Photo -- See Caption Below


Playing Cards
c1950s
A set of playing cards with the presidential seal: "The Columbine," the Presidential plane and initials, "D.D.E."
Paper. L 9.0, W 5.7 cm
Eisenhower National Historic Site, EISE 5260

The Columbine
The President was an avid bridge player and enjoyed playing cards while aboard his presidential aircraft, the Columbine. A four engine, propeller driven Lockheed Constellation, the Columbine was reportedly named by Mamie after the state flower of Colorado, her home state. The first Columbine was replaced with a newer model in 1954 that included technological improvements such as an airborne teletype machine and air-to-ground telephone. It was used for all domestic trips and served the President until the end of his second term.