Reagan, Ronald

2 autograph notes, each 1 page on personal cards with the seal of the United States, [Los Angeles,] 31 August & 23 December 1989, to Frazer's widow Madeline — 2 autograph letters, each 2 pages on personal letterhead or card with the seal of the United States, [Los Angeles,] 4 January & 21 March 1991, to Frazer's granddaughter Linda Evans; the two letters to Evans wrinkled from damp with a very little unobtrusive running of ink. Accompanied by 17 typed letters from Reagan to Mr. and/or Mrs. B. J. Frazer and Linda Evans, 3 April 1979–5 October 1992, the typed letters all with secretarial or autopen signatures. Also accompanied by miscellaneous photographs, clippings and other ephemera relating to Reagan and Frazer.

2 autograph notes, each 1 page on personal cards with the seal of the United States, [Los Angeles,] 31 August & 23 December 1989, to Frazer's widow Madeline — 2 autograph letters, each 2 pages on personal letterhead or card with the seal of the United States, [Los Angeles,] 4 January & 21 March 1991, to Frazer's granddaughter Linda Evans. Accompanied by 17 typed from Reagan to Mr. and/or Mrs. B. J. Frazer and Linda Evans, 3 April 1979–5 October 1992, the typed letters all with secretarial or autopen signatures. Also accompanied by miscellaneous photographs, clippings and other ephemera relating to Reagan and Frazer.
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Ronald Reagan warmly remembers his high school drama teacher: "Looking back on that [motion picture] career I know that many of the rules of theatre that I employed were based on rules I'd learned from B. J." B. J. Frazer was hired to teach English at Dixon (Illinois) High School, which carried with it the duties of directing the school plays. Ronald Reagan, Dixon High class of 1928, describes the influence Frazer had on his life and career, in the January 1991 letter to Frazer's granddaughter: "He was a very important figure in my life and yes of many others at North Dixon High School. He appeared on the scene as teacher of English which meant he would direct the class plays. The Juniors and Seniors put on annual stage plays. His first move in this regard was to quit selecting 3rd rate (or worse) stage plays which had never known success in the theatre. He chose well known plays that had been successes on Broadway. Before long he put together a drama club that added a couple of plays a year to the class efforts. He was truly a fine director."

Frazer's influence was also felt in the classroom: "In his classes he was something new to all of us. We used to be assigned essays in English class and content had nothing to do with grading. The routine was or had been to be graded on spelling and use of correct English. Under B. J. it became more and more on content and originality." Soon Frazer also became the principal of the high school, and Reagan relates an anecdote about a time when he was sent to the office to be disciplined. "I'll always remember what he said on that occasion. 'Reagan I can't be worried about what you may think of me now. I'm concerned about what you'll think of me 15 years from now.'" Reagan also recalls receiving a note of comfort and advice from Frazer after "the girl I became engaged to in college had married someone else. … That letter carried me through this setback and prevented me from feeling any bitterness."

The other letters contain similar reminiscences about Frazer and Dixon—including Reagan's famous stint as a lifeguard: "I still think Dixon made a mistake in closing down the Lowell Beach. They should reopen it and I think people would come as they did when you & I & Ed were there."