Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) demonstrates his famously approachable disposition in this letter signed by Ike himself. Eisenhower closes the note with about as bold a signature as one could image, making excellent use of black fountain pen to write, “Dwight D. Eisenhower.” Typed on his own “DDE” personal letterhead and dated September 19, 1967, the message was sent to Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. Koser shortly after Eisenhower visited the couple on their 30th anniversary. In part, Ike explains, “It was good to meet you both; I’m sorry our visit could not be longer. At least Mrs. Koser and I had the opportunity of establishing the level of our kinship! My grand-mother and her great-grandfather were brother and sister. I think that makes us ‘second Cousins, once removed …’” The one-page, 7.25 x 10.25 letter is accompanied by its original mailing envelope, and a newspaper clipping in which it was reported that Eisenhower visited the couple for their 30th anniversary (as second cousins once removed, the Eisenhowers were presumably on the mailing list). The signed note exhibits fine condition with a bit of trivial foxing. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
