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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Photograph of Ronald Reagan Having Lunch at a General Electric Plant
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

Photograph of Ronald Reagan Having Lunch at a General Electric Plant

Artifact ID1982.40351.01
Maker (founded 1889 by Thomas A. Edison)
Date March 1957
Medium Paper, Ink
Dimensions8 × 10 in. (20.3 × 25.4 cm)
Physical DescriptionA black-and-white photograph of Ronald Reagan having a meal with a group of employees while visiting the General Electric plant in St. Petersburg, FL, in March 1957. Reagan and eight men are visible around a large rectangular table, smiling and laughing. They are all dressed in suits with ties or bowties. The table is set with a white tablecloth, china, and a floral centerpiece. Salt, pepper, and A1 steak sauce are visible on the table. Behind Reagan is a General Electric calendar. The back of the photo is stamped “PHOTO BY Griffith Advertising Agency, Inc. ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA NEG. NO. 2624” in aqua with the number filled in black ink.

Historical NoteWhile a spokesman for GE and host of the General Electric Theater (1954-1962), Reagan would travel to GE plants around the country, giving speeches and talking to employees. He later described it as his “postgraduate course in political science.”
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.
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Griffith Advertising Agency, Inc. 1957
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.