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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Honorary Band Member
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

Honorary Band Member

Artifact ID1981.01052.01
Object Type Plaque
Gifter
Maker (The Trophy Center, Jacksonville, Florida)
Date March 5, 1981
Medium Wood, Metal
DimensionsOverall: 10 x 13 1/2 x 1 in. (25.4 x 34.3 x 2.5 cm)
Physical DescriptionThis is a dark brown wooden plaque with a blue metal plate at the center. The plate is engraved with text stating, "John Gorrie Jr. High Band Jackson Ville, FLA., Honorary Band Member President Ronald Reagan March 5, 1981, by John Gorrie 'Washington' band Jacksonville, Fla. Ms. Dee Douglas Director". The plaque also features facsimile signatures of the band members.
Historical NoteThe plaque was given to Legistlative Affairs staff Nancy J. Risque and David L. Wright by Delores Douglas, the Band Director for John Gorri Junior High School. The school's band performed on the West Front of the Capitol building on March 5, 1981, arranged by Rep. Charles E. Bennett (D-FL). Rep. Bennett recounted their performance in a speech on the floor of the House on March 11, 1981, saying, “Mr. Speaker, last Thursday, I had the great pleasure of arranging for the John Gorrie Junior High School Band from Jacksonville, Fla., to play on the House steps. Despite cold and rainy weather, the band performed outstandingly for half an hour, playing a stirring assortment of musical selections. Special credit for this polished performance should go to Dolores Douglas, the band director, for the wonderful job she has done in molding these talented young musicians into a firstrate concert band. I would like to point out to my colleagues that this junior high school is named for John Gorrie, of Florida, the 19th century physician who first developed mechanical refrigeration to alleviate the suffering of the sick. His research led the way to the development of air-conditioning and mechanical icemaking. A statue of John Gorrie graces Statuary Hall, one of the two statues presented to the U.S. Capitol by the State of Florida.”
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be 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 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.
In Collection(s)
Related LinksAdditional Reagan Library archival holdings available at:
WHORM Subject File Code: GI002 (Gifts to the President) Case File Number(s): 013900-014299

Congressional Record for March 11, 1981 (see pg. 4109)