![REAGAN, Ronald (1911-2004). Autograph letter signed ("Ronald Reagan") to an unidentified young man (Tom Tweddale), Hollywood, Cal., 4 January [1952]. 1 full page, 4to, in fountain-pen on imprinted stationery .](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2012/NYR/2012_NYR_02607_0062_000(reagan_ronald_autograph_letter_signed_to_an_unidentified_young_man_hol103435).jpg?w=1)
PROPERTY FROM THE FORBES COLLECTION
REAGAN, Ronald (1911-2004). Autograph letter signed ("Ronald Reagan") to an unidentified young man (Tom Tweddale), Hollywood, Cal., 4 January [1952]. 1 full page, 4to, in fountain-pen on imprinted stationery .
Details
REAGAN, Ronald (1911-2004). Autograph letter signed ("Ronald Reagan") to an unidentified young man (Tom Tweddale), Hollywood, Cal., 4 January [1952]. 1 full page, 4to, in fountain-pen on imprinted stationery .
PROFESSIONAL ADVICE FROM A SPORTS ANNOUNCER AND FUTURE PRESIDENT
Reagan played football while attending Eureka College and after graduation in 1932, in the depths of the Depression, landed a job as sports announcer for a Davenport, Iowa radio station, where his ability to vividly narrate a game, play-by-play, provided an eventual entree to a successful career as an actor. Here, he offers generous advice to a young man considering a radio post at Reagan's alma mater. "So far it seems you have started on the right course to being a sports announcer. There is no substitute for playing the games. Next comes education which of course always helps and third comes practice until it is second nature to talk and keep a running account going. Incidentally I was very poor at mathematics and took only what was absolutely required. It seems that what has been offered you at Eureka [College] is an advantage in that you'll have an opportunity to get on a mike and talk. I found that having played football I was way out in front compared to those sports announcers who didn't really know what it felt like down on the field. Pre-game preparation is a big part," he adds. "And again I say--get a college education. I don't know whether this is any help to you but don't hesitate to ask me anything. I'll do my best to answer."
PROFESSIONAL ADVICE FROM A SPORTS ANNOUNCER AND FUTURE PRESIDENT
Reagan played football while attending Eureka College and after graduation in 1932, in the depths of the Depression, landed a job as sports announcer for a Davenport, Iowa radio station, where his ability to vividly narrate a game, play-by-play, provided an eventual entree to a successful career as an actor. Here, he offers generous advice to a young man considering a radio post at Reagan's alma mater. "So far it seems you have started on the right course to being a sports announcer. There is no substitute for playing the games. Next comes education which of course always helps and third comes practice until it is second nature to talk and keep a running account going. Incidentally I was very poor at mathematics and took only what was absolutely required. It seems that what has been offered you at Eureka [College] is an advantage in that you'll have an opportunity to get on a mike and talk. I found that having played football I was way out in front compared to those sports announcers who didn't really know what it felt like down on the field. Pre-game preparation is a big part," he adds. "And again I say--get a college education. I don't know whether this is any help to you but don't hesitate to ask me anything. I'll do my best to answer."