World Bank President Eugene R. Black Honored by New York City

Eugene R. Black, new president of the World Bank, sits in the library of his home in Princeton, New Jersey, May 22, 1949.

Toastmaster Richard Patterson hosts this luncheon to honor Eugene R Black, former President of the World Bank, on the occasion of his retirement. Patterson introduces each speaker who adds their laudatory messages.

Governor Adlai Stevenson describes Eugene black as the best doctor for sick financial institutions. US Secretary of Commerce, Luther Hartwell Hodges, reads a congratulatory telegram from President John F. Kennedy. Robert Moses jokingly suggests that Black be commissioned to settle the financial affairs of the World's Fair and then the City of New York. Robert F. Wagner reviews his career as the President of the World Bank, emphasizing his sound banking practices for underdeveloped countries which, "feed more mouths and save more lives than charity." He then presents black with a Certificate for Distinguished and Exceptional Service for work as President of the International Bank for reconstruction and development for nations "determined to be free."

Black then gives an acceptance speech recounting his career and life in New York. He congratulates Moses and Wagner on their work and expresses a wish to be of some service to the city of New York as he has in the past. He stresses the importance of increasing the standard of living in developing countries and welcomes George Woods as his successor.


Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection


WNYC archives id: 150469
Municipal archives id: LT9510