Congratulatory Western Union telegram, one page, 8 x 6.25, stamp-dated February 1, 1958. Telegram to “Dr and Mrs Wernher Von Braun” from President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s social secretary, Mary Jane McCaffree, sent immediately after success of Explorer I orbital insertion. In full: “The President and Mrs. Eisenhower hope you can come to dinner at the White House on Tuesday February fourth at eight oclock Stop White tie Stop Please wire reply.” Includes a glossy 10 x 8 period photograph of the occasion. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, a tear to the bottom edge, and mounting remnants to reverse of the telegram.
