Lot 165
Ronald Reagan, Autograph Letter Signed "Ronald", 1½ pages 7¼" x 10¾" on personal stationery front and back, May 24 with pencil 1955 dating, reading "Dear Arthur, I'm sorry to be so late in answering your letter of Feb. 27 but CBS just got around to forwarding it to me. I'm afraid I cant be of much help with regards to the Reagan history. My father was born somewhere in Iowa or in the vicinity of Fulton, Ill. His name was John Edward Reagan and he had one brother William - they are both deceased. The reason my information is so sketchy is because Dad's parents died when he was about 3 yr. of age and he was raised by an Aunt - his father's name by the way was John. If I can dig up any more information I'll certainly let you know. Orphaned as he was - family talk as I remember it centered more on those who raised him and I heard very little about his parents. The "e" as against the "a" pronunciation of our name has been a family joke all my life. We say "a" and even our best friends continue to say "e". I'm glad to learn other Reagans have the same problem. My thanks for your kind letter and I'll look forward to hearing from you…".Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
EXCELLENT AUTOGRAPH LETTER FROM REAGAN ON HIS GENEALOGY AND THE PRONUNCIATION OF HIS NAME.