[First Ladies] 18 Signed Letters/Cards to Rex Scouten, 15 of them by First Ladies.
++ Patricia Nixon. ALS to Rex Scouten. Reads in full: “Dear Rex- your charming birthday card made the event extra special./ Memories are our dearest possessions. I shall always remember the important role you played in the success of the many WH projects -- lighting the exterior, restructuring the foundations, two new kitchens, the acquisition program, the fabulous decorations at Christmas and other events, the spectacular rose garden wedding, etc. the list would fill pages but I do want you to know that your inspiration and contributions bring songs of praise and gratitude./ With admiration and affection, Pat Nixon.” Small stationery with “PNR” emblem, in original envelope postmarked Paterson, NJ/ 7 Apr 1989. ++ ALS by Pat Nixon. Reads in part “...Julie was so appreciative of your kindness in agreeing to the special tour for conference attendees./ I have seen photographs of the gazebo at the Library in Yorba Linda…” 5 sentences total, signed “Pat Nixon.” Same PNR stationery. Orig envelope postmarked Paterson, NJ/ 31 Mar/ 1992. ++ Mamie Doud Eisenhower. Birthday card signed “Mrs Eisenhower/ September 16, 1959.” Until 1960, Scouten was in the Secret Service. ++ Mamie Doud Eisenhower TLS on White House letterhead. Jan. 3, 1961. ++ Mamie Doud Eisenhower. TLS with a PS message (“Please don’t get shingles/ For they all painful and the medications...”) Typed dateline is Walter Reed Hospital, January 10, 1976. Paper clip mark, chip at upper left from a previous staple. ++ ALS. “November 30, 1978/ Dear friends at The White House- your beautiful birthday card personally autographed meant a great deal to me- I read and re read your names and the happy memories each one brought to mind - president and Mrs Carter have asked me often… social functions… really feels like charming home- my warm regard to each of you and my appreciation for your thoughts - Sincerely/ Mamie Doud Esienhower (Mrs Dwight D.” 4to. ++ ALS. “November 16, 1979/ Dear Friends of The White House Residence Staff, I send my sincere appreciation to each of you who sent me the glorious red rose… Mamie Doud Eisenhower” 8vo. ++ ALS by Mamie Doud Eisenhower thanking the staff of the Usher’s Office for sending flowers. Apr. 12, 1969. 12mo. Orig envelope in Mamie Eisenhower’s hand. ++ 4 copies of the same press photo of Eisenhower. (From an earlier photograph. The earlier photo had been signed by him.) ++ 1 other press photo. ++ 2 Mamie Eisenhower Centennial first day covers. #151 and #152/1000. Nov. 16, 1996. Minor creasing. ++ Lady Bird Johnson. TLS mentioning Rex Scouten’s surgery and wishing him full strength and health. Signed “Very fondly/ Lady Bird Johnson.” Nov. 24, 1982. Stonewall, Texas letterhead, LBJ Ranch as the original envelope’s return address. 8vo when unfolded. ++ Lady Bird Johnson TLS related to the Memorial Grove. March 7, 1974. 1974. Stonewall, Texas letterhead. ++ 2 TLSs by Lady Bird Johnson to Scouten thanking him for sending photos. June 6, 1988 and Oct. 2, 1989. ++ TLS signed as “Lady Bird,” stating that she was almost never out of the office and was phasing out of public life. Jan. 27, 1992. Stonewall, Texas letterhead. ++ TLS with PS note: “Always gratefully/ Lady Bird/ I’m so glad that that great House- and the family who remains there, whoever they may be, have you.” May 16, 1988, Stonewall, TX letterhead. ++ ANS by Lady Bird Johnson to Scouten on the inside of a Christmas card. “Thank you, Rex, more than I can very for the good things you’re doing about our Spring celebration- I do hope you’ll have the happiest Christmas- All this lively crew will be here next week! Fondly, lady Bird Jo.” Front of the card shows several members of the Johnson family in bright red dresses. ++ 2 invitations to White House receptions Apr. 27, 1967 and May 9, 1968. ++ Telegram: “Mrs Johnson hopes you can join her for a reception honoring the Committee for the Preservation of the White House…” ++ ALS by Lynda Johnson Robb thanking Scouten for a trip to the White House at “end of 1988 and start of 1989…” Orig envelope. ++ ALS by Lynda Johnson Robb. “...Thank you also for helping me get all my friends through the White House…” Orig envelope postmarked 09/Oct/1993. ++ Letter signed by Luce Baines Johnson (Lyndon B. Johnson’s sister), and signed “Rebekah & Caroline.” The latter 2 signatures are in the same hand, probably that of Rebekah Johnson is Lyndon B. Johnson’s other sister. The letter’s text is handwritten, possibly by the same person who signed as “Rebekah & Caroline.” The text of the letter refers to Caroline in the 3rd person (“...Thus Caroline lovingly volunteered to send you a copy of our photograph from your thoughtfully arranged grand tour of the White House…”) (nd), but Rebekah Johnson died in 1978. ++ Printed invitation to the wedding of Linda Bird Johnson and Charles Spittal Robb [Chuch Robb] in 1967. ++ Mostly near fine. 1 Lady Bird has creasing to lower portion, 3 of the other Lady Bird Johnson TLSs have moderate creasing. Occasional light wear. Provenance: Rex Scouten collection of White House Americana. Scouten served 10 Presidents from Truman to Clinton, including time as a Secret Service agent, Chief Usher of the White House, and White House Curator.