Actors

Dancer and actor Gene Kelly served as a Master of Ceremony and performed at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.

Actor Gene Autry participated in the inaugural events held January 1949. This photo is a still from the Columbia Pictures motion picture "Loaded Pistols."

Comedians Bud Abbott and Lou Costello performed at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949. This photo is a still from the motion picture "The Noose Hangs High."

Actor Melvyn Douglas participated in the inaugural events held January 1949.

Actor Gene Autry participated in the inaugural events held January, 1949. This photo is a still from the Columbia Pictures motion picture "Loaded Pistols."

Actor Phil Harris served as a Master of Ceremony and performed with actress Alice Faye at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.

Singer and actor George Jessel served as a Master of Ceremonies and performed three songs at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.

Chester Lauck and Norris Goff who played Columbus Edwards "Lum Eddards" and Abner Peabody in the radio show "Lum and Abner." Lauck and Goff performed a comedy routine during the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.

Dancer and actor Gene Kelly served as a Master of Ceremonies and performed at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949. This photo is a still from the MGM motion picture "Living in a Big Way."

Navy Under Secretary Francis P. Whitehair, Lt. Gen. Clifton B. Cates, and Henry Fonda at the U.S. Marine Corps School, Quantico, Virginia.