On September 21, 1953 General Dwight D. Eisenhower spoke at the Boston Garden in what was termed the “forward to 54” Dinner.  Taking the stage around 9:30 PM in his first year of his Presidential term Eisenhower addressed the audience for the tremendous number of compliments he had received.  He would close by using a quote from President Abraham Lincoln.  Eisenhower explained,

"What constitutes the bulwark of our own liberty and independence?" And Lincoln answered his own question. "It is not our frowning battlements," he said, "our bristling seacoasts. Our reliance is in the love of liberty which God has planted in us. Our defense is in the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere."  This truth the whole last century could not change.”

Eisenhower would then finish by thanking his guests “It is our prayer and our task that, one hundred years from now, the same can be said by this people--thankful and free and at peace.  For the great honor you have done me, ladies and gentlemen, in coming here and listening so courteously to me, I thank you humbly from the bottom of my heart”.  The guests of the famed banquet were given silver butane lighters as mementos of this glorious occasion also termed Eisenhower Dinner.  The elegant silver lighter available in this lot is one given to White House Barber Steven Martini and is engraved “IN REMEMBRANCE EISNEHOWER DINNER SEPTEMBER 21 1953 T.A.P”. 

Also included in this lot of personal Eisenhower memento’s Is a signed letter addressed to his barber Steve Martini.  The letter typewritten on White House letterhead and is encased in Lucite giving it a magnificent displaying quality.  The letter is a sincere thank you letter, where you can truly feel the authenticity of Eisenhower’s gratitude for Mr. Martini making himself available above all else including his business to attend to Eisenhower’s cosmetic needs.  The signature graces the letter largely across the center in black ink and remains in good condition.  The signature comes with a LOA from Beckett Authentication.  The articles in this lot are also accompanied by a LOA from Steve Martini Jr. son of White House Barber Steve Martini.

Auction Notepad