Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies Inaugural Web Site. January 20, 2009; Printed from inaugural.senate.gov.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953

Vice President Richard M. Nixon
Inauguration Date Tuesday, January 20, 1953
Location East Portico, U.S. Capitol
Oath Administered By: Frederick Vinson, Chief Justice
Bible Used: Eisenhower used two Bibles: the Bible used by George Washington in 1789 (belonging to St. John's Masonic Lodge No. 1), opened to II Chronicles 7:14; and his own personal "West Point Bible," opened to Psalm 33:12.
Length of Inaugural Address: 2,446 words
Attire (what the president wore): Morning coat, striped trousers
Weather: Cloudy skies, with a noon temperature of 49°F
Precedents, "firsts" or other interesting information:
Luncheon: The JCCIC began its current tradition of hosting a luncheon for the President and Vice President and special guests. Fifty-two guests joined the President and First Lady at the Capitol for a menu featuring gulf shrimp; olives, radishes, and tomato juice; creamed chicken in patty shell; baked sugar-cured ham; cranberry jelly; watermelon pickles; potato puffs; new peas in butter; green salad; and ice cream sundaes and petit fours for dessert.