24 lines, typed, signed Dwight D. Eisenhower. On letterhead with initials DDE and The White House in gold, 10¼x7.
Interesting presidential invitation to "an informal stag dinner on the evening of Monday, May sixteenth. I hope to gather together a small group, and I should like very much for you to attend if it is possible for you to do so. Because of the informality of the occasion, I suggest that we meet at the White House about half past seven, have a reasonably early dinner, and devote the evening to a general chat... I shall probably wear a black tie, but business suite will be entirely appropriate... P.S. As a personal favor to me, would you keep this reasonably confidential until after the event?" There is a typed list of the other invitees, which covers a cross-section of businessmen (show and otherwise), golf professionals, newsmen, politicians, and the like. Besides Don Belding, a founder of Foote, Cone & Belding Advertising Agency, also invited were Edward L. Beach (submariner, author of Run Silent, Run Deep, and Naval Aide to Eisenhower); actor Ralph Bellamy; newspaperman Roscoe Drummond; journalist Arthur Krock; radio and television journalist Edward R. Morrow; Gen. Floyd L. Parks, "Father of modern Army public affairs"; golfers Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen; and others. An engraved card with Mr. Belding's name and the presidential seal, evidently from the place setting , is present.