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” were Sam and Bertha Sisco, who 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 sisters and their vow to care for their brother, Buzzy. While aiding the family in finding available state funds, he also took a personal interest in their needs. While still governor, Reagan learned of their search for a rocking chair for Buzzy, ultimately sending one 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.
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