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Old 11-05-2005, 10:21 PM
Los Feliz Slim Los Feliz Slim is offline
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Default Trip Report: The Reagan Library (Long)

So, I've been only vaguely aware of the fact that the Ronald Reagan Library is about an hour away from me in Simi Valley, CA. I am not aligned politically with the GOP, so it just wasn't something I was interested in. But recently I heard a report on NPR about the Air Force One from Reagan's (and five or so other president's) administrations being on display. Now, an opportunity to enter and tour Air Force One is not something I'm going to pass up. So, off we went.

A friend of mine is the archivist at the library so we got the "special" tour, which was key, because parking is a nightmare. Tip #1: you'll probably be parking about 1/4 mile away from the library, so wear good shoes. I'll break the rest of the report into separate areas.

THE MUSEUM

Really, really interesting and well put together. Reagan was actually pretty accomplished, and not the talking head I had imagined. As an example, when he gave monthly radio addresses when he was campaigning, he wrote them out longhand himself before editing. That takes at least 3/4 of a brain. I would've preferred more attention to the assasination attempt, which was only briefly covered, but so it goes.

AIR FORCE ONE

It's a 707, so really not very large, which was a bit of a surprise. Reagan had his own quarters, which were small, and Nancy had an even smaller room. Then, there's an area for senior staff with a conference table, etc. Next, essentially first-class seats for junior staffers. Finally, coach for the press. Again, everything was smaller than you picture (Presidents now fly on a 747, so much bigger obviously). I'm 6'4" and wasn't able to stand straight up in many places. Reagan was 6'1" so it would've been easier for him.

THE ARCHIVES

Like I mentioned, we were getting a tour by the archivist, so we were able to see the non-public areas of the library. It's something like 1.6 million documents in absolutely enormous, climate-controlled rooms. We saw where John Roberts' papers were kept, and papers from Ed Meese's pornography investigation (nothing good). The magnitude of the rooms in which this stuff is kept cannot be overstated. Massive.

REAGAN'S COUNTRY CAFE

Surprisingly, very good. I had a hot dog and fresh-made, hot potato chips. The wife had a garden burger. The archivist had a pulled-pork sandwich. All very tasty, and a 20% employee discount for us all.

All in all, I highly recommend a visit, if for Air Force One alone. Simi is in the middle of nowhere, but worth the trip.
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Old 11-06-2005, 12:59 AM
astroglide astroglide is offline
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Default Re: Trip Report: The Reagan Library (Long)

cool, thanks
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Old 11-06-2005, 01:02 AM
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Default Re: Trip Report: The Reagan Library (Long)

hell very well done. Nice trip report.
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Old 11-06-2005, 01:04 AM
ChipWrecked ChipWrecked is offline
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Default Re: Trip Report: The Reagan Library (Long)

What, no animatronic Reagan? Bummer. LBJ has one:

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Old 11-06-2005, 01:10 AM
InchoateHand InchoateHand is offline
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Default Re: Trip Report: The Reagan Library (Long)

Yeah, he spouts of folksy little witticisms too. My tour of presidential libraries so far consists of LBJ's, but maybe I'll make a detour out to the Reagan now.
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Old 11-06-2005, 01:15 AM
ChipWrecked ChipWrecked is offline
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Default Re: Trip Report: The Reagan Library (Long)

Same here. I'd like to hit the Clinton library. Mostly the 'adults only' section in back behind the curtain.
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Old 11-06-2005, 02:33 AM
diebitter diebitter is offline
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Default Re: Trip Report: The Reagan Library (Long)

Hey, good post.

I like the idea of posts about going interesting places (without drinking, p***r, and trying to hit on girls)
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