Ask the Scholar

On August 5, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, John C. Whitaker, Ruby Keeler, Bobby Van, and J. Willard Marriott met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:50 pm and 9:43 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 555-013 of the White House Tapes. Topics include: The President dictated a memorandum to John C. Whitaker. Farm editors meeting - Cloud seeding - Request for report - Department of Interior - Desalinization The President dictated a letter to Ruby Keeler at an unknown time between 8:50 pm and 9:43 pm. President and Thelma C. ("Pat") Nixon - Admiration for Keeler Visit to Broadway show -No, No Nanette - Audience response - US public - Playbill Presidential golf ball Expression of appreciation to cast The President dictated a letter to Bobby Van at an unknown time between 8:50 pm and 9:43 pm. Autographed picture - Snapshot - Photo by Oliver F. ("Ollie") Atkins - Tricia Nixon Cox's wedding Expression of good wishes - Elaine Van The President dictated a letter to J. Willard Marriott at an unknown time between 8:50 pm and 9:43 pm. Visit by President and Mrs. Nixon - Tricia Nixon Cox - Essex House - Mr. Malone, resident manager - President's expression of appreciation - Possible future to New York. Participants: Nixon, Richard M. (President); Whitaker, John C.; Keeler, Ruby; Van, Bobby; Marriott, J. Willard.