Name/Title
Turkey for the President, 1957Entry/Object ID
1988.001.0051Description
This is an 8"h x 10"w black and white photo of the presentation of a turkey and oysters from Saint Mary's County to President and Mrs. Eisenhower on December 17, 1957 in the Rose Garden at the White House. Homer Gruenther accepted the bird on behalf of the President. Three women and three men are grouped behind a large crate, home to Mr. Turkey. He is sitting on top of the crate with his wings held out by two participants as Mr. Gruenther pats him on the shoulder. There is a #10 can of Potomac View oysters on the opposite end of the crate. A commercially produced sign on the front of the crate says "'Mr. St. Mary's County' Gift to President and Mrs. Eisenhower." Whether this refers to the turkey or Mr. Briscoe is not clear; he was often referred to as Mr. St. Mary's County. It appears to be a cold, but sunny day. Mr. Gruenther does not have a topcoat on, but he is wearing gloves. In the lower right corner of the image is stamped "Rick's" in gold letters.
The participants were identified on another copy of this photo in the Fenwick Collection L-R: Arthur F. L. (Buck) Briscoe, chairman of St. Mary's County Development Committee, Tippy Stringer, N.B.C. News Co., Lucile [sp?] Norman, owner Norman Turkey Farm-Charlotte Hall, Patricia Nalley, student, Leonardtown School, Homer Gruenther, Special Assistant to President Eisenhower, William A. Chapman, Member St. Mary's Co. Development Committee. The turkey was nameless.
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Text on verso: in blue and black pen "Bring back to Brian Important 77% B-1-O G 55%"Collection
Buck Briscoe CollectionMade/Created
Date made
December 17, 1957Dimensions
Dimension Notes
Print Size: 8" x 10"Location
Container
Buck Briscoe Collection, Box 2Shelf
Rack 07, Shelf 2Rack
Rack 07Wall
West wallRoom
Archives 1Building
Tudor HallContainer
Buck Briscoe Collection, Box 2Shelf
Rack 07, Shelf 2Rack
Rack 07Wall
West wallRoom
Archives 1Building
Tudor HallRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Briscoe, Arthur F. L. (1900-1988)Person or Organization
Chapman, William A.Person or Organization
Gruenther, HomerPerson or Organization
Nalley, PatriciaPerson or Organization
Norman, LucilePerson or Organization
Stringer, Tippy