Description:

Reagan Ronald 1911 - 2004

Ronald Reagan receives three notes from his youngest constituents.

Archive comprised of three handwritten letters sent to Ronald Reagan from several of his youngest constituents along with companion postmarked envelopes. Each letter is annotated by then California Governor and future 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) instructing staff how they should reply to issues raised in letters. All letters are date and time stamped "Received Governor's Office".

On school ruled cream note paper dated February 22, 1967, 3rd grader Judy Nicholson of Richmond, California accuses Reagan of making it impossible for her mother to attend college because of recent budget cuts. The elementary school student adopts a hostile tone at times, but concludes: "Write Back PLEASE!!! Love, Judy Nicholson". At the top, Reagan wrote in blue ball point pen: "I didn't do it", presumably denying the child's charge that he reduced the budget.

Wayne Hardison of Concord, California wrote Reagan inquiring about the new tax, as he felt it would be a hardship for his widowed mother. On top of the school ruled cream note paper time stamped February 3, 1967, Reagan wrote in blue ball point pen: "Tell him we tried to wash the tax program out so it wouldn't be hard on people like his mother + we think it will be alright". Young Wayne Hardison adds the interesting postscript "I am a Christian" at the end of his letter, possibly thinking that that might favorably influence the religiously conservative Reagan.

Carol Adee of Vallejo, California, the daughter of school teachers, asked Reagan how middle-class people like herself could obtain a college education. The letter dated February 27, 1967 is quite insightful and well-presented for such a young person: "I am one of those inbetween [sic] people. I know that the rich people can pay tuition, and the poor people will get scholarships. But what about me? Where do I stand?" Reagan wrote in blue ball point pen at the top: "Tell her about the scholarships". Letters and envelopes are in very fine condition with expected minor folds, edge tears, and wrinkles, on average measuring 8.125" x 11".

Prior to last year's election, Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) was the only U.S. President with ties to the film and television industry. Reagan was a B-list actor who starred in World War II era romantic comedies and westerns. He entered the political arena during the 1950s, initially self-identifying as a Franklin Democrat, but then transitioning to conservatism. Reagan served as Governor of California from 1967-1975. These children's letters from January to February 1967 served as a barometer of the governor's popularity statewide.

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