TLS 'It is hard, as always, to leave Denver'

EISENHOWER, DWIGHT D. (1890-1969). American soldier and thirty-fourth president of the United States. TLS. (“DE”). 1p. 4to. Denver, October 15, 1954. On White House stationary. To Harry M. Anholt, manager of Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel.

It is hard, as always, to leave Denver. You, your staff, and in fact, all of Denver, have been so wonderfully hospitable to us that I find words inadequate to express my appreciation. For your generosity in holding us the suite at the Brown Palace, Mamie and I join in warm thanks. I hope, too, that you will convey to all of your staff our gratitude for the many courtesies they have extended to us. Sometimes I feel that you people in Denver must heave a great sigh of relief when the Eisenhowers, the staff and the press pack up to go back to Washington. Nonetheless I know from all hands that the Brown Palace represents to the other members of our party, as it does to Mamie and to me, an experience to be looked forward to eagerly. I’m sure I’ll see you in Washington in the not too distant future. Meantime, Mamie joins me in affectionate regard to Arlene, and, of course, all the best to yourself…

During his presidency, Eisenhower spent much leisure time in his wife’s native Denver, where the couple had been married in 1916. At the end of 1953 Eisenhower made his famous “Atoms for Peace” speech to the United Nations. Delivered during the escalating arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, the speech highlighted the need for and America’s commitment to using atomic energy to benefit humanity rather than destroy it. Eisenhower’s initiative led Great Britain, Canada, France, Australia, and South Africa to join with the United States in forming an agency to “investigate peacetime uses of atomic energy,” (The Book of Presidents, Taylor). On September 6, 1954, about five weeks prior to our letter, Ike “announced the agreement… during ceremonies in Denver, Colo., when he employed radioactive and electronic devices to break ground [via remote control] for the first commercial atomic energy plant at Shippingport, Pa.,” (ibid.). Despite the momentousness of the event, Eisenhower’s most notable visit to Denver occurred the following year when the president suffered a heart attack during a round of golf. He spent seven weeks recovering in the hospital yet was elected to his second term the following November. Despite a small staple hole in the upper right corner, the letter is in fine condition and comes with its original envelope.

Item #13860

Price: $500

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