Dwight D. Eisenhower Society
50th Anniversary Gala Dinner

Our 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner Recap

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Society celebrated its 50-year history as a nonprofit organization commemorating and educating the public about Dwight Eisenhower’s legacy on Friday evening, December 6, 2019 at the Gettysburg Hotel. Go to Photos

The evening began at 5:30 p.m. with a book signing by noted Eisenhower historian, Dr. William I. Hitchcock, and hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour. The featured drinks were Ike’s Scotch and Water, Mamie’s Manhattan and Harvey Wallbangers, which were created in 1958. Conversation was lively as guests mingled between the book signing and the hors d’oeuvres while enjoying background music played by the Gettysburg High School String Ensemble.

Gala Highlights

• Before dinner, Vice Chairman Walton Jones welcomed everyone and introduced Eisenhower Society board members and Society Chairman, Brigadier General Samuel K. Lessey who gave brief welcome remarks. Next Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of General and Mrs. Eisenhower took the stage to greet the crowd. After the invocation by C. Kilburn Roulette, dinner was served.
• Entrée choices of a Combination Plate of Filet Mignon and Horseradish Crusted Salmon or Seared Breast of Chicken with Prosciutto and Gruyere were available. Both entrees included Gorgonzola Salad, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, a Green Bean and Carrot Medley, Crusty Bread, and Cheesecake for Dessert.
• After dinner, Executive Director Carol Hegeman gave a brief history of the Eisenhower Society and introduced descendants of founders John A. Hauser, Rev. Robert MacAskill and Attorney Charles Wolf who were among the 20 people that signed the legal documents incorporating the Eisenhower Society in December 1969. There were also in attendance descendants of early donors to the Society. Andy Larson, the owner of Quality Inn—Larson’s was recognized as the last original Life Member. His motel had the distinction of hosting General and Mrs. Eisenhower when they came to Gettysburg on their house hunting trip in 1950.
• Past President Jacqueline White was presented with a resolution and plaque recognizing her 29 years on the Eisenhower Society board, 21 of them as president. Ahna Wilson of the Eisenhower National Historic Site spoke of the site’s longstanding partnership with the Society which over the last 20 years has included grants for internship stipends, education programs, and conservation of artifacts. Representing the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College, Rob Bohrer spoke about partnerships to support Institute programs and joint efforts for educational symposia.
• Guest speaker Dr. William I. Hitchcock, Guest speaker Dr. William I. Hitchcock, author of the New York Times best seller, The Age of Eisenhower: America and the World in the 1950s, was introduced by Dr. Michael Birkner. Dr. Hitchcock spoke about Eisenhower’s leadership both in style and substance, noting how Eisenhower’s middle of the road philosophy and his ability to compromise resulted in noteworthy accomplishments as president including balanced budgets and the first civil rights legislation since Reconstruction. Dr. Hitchcock reminded the audience that the most recent poll ranked Eisenhower as the fifth best president in American history.

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

Five Star Level:
The Dobbin House Tavern;

Four Star Level:
Graphcom, Linda Williams, RE/MAX of Gettysburg, Brigadier General Samuel K. Lessey, Jr.;

Three Star Level:
Lieutenant General Harry E. Soyster, Dr. William C. Spracher;

Two Star Level:
Colonel David R. Belcher, Dr. Walton C. and Pam Jones, Dr. Larry R. and Janet M. Redding, Jim and Susan Roach, Paul Shevchuk and Carol Hegeman, Ken and Sally Weiler, Steve and Theresa Wiseman;

One Star Level:
Craig Huseman Metz, Priscilla B. Roberts;

Friends: Wayne Green, Colonel Mary Lowe Mayhugh, Kay McClain, and Bradley Patterson.