TLS as president signed “Ron,” one page, 6.5 x 8.75, White House letterhead, February 11, 1983. Letter to Chardee and Tuck Trainer who had sent birthday wishes. In part: “Nancy finally got her Christmas eve snow storm -- on my birthday. Washington was a winter wonderland from early Sunday morning until almost Monday noon. Tuck, thanks for telling me about the Chevaliers evening and your generous review of my brief performance. If I’d gotten more reviews like that in Hollywood I’d have stayed there. Personally I think it was the follow up music. I got goose bumps just reading about it.” In very good condition, with a light overall shade of toning (accenting a broad “x” formed from mailing), and the signature a shade light. Also, the letter has been permanently decoupaged to a 9.5 x 11.5 wooden plaque.
Reagan had celebrated his 72nd birthday the day of the “winter wonderland” also referenced here to Trainer, who was the owner of the California-based Trainer Tire Company and a supporter of the Ronald Reagan Library. It’s unclear what performance Reagan references, but what is well-known is that before his days as a politician, Reagan was a B-movie actor with a career that began in 1937. His most famous screen role (the Bonzo movies aside) was as George “The Gipper” Gipp in the film Knute Rockne, All American.
Had Reagan stayed a Hollywood star, he would have missed out on the excitement that 1983 held for him, including calling the USSR an “evil empire” or introducing the Strategic Defense Initiative in March, or authorizing the invasion of Grenada in October. Given that role in history, it’s unlikely he would have even entertained the notion of what might have been had this note been sent a month or two later. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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