Visit to Reagan Library - part 2

Part 2 of things that stood out to me:

- I remember when he was shot by John Hinckley, but I don't think I knew how serious his wound was at the time. Quite possibly, he (or possibly Nancy) ensured that the news did not get out about how badly he was hurt. Reagan thought his rib had been broken by the Secret Service agent throwing him into the presidential limousine and they were actually heading back to the White House when the agent noticed that Reagan had bright blood at his lips - indicating a lung puncture - so they re-routed to the ER of a hospital. Even at that point, the agent thought that a broken rib had punctured the lung; it wasn't until doctors cut off his "thousand dollar suit" that they found the gunshot entrance wound.

- He was shot on March 30; on April 28, he addressed Congress on the Economic Recovery Program. As a part of that speech, he said:

The society we heard from is made up of millions of compassionate Americans and their children, from college-age to kindergarten. As a matter of fact, as evidence of that I have a letter with me. The letter came from Peter Sweeney. He's in the second grade in the Riverside School in Rockville Centre, and he said, "I hope you get well quick or you might have to make a speech in your pajamas." And he added a postscript. "P.S. If you have to make a speech in your pajamas, I warned you."

- Although Nancy Reagan was not "political" in the sense of seeking political role for herself, but she certainly appeared to be very adept at ensuring that the right information went out and acted in the best interest of her husband. They met when the name "Nancy Davis" was on the Hollywood Blacklist (communist sympathizer list) and she sought Ronald Reagan's help to clear it up; it turned out to be another "Nancy Davis", but their meeting led to their dating and eventual marriage.

There was a display of some of her dresses.

The grey suit in the middle was what Nancy wore when they married (in a very small ceremony - the only guests were their best man and matron of honor).

"Second Hand Clothes" -- From: http://www.reaganfoundation.org/details_t.aspx?p=RR1005NRL&h1=0&h2=0&sw=&lm=reagan&args_a=cms&args_b=10&argsb=N&tx=1202  By the end of her husband’s first year in office, Mrs. Reagan had acquired a number of unflattering nicknames, among them “Queen Nancy.” But in early 1982, an opportunity arose that enabled Mrs. Reagan to show the press corps a different side of her. The Gridiron Club, an exclusive, century-old organization representing journalists, holds an annual dinner designed to bring together the press and the politicians of Washington for an evening of entertainment and humor. Members of the press perform skits poking fun at the politicians, and the President often gives a speech at the conclusion of the evening. Mrs. Reagan’s staff knew the press planned to present a skit about the first lady and what the media considered to be her expensive taste and fashionable ways, and decided she should perform a skit of her own. That evening, Mrs. Reagan arrived with her husband in evening clothes as expected. During dinner, as the skit about her played out onstage, she excused herself momentarily. Some in the room thought she was upset about the ribbing she was receiving and had walked out. But in truth, she secretly went backstage and donned a ridiculous-looking costume consisting of mismatched clothes – a navy polka dotted blouse topped with a red print housedress and a blue Hawaiian-print skirt, yellow rubber rain boots, a feather boa, a long strand of pearls, and a red straw hat with feathers and flowers. She surprised everyone, including her husband, by marching out on stage and performing her own number, “Secondhand Clothes.” In lyrics set to the tune of “Secondhand Rose,” she mocked the media’s criticism of her fashion sense, and dramatically concluded her performance by smashing to the floor a replica plate from the new White House china. She received a standing ovation – and demands for an encore – from a newly-appreciative and admiring press corps. The next day the headlines read, “First lady floors ’em with song and dance,” “She sings, she jokes, she’s a hit.” And the Washington Post wrote, “…the sophisticated audience of journalists, politicians and their friends responded to her performance as though she had undergone a major change. A number of those image-makers left the ballroom saying that Nancy Reagan’s song-and-dance number had transformed her image.”

She was also responsible for the "Just Say No" anti-drug campaign, and the "Foster Grandparent" program.

- I was impressed with how many love letters Ronald Reagan sent to his wife, Nancy (and that she still had them to put into the Museum! she obviously had not downsized to live in fulltime in a motorhome!)

My favorite part of this one is the last couple of lines. "From an admirer (if you're curious, my name is at the top of the page) + I'm on the next pillowcase."

"Love Letters: Throughout their marriage, Ronald Reagan composed over 700 love letters, notes, and cards like these to Nancy Reagan."

Telegrams - the top one reads "Powder your lipstick, I'm on the down hill side of Albuquerque. I love you. Ronnie" The second one reads: "Mrs. Reagan, If you are going to be home in the morning I wonder if I might drop in on account of I love you. Mr Reagan"

 Maybe letter writing and telegram sending was for another era, but how romantic!!!

More in Part 3!