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Charlie Halleck Day - Sept. 13, 1962

A view of the crowd assembled on the courthouse lawn, listening to Gen. Dwight D

One of the popular names in Jasper County is that of Charles A. Halleck, former U.S. House Majority Leader, and a close personal friend to President Eisenhower.

In 1962, the former president came to Rensselaer to personally endorse Halleck for re-election. This event is still talked about by residents who remember the visit. The day-long visit included a public speech delivered on the courthouse steps, the dedication of a cornerstone for Saint Joseph's College's Halleck Center, as well as other dinners and revelries that would accompany a visit from such a distinguished guest.

You can read the full text of Eisenhower's speech that day thanks to the Eisenhower Memorial Commission.

Click on the links below to see coverage from the Rensselaer Republican newspaper of the pre-visit preparation and the visit itself. These files were taken from the microfilm records available at the library.