This lot consists of a TLS dated September 25, 2003 which recounts details of a photo shoot featuring Bush and newlywed wife Barbara in the summer 1948 issue of Vogue. The letter is a single white sheet of stationery on "George Bush" letterhead signed "George Bush" in black ball point pen at middle. In the letter, Bush explains how he and Barbara traveled to New York to participate in a photo shoot sponsored by Bates Fabrics, an upholstery, drapery, and clothing company targeted to college-aged consumers. Letter is in as new condition measuring 6.25" x 8.5" and once contained in official George Bush envelope also included in lot. From the impressive collection of Ronald Ellis Wade.
In the advertisement on the back cover of the August 1, 1948 issue of Vogue, college senior Bush stands at a latticed window while Barbara sits on a blue and white covered divan -- all interior design accents featured in the Bates "Victoria" pattern living room. The advertisement reads: "VICTORIA: Chosen by Barbara and George Bush of Yale, and admired by Joan Walls of Bennington. Available in blue, rose, green, slate or tan, with rounded corners, richly fringed. Joan and Barbara wear easy-to-sew campus fashions in Bates cotton ... The room that came to school in a trunk: Young-marrieds on campus make Bates the beautiful basis of a long-range decorating plan. Indispensable at college, these bedspreads and matching draperies stay fresh and bright through four years of wear and washing. After graduation, they are ready to grace a future bedroom or living room..." The magazine issue is in very good to fine condition, with small tear to right edge of front cover and first few pages, and loss to top and bottom of spine. Light pencil inscription and small cup ring on front cover and small portion of page 59 cut out at bottom; issue measures 9.75" x 12.75" x .25"
Most of the letter content can be found below: Dear Ron, That advertisement appeared when I was at Yale University. Barbara and I were paid a very modest fee for going down to New York and appearing in the ad. I recall that they also had some all-American football player from Michigan. I am very vague on how we were picked, but I do remember it was a very pleasant overnight in New York. In those days, it was a great treat for Barbara and me. All the best, George Bush.”
Below is an interesting interview from TheHill.com, about Ron Wade and his collection of Presidential memorabilia: Step into Ronald Wade's office and it's easy to see why he's listed in "Guinness World Records 2015" for the largest collection of U.S. presidential memorabilia. "Actually, they quit counting," Wade says of his immense collection of White House and presidential campaign items, "because I probably have closer to 20,000 or 30,000 items, if not closer to 100,000 _ÑÓ that's with duplication." The official count from the folks behind the famed book puts Wade's collection in chief at 6,960 pieces as of last year. The lifelong Republican has been racking up "practically anything that has to do with American politics" since he was 10 years old. "My first memory in life is wearing an 'I Like Ike' button, and I was probably 4 years old. So I've always been interested in politics," Wade, 64, tells ITK.
The retired Texas Department of Human Services supervisor and Ex White House aide to President Nixon, says he counts former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush as friends. His most prized item in the collection is from the 41st commander in chief's failed 1964 Senate bid. "George W. has been to my house, and seen my collection, and was quite impressed," boasts Wade, who has also donated several pieces from his massive memorabilia stockpile to the George W. Bush Presidential Library outside Dallas. Accompanied by paperwork from University Archives.