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Sale 27
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Lot 4304
Reagan, Ronald (1911-2004) 40th President of the United States (1981-1989). Autograph Letter Signed ("Ron"), on State of California / Governor's Office letterhead, no date (January 1974), one page, quarto. To Paul Keyes, a Hollywood producer and Republican campaigner, asking him to look over the draft of a speech Reagan had written on six yellow legal pages. In part: "Forgive me for subjecting you to my handwriting but I did this at home over the weekend….I'm most appreciative of your taking the time to read this. I'll call in a couple of days and please dont be kind hearted. If this is a bomb let me know…."
Accompanied by the handwritten speech given by Reagan January 26, 1974 in Washington, D.C. to the Alfafa Club, a group of political and other heavyweights who meet once a year to nominate their own candidate for President. The "nominee" gives a humorous speech to the leaders of both major parties. The guest list includes current and former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senators, Ambassadors, Governors, and other prominent people. Reagan pokes gentle fun at numerous people, including Democrats and Republicans, but most of all at himself. He notes, "…if Richard Nixon hadn't softened up Pat Brown for me I wouldn't be here tonite." He says that television will be important to his presidential campaign: "…We'll re-run 'Bedtime for Bonzo' & 'Knute Rockne All American….," thinks that John Wayne would be obvious for vice president, except that "I don't see this as an action role." There are many references to the names in politics at the time--to Richard Nixon, Hubert Humphrey, Henry Kissinger, Sargent Shriver, Ted Kennedy, Howard Hughes, George Wallace, and others. Reagan drew lines between thoughts, to pace himself. It is obvious that the future President was enjoying himself, by comments such as: "Staying in the White House won't be any hardship, we used to live above the store where my father worked." Both letter and speech are clean and very fine. Accompanied by a transcript of the actual proceedings of the Alfalfa Club Dinner, including the speech Reagan actually gave after Keyes' suggestions.
With these two Reagan items comes a typed, blind carbon copy to Paul Keyes of a letter Richard Nixon (signed "RN" in blue ink), sent to John Wayne on August 25, 1965. He explains to Wayne what the Alfalfa Club is and mentions that he gave the speech in January 1965.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.
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