Description:

Ronald Reagan ALS as Prez to Notre Dame Priest "the Gipper" Plus Bonus ALS

Two autographed letters, each initialed as "RR" and drafted by President Ronald Reagan on yellow lined paper to actor Michael Horse and Father Theodore Hesburgh, President of the University of Notre Dame. 1p, measuring 8.5" x 11", ca. May 1981, [Washington, D.C.]. Moderate creasing and tearing to top right corner, with darkened edge toning in areas. Overall, very good with interesting content related to Reagan's famous "Win one for the Gipper" speech. Impeccable provenance as this item comes from the files of Helene von Damm (b. 1938), Reagan's longtime personal secretary and later Ambassador to Austria, and gifted to our consignor, her White House assistant.

The letters in full:

[To Horse:]
“Thank you very much for that very handsome bolo. You were more than kind and I’m most grateful. I think between wearings it will hang on our ranch house wall.
Nancy & I were sorry we couldn’t attend the premiere. We’ve heard nothing but good things about the picture and about your performance. Again my heartfelt thanks & Best Regards/ Sincerely RR”

[To Hesburgh:]
“I have just read your most heartwarming letter and want you to know it is I who should be thanking you; Thanking you for a most wonderful day.
I opened my certificate of membership in the Monogram Club and found to my surprise there were two. I was very much moved to discover one was for George Gipp. Let me assure you that one will be treasured.
Again my thanks on behalf of Nancy & myself and our party. On the plane ride back to Wash. everyone was in a glow over the warmth & hospitality and the great sprit of the graduating class. They were really wonderful and you must be very proud of them.”

Michael Horse (b. 1949) made his film debut in The Legend of the Lone Ranger, released in 1981. The actor is most known for his portrayals of Native American characters in film and television, including the role of Deputy Hawk in David Lynch's Twin Peaks.

Father Theodore Hesburgh (1917-2015) was a Roman Catholic priest who served as the University of Notre Dame president from 1952 to 1987. President Reagan delivered the commencement address to the graduating class at the University of Notre Dame on May 17, 1981, making reference to the relationship between championship coach Knute Rockne and player George Gipp. Reagan himself portrayed the football star in the 1940 film Knute Rockne, All American, which became one of the first movies to help him reach Hollywood stardom and turn into a household name. 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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February 21, 2024 10:30 AM EST
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