, and Key West became a favored location, hosting eleven presidential visits. The date—just one week after Truman's surprise victory over Thomas E. Dewey—marks a celebratory and historic moment for the administration. Earlier in 1948, the Key West Agreement was drafted here, formally establishing the Department of Defense and clarifying military command structure, a landmark in U.S. defense organization.

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: 11.75" x 15."
  • Medium: Signed photograph

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