Description
Signed White House photograph of President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan, inscribed by both to the CEO of Standard Oil of Indiana, John E. Swearingen and his wife, Bonnie Swearingen.
Color photograph, measures 8″ x 10″. Stamped on verso as “Official White House Photograph,” with associated code. Previously framed, with residual tape along top edge of verso, not impacting the image or signature. Signed on the border below the image, with the inscription by Nancy Reagan and signed “Ron” by President Reagan: “To Bonnie and John – With our best wishes, Nancy + Ron.”
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.
