This is a continuation of the memoir I wrote shortly after my October 2005 Hollywood trip, which began here. Because my writings about Saturday, the second day of my adventures, describe several distinct and different events, I have broken the day up into two postings – the next one to follow. How I wish I had completed this journal at the time instead of now having to rely on memory to detail the remainder of the trip!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1: SEEIN’ STARS (part 1)
I don’t have much nice to say about the alarm clock that awoke me, except that it did hearken a fun and memorable day which began with a nice ham and cheese croissant. The Hollywood Collectors show began at 10:00 a.m. but we decided to get a couple of other pieces of business out of the way instead, so we headed to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. I have seen all of the libraries in Ohio plus Ford’s and Nixon’s, so this was a must.
On the way, we stopped off at Valhalla Cemetary to visit the gravesite of Oliver Hardy. I’ve been to California six times and this is my sixth visit to the boys’ graves. We also swang by the home of Lois Laurel Hawes. It was great to see Lois and she was looking really well.
At the grave of Oliver Hardy
Me with Lois
The Reagan library was nice, with lots of great displays including a temporary exhibit featuring actors’ costumes from a variety of western films. It was interesting that throughout the entire museum, there was only one photo of Reagan’s first wife Jane Wyman. They also had the original booth from the restaurant that Ronnie proposed to Nancy. Outside the museum, one could visit the final resting place of the President with a beautiful view overlooking an uninhabited valley range. I also posed for a photo with a piece of the Berlin Wall.
I’m in this picture if you look hard enough
The booth from Chasens where the Ronnie proposed to Nancy
I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph and there is a purpose and worth to each and every life…President Reagan’s final resting place
The view from his gravesite
I’m harder to find than Waldo, stuck behind the Berlin Wall
In the gift shop, I purchased the obligatory book about the Presidents that I tend to buy at every Presidential Library, a book about the states, a magnet, and a book written and signed by Reagan’s adopted son Michael. It was time to return to Burbank and check out the celebs at the Courts Hollywood Collector’s Show.
Signed book(plate) of Michael Reagan
Up next: the second half of Saturday…
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