NPC in History: Roosevelt dinner inspired speakers luncheons

This is the first of a series provided by Club historian Gil Klein.

Dig down anywhere in the National Press Club's 110-years, you will find some kind of significant world, national, Washington or Club event. Many of these events were caught in illustrations that tell the stories.

This photo marks a significant moment in Club history, as well as American history. It’s Nov. 22, 1932. Franklin Roosevelt has just been elected president, and the Club has invited him for a dinner in his honor.

Here we see Roosevelt signing the guest book with Vice President-Elect Nance Garner. Looking on is Club President Bascom Timmons of the Houston Chronicle. It launches an evening, attended by about 500 Club members that included not only speeches but entertainment provided by NBC, according to a Washington Post story the next day. Unfortunately, as was the custom of the day, the remarks were off the record.

What makes this event doubly important in Club history is that it inspires the idea that the Club should launch a series of luncheon speakers to bring significant people to its podium. That series continues to this day as the hallmark of the Club’s news-making mission.