Membership Appreciation Reception
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Society sponsored its annual Member Appreciation Reception at the Gettysburg Fire Hall on March 29. After enjoying fruit, cheese and desserts donated by the Dobbin House Tavern, and wine and Sangria donated by Duane and Linda Williams and Bob and Ruthmary McIlhenny, Program Chair Paul Shevchuk welcomed members. Chairman Walt Jones spoke about the recent death of Vice President Ruthmary McIlhenny and asked for a moment of silence in her memory. Then executive director Carol Hegeman introduced our guest speaker, Wesley Heyser. Wes was a seasonal park ranger at the Eisenhower National Historic Site for 7 years and is currently a teacher of American history. He is also a fireman with the Gettysburg Fire Department. Wes gave a short Powerpoint talk about the “General Ike” fire truck. Then guests had the opportunity to tour the fire museum and equipment bay. Thank you, sponsors: Ken and Sally Weiler and door prize donors Event Network, Ken Weiler and Carol Hegeman. We also thank volunteer firemen Jamie Gallagher, Jr., Mark Fruehan, Ken Kime, Jr., Martin Bagley and Paul McConnell who welcomed us to the museum and equipment bay and took time to explain what we were seeing. Everyone had an enjoyable afternoon.
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2026 Membership Appreciation Reception Photo Gallery
Ken and Sally checked in fireman Jamie Gallagher.
The Dobbin House Tavern donated fruit, cheese and these yummy desserts.
Paul, Barb, and Jim caught up with each other.
Paul and Phil talked, while Andrew served Beth “Ruthmary’s special Sangria.”
Guests visited with each other.
Angela, Chris and Erica chatted.
Paul welcomed guests to the reception.
While Paul looked on, Walt asked for a moment of silence to remember Ruthmary McIlhenny.
Fireman Wes Heyser spoke to Society members.
Wes shared his research on the “General Ike” fire truck.
The new Mack fire truck was named the General Ike in honor of General and President Eisenhower. The company had a tradition of naming fire trucks after generals.
This was a good color photo of the General Ike from the Powerpoint program. Note the five stars on the door.
The Fire Museum was very popular with members.
Carolyn and Nick Ivanoff enjoyed the Fire Museum exhibits.
Members toured the equipment bay.
Fireman Martin Bagley explained some equipment to Carol.
Fireman Ken Kime explained the equipment to Chris, Harry and Andrew.
Ken Kime described the turnout gear.
The Gettysburg Fire Department shield says, “Fire control & rescue. We’ll be there – Fast.” The department was founded in 1808.
The department’s modern fire trucks were on display.
We love this logo! Thank you, Dru Neil, for taking these photos.
2025 Membership Appreciation Reception Photo Gallery
Our Member Appreciation sponsors were recognized.
Thank you, Dobbin House, for the delicious food.
Andrew assisted Bob with drink service.
Carol talked with Nick and Carolyn.
Eisenhower Christmas cards were displayed along with membership gifts.
Marie, Tom and Terry chatted.
Jackie, Walt and John visited.
Carolyn, Nick, Janet and Larry got to know each other.
Members and guests mingled and got to know each other.
Bill and Ken checked Harry in.
Ruthmary and Susan caught up.
John Burt welcomed members.
Ruthmary spoke about the Eisenhowers’ Christmas card traditions.
Ruthmary posed with a poster showing some of Mamie’s Christmas gift cards.
The new Eisenhower exhibit was funded by an Eisenhower Society grant.
2024 Membership Appreciation Reception Photo Gallery
Member Appreciation guests enjoyed the food donated by the Dobbin House Tavern.
Ruthmary and Bob McIlhenny mix up the white Sangria.
Thank you, Sponsors!
Carol chats with Bill and Ken.
Everyone enjoyed the food.
Walt stops to talk with Bill.
Wayne and Sue arrive.
Carol and Judy talk.
Adams County Historical Society Executive Director Andrew Dalton visits with attendees.
The Dobbin House snacks were very popular.
Bob and John talk over the Sangria.
Jackie and Walt share a laugh.
John and Lisa talk with Dave, Duane and Kay.
Ryan and Bruce mug for the camera.
John welcomes everyone.
Ruthmary shares membership information.
Andrew Dalton welcomes all to the historical society.
Andrew discusses the Eisenhower exhibits in the Beyond the Battle Museum.
Andrew points out that the ballot box Eisenhower used when voting is now on exhibit in the museum.
Everyone chats or heads to the museum.
2023 Membership Appreciation Reception Photo Gallery
Bill and Ken check Dale in.
We thank our generous sponsors for making this event possible.
We enjoyed some yummy sweets.
There was plenty of fruit and cheese to snack on.
Bob and Andrew mixed the white Sangria that we enjoyed.
Ruthmary took Sangria to Bill and Ken at the check-in table.
Bob and Barb chatted with Gary.
Stephanie and Jeff checked in.
Lina smiled for the camera while Ken and Gary talked.
Tony, Lisa and John caught up.
Everyone enjoyed food, drink and conversation.
New friends were made.
Linda and Duane mugged for the camera.
Lisa and John welcomed Christopher and Marguerite.
New friends talked around the table.
Omar and Gary discussed the General Eisenhower bas relief plaque available for sale.
Mary Lowe made an entrance.
Sally was obviously enjoying herself.
There was time for more refreshments.
John welcomed members to the reception.
Carol shared greetings from Chairman Brigadier General Lessey who was unable to attend.
Everyone listened intently.
Ruthmary spoke briefly about Eisenhower and religion and the optional tour of the Eisenhowers’ church.
Guests continued to enjoy conversation.
Bill gave a tour of the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church.
The Eisenhower Pew was where they always sat when attending church.
The first 50 star flag was presented to Eisenhower the day he signed legislation admitting Hawaii as the 50th state. When he retired to Gettysburg he gave this first flag to the Presbyterian church.