President Dwight Eisenhower at the McNary Dam dedication, September 23, 1954. File photos courtesy of the Union-Bulletin.

Union Pacific train ticket to the dedication courtesy of Bob Van Donge

Blue Angels flyover

Douglas Blessinger, U-B reporter

President Eisenhower's visit to Walla Walla as seen in clippings from the Union-Bulletin.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower stayed one night at the Marcus Whitman Hotel, Sept 22 1954, en route to dedicate McNary Dam the next day. File photos courtesy of the Union-Bulletin detail preparations for his visit, his arrival at the airport, and the motorcade to the hotel.

Washington Governor Art Langlie (center) was in the Hotel Sept 4 for a planning meeting

Brighter street lights were installed at downtown locations at request of Secret Service.  

State Patrol and Police officers met to plan routes and security, Sept 14. WW Chief Bert Watts seated on right.

Utility poles along Isaacs Avenue were painted white.

Hotel staff Loretta Lamb (left) and Norma Craver prepare Ike's room.

Ike's room is a suite of four rooms and two bathrooms on the 5th floor.

Police officer Fred Bennett sets up rope lines at the Airport

Ike deplanes at 6:50pm from a Constellation named "Columbine".

Motorcade leaves the Airport to head down Isaacs Ave and Main Street to the Hotel.

Ike is greeted at the Hotel by Shriner John Hendricks and Suzanne the Shrine Club's football princess for the game Saturday night.

Hotel manager (and former Mayor) Raymond V. Borleske in lobby with Suzanne.

Hotel staff  Mary Benzel and chef Charles Cecil prepare buffet table.

The square badges on participant's shirts read "Welcome Mr. President"

Communications equipment set up in Hotel.