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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Legend of the Sand Dollar
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

Legend of the Sand Dollar

Artifact ID1981.10243.01
Object Type Poem
Gifter
Maker (Las Vegas, NV)
Date c. 1980
Medium Paper, Ink, Shell, Metal
Dimensions9 × 11 in. (22.9 × 27.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionA mixed media work of two Sand Dollars and a poem mounted inside of a gold frame. The lower of the two sand dollars is cracked open with the five teeth flying out of it and around the poem. The poem is handwritten in black ink and states, "Legend of the Sand Dollar There's a pretty little legend, That I would like to tell, Of the birth and death of Jesus, Found in this little shell. If you will examine it closely , You'll see that you find here, Four nail holes, and the fifth one, Made by a Roman spear. On one side is an Easter Lily, And also has a star. That appeared before the Shepherds And led them from afar. The Christmas poinsettia, Etched on the other side, Reminds us of his birthday, our happy Christmastide. Now break the center open, And here you will release, The five white doves awaiting, To spread good will and peace. This simple little symbol, Christ died for you and me; To help us spread His Gospel Throughout eternity."
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy 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)