Description
Signed thank you card from President Richard Nixon, on the occasion of his seventieth birthday.
Bi-fold printed card, on heavy card stock. Gold backing, presidential seal on cover. Color photograph of Richard Nixon opposite signature. Faint scratch marks to color picture. This item was previously framed. The card reads: “Richard Nixon On His Seventieth Birthday. January 9, 1983.” This card is inscribed by President Nixon: “To Bonnie Swearingen (February 22), Who is much prettier than George! from Richard Nixon.” Signature is faded.
From the estate of John E. Swearingen, the president of Standard Oil of Indiana and one of the most influential oil executives of the 20th century. When he became CEO in 1960, he deemed Indiana Standard Oil to be a “second-rate company.” Through aggressive research and oil exploration, Indiana Standard quickly became one of the most profitable companies in the United States. Swearingen was vocal about his dislike for federal regulators, often supporting Republicans who shared his views on limited government. In retirement, he was a close friend of presidents Gerald R. Ford and Richard Nixon. Swearingen died in 2007, survived by his wife, Bonnie Swearingen, who passed away in 2020.
