ALS as president, signed “Dutch”, one page, 6.75 x 9, White House letterhead, October 26, 1985. Letter to his long-time friend Lydia “Hup” MacArthur. In part: “I’ve enclosed your snapshot as you requested. I don’t know about the fella but the gal is a pretty pert ‘92.’ I’m trying to catch up but so far have only managed 35 anniversaries of my 39th birthday. I’m feeling fine and all healed up. Nancy sends her best and a thank you for your kind words. We’re up at Camp David for the weekend. It’s nice to get out of the city and have a couple of days in the woods.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Reagan’s hand, as well as the snapshot mentioned in the letter. A block of uniform overall toning from prior display, otherwise fine condition.
Lydia Hupfer “Hup” MacArthur was the widow of Pete MacArthur, program director of WOC in Davenport, Iowa. In 1932, MacArthur had given a then-21-year-old Reagan his first job as a sports announcer. They would remain friends until her passing at the age of 102 in 1995.
Reagan spent more time at Camp David than any other president, enjoying horseback riding and working in the woodworking shop. About two weeks before sending this letter—on October 10—Reagan had a patch of skin cancer, typically associated with exposure to the sun, removed from his nose, and was no doubt using his time at Camp David to recover. Even as he entered his second term as leader of the free world—a term that would see the end of the Cold War, the bombing of Libya, and the Iran-Contra Affair, ”Dutch” never forgot those people who were closest to his heart. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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