Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administration.
Mr. President
Artifact ID1991.00002.221
Object Type
Egg, Easter
Maker
Walt Spitzmiller
(American sports artist and illustrator, 1944-2020)
Date
1984
Medium
Wood, Paint
Dimensions2 3/4 × 1 in. (7 × 2.5 cm)
Physical DescriptionA hand painted wooden egg for the White House Easter Egg Roll by Walt Spitzmiller titled "Mr. President," dated 1984. It depicts a portrait of President Ronald Reagan, wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and red tie, in front of an American flag on a dark blue background.Historical NoteThe White House Egg Roll began in 1878 under President Rutherford B. Hayes. In the 1980s, under the general direction of the First Lady’s office, the Social Affairs office planned and coordinated White House social events and functions, including the annual Easter egg roll. Nancy Reagan began the tradition of creating wooden eggs as official souvenirs, as well as having costumes characters in addition to the Easter Bunny. Plain wooden eggs were also sent each year to artists around the country, well-known and amateur alike, to be painted. The eggs were then displayed at the White House during the festivities. A selection of these eggs was later given to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was created during the Reagan administration for the White House Easter Egg Roll. It was maintained at the White House and transferred to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in 1991.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRonald Reagan Library Museum Collection, 1989 - 2022 (National Archives Identifier 681361)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPost-Presidential Gifts and Donations, 1989 - 2022 (National Archives Identifier 6817139)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Walt Spitzmiller 1984
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Depicted
Ronald Wilson Reagan
(President of the United States of America (1981-1989))
In Collection(s)
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