Price departs with a smile; fete celebrates 45-year Club career

The First Amendment Lounge erupted in cheers and clapping when Andrew Price walked in on Friday, Aug. 3, for his retirement party.

Appearing relaxed in a short-sleeved purple plaid shirt, gray slacks and holding his cap in hand, he flashed the familiar endearing smile.

Many things have changed at the National Press Club since 1967, when Price started working here, said Art Wiese, Club president in 1979.

“A cup of coffee cost 25¢ and today it’s $2.55," Wiese said. "But one thing that hasn’t changed is the kindness, attention to detail and general loveliness of this very nice man.”

Fellow Club staff, more than a dozen past-presidents, relatives and multitudes of well-wishers crowded around Price to shake hands, give a hug, a kiss and shoulder slap. Susan, a colleague on the wait-staff, handed him a bouquet of sunflowers.

Price also received an honorary Club membership.

“Mr. Price has become a part of the NPC culture over the past 45 years,” said Club President Theresa Werner.

“And you can pick your membership number,” she added. "Either #1967 for the year you started working or #45 for the number of years you’ve worked.”

Serving head table guests with grace during the Club’s signature luncheons and VIP events was Price’s trademark. He served Henry Kissinger, Dick Cheney, Boris Yeltsin and Robert F. Kennedy.

“When I served Kirk Douglas,” Price recalled, “he said to me, ‘Waiter, bring me the fruit plate.’ When I brought it he took a look and said ‘I don’t want it. Give it to the audience. I want the regular plate.’”

As he adjusts to retirement, Price will have the support of his family.

“I hope he’ll enjoy himself and not worry about anything because his wife has got his back,” said his wife Bessie.

When asked how long they are married, she said, “Just let’s say I know him since ninth grade.”

In his professional life, Price embodied the spirit of the Club.

“He taught us the value of hard work, kindness, endurance and dignity," said Club executive director Bill McCarren. "The Press Club is extraordinary because people like Mr. Price have made it that way.”

Gifts bestowed on Price included many envelopes, a 1971 Louis Armstrong recording, a James Brown poster and gift certificates for Roadhouse Oldies in Silver Spring and to Bass Pro Shops “because we want to help you go fishing,” Josh Funk, the Club director of business development, told him.

Guests carried heaping plates of chicken wings, vegetable salad and fruit chunks to white linen-covered tables. The sign ‘Mr. Price’s Sweet Ice Tea’ identified a supersized punch bowl filled with tea and floating orange and lemon wedges.

“That’s what I served the staff in the employees cafeteria,” Price said of his recipe.

At the luncheon head tables, he took care of some of the Club's highest profile guests.

“By my count he has served nine U.S. presidents and 45 Press Club presidents,” Wiese said. “He always has a debonair charm and a quiet, unassuming professionalism. He exudes the epitome of service.”

Wiese added, “And because I’m the top hoot here representing those with more than twenty-five years of membership, it’s my honor to make you an honorary member of the Silver Owls.”

The Club awaits Mr. Price’s choice of membership numbers.