Reagan’s personally owned rocking chair, 20th century American Shaker style of mixed woods, rush weave back and seat. Front edge of rails scraped, general wear, else a solid, well maintained rocker. Reagan, while Governor of California, gave this rocking chair from his home to dear friends, Samueline, Bertha, and Buzzy Sisco. Accompanied by an ALS signed “Ron,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, State of California letterhead (watermarked with the state seal), Sacramento, December 17. Letter written to Zelda. In full: “Here’s that time again & again as always I wish you the greatest of happiness in this holiday season & the year ahead. An old fashioned granny type rocking chair may not sound like an ordinary charity effort but that’s what it was this year. A letter was brought to my attention and from it I discovered two elderly sisters who promised their dying mother they would care for their younger retarded brother. They were young then & he was a little boy—he still is—a 43 year old little boy who wanted a rocking chair (he’d cut out a picture of it) to rock in with his ‘Teddy Bear.’ The sisters have devoted their entire life to him but they couldn’t find or afford the chair. They have it—so Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of us.” In fine condition, with a couple of staple holes to top left corner. Accompanied by a photocopy of a note, left by California Highway Patrol officer Dale Role, on behalf of the Reagans which was delivered with the chair to the sisters.
The “two elderly sisters” kept in touch with Reagan from 1972, when they contacted the California governor for assistance from the state, through about 1987. Over time, Reagan grew to admire the siblings and their vow to care for Buzzy. While aiding the family in securing available state funds, he also took a personal interest in their situation. While still governor, Reagan learned of their search for a rocking chair for their brother, as outlined here, ultimately sending this very piece of furniture from his own home. The circumstances referenced in this letter are also outlined in the book, Reagan, A Life in Letters. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
