Description:

Ronald Reagan
n.p. [Washington, D.C.], n.d. [ca. 1981]
Ronald Reagan ALS to Early Supporter Henry Salvatori, Catalyst for Airing His 1964 Speech "A Time for Choosing"
ALS

An autographed letter drafted by President Ronald Reagan and signed at conclusion as "Ron", addressed to Henry Salvatori and his wife, Grace. 1p on yellow lined sheet, measuring approximately 8.5" x 5.5", n.p. [Washington, D.C.], n.d. [ca. 1981]. Within, Reagan thanks the couple for their gift of an eagle statue, which he has displayed in the White House. Features uneven top and bottom margins from evident separation, with minor creasing throughout. Otherwise, very good, with intriguing connections to Reagan's early political career.

Provenance: This item comes from the files of Helene von Damm (b. 1938), Reagan's longtime personal secretary and later Ambassador to Austria, gifted to our consignor, her White House assistant.

Reading in full:

"Dear Grace and Henry
How can we thank you for our proud and handsome 'Bird' and your kindness in sending such a beautiful gift? Nancy and I are delighted and so very grateful to you both. We'll treasure it always.
Right now it is here on the 2nd floor of the White House prominently displayed- as it should be. Please accept our heartfelt thanks and love."

Henry Salvatori (1901-1997) was an Italian-born American geophysicist, businessman, and political activist. In 1964, he notably chaired Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign in California. During this time, Salvatori convinced the Senator to allow Reagan to give a televised fundraising speech entitled "A Time for Choosing", helping in part to launch the actor's career in politics. Indeed, Salvatori funded the telecast and recording of Reagan's speech himself, a fact crucial to the speech's eventual airing in support of Goldwater. Later, he was one of Reagan's initial supporters for governor of California, having served as state finance chairman for his 1966 campaign and as part of Reagan's "kitchen cabinet".

Upon his death in 1997, the Los Angeles Times headlined his obituary as "GOP Kingmaker." A personal friend and important financial contributor to Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Reagan, Salvatori was also a major supporter of the Heritage Foundation and the Claremont Institute.

Grace Ford Salvatori (1909-1990) was a fundraiser and philanthropist. She and Henry gave the Reagans a porcelain sculpture, "American Eagle," by Boehm, then valued at $2,500.

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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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 5.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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