Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
26416159
label
President - Medals Medal of Freedom - Rubinstein, Arthur (2)
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
26416159
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
President - Medals Medal of Freedom - Rubinstein, Arthur (2)
citationUrl
collections
Philip W. Buchen Files
Philip Buchen's General Subject Files
subjects
Medal of Freedom
Arts
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
26416159
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1976-12-01
month
12
year
1976
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1976-02-01
month
2
year
1976
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
8747c7d2d4f11c99
ocrText
The original documents are located in Box 47, folder "President - Medals Medal of
Freedom - Rubinstein, Artur (2)" of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford
Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
Digitized from Box 47 of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Medal of
Wednesday 2/25/76
Freedom
5:45 Bill Cook left more material on Artur Rubinstein.
659-7440
Mr. Rubinstein's schedule is tentatively:
2/26
Philadelphia
3/4
Houston
3/6
Washington
3/9
Columbus
3/15
New York (Carnegie Hall)
The remainder of the schedule is not definite
but he plans to leave by the end of March. (leave the country)
His first concert in Europe is on April 9th.
Mrs. Buchen thought perhaps we should try to let
the staff know that Mr. Rubinstein is leaving the
country at the end of March -- so waiting for the Honor
America celebration would be too late.
FORD is LIBRARY 070830
WILLIAM M. COOK
Feb. 25, 1976
Dear mrs. Daughtrey,
Enclosed is material which
should be helpful in honoring
this great and distingurshed
american. l have learned today
from Mr. Rubristerns secretary that
he will he in this country
until at least the first of
april. If you would be kind
enough to keep the book for me.
of would be most appraciative 202 - TELEPHONE: - Bill 659-7438 Cook
+
1100.CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON, AH D.C. 20036
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INC
Wednesday 2/25/76
11:50 Mrs. Buchen said she had a call from Bill Cook
and she told him that the Medal of Freedom Award
was being seriously considered for Artur Rubinstein
but that March 6th or whenever would be a little
difficult. Mr. Cook said it's O.K. to award it later.
He is going to find out exactly how long Mr. Rubinstein
will be in this country.
He will bring an envelope
to the Southwest gate this afternoon with the information,
along with an updated bio on Rubinstein.
BERALD
AMERICA FORD
[March 1976?] Bubinsteen
Rubinstein: Astonishing
By Paul Hume
tant if this astonishing man did not
play well. But on Saturday, before an
Where do you start when it's time
audience that numbered around 4,000,
[March 1976
room for the piano, the piano
bench, and a smidgen of aisle to get
Rubinstein out to play the one
while sitting on, or sometimes leap-
ing from, the other.
Nothing on the prosperous front
had changed Sunday afternoon in
Chicago's Orchestra Hall, when
Rubinstein marked the 70th anni-
versary of his first appear-
ance there. To celebrate such an an-
niversary at the age of 90 is a pro-
digious achievement, but then Ru-
binstein is a prodigious person.
AFTER RUEFUL reports about
failing eyesight, it was reassuring
to hear him play Chopin as no one
else can play Chopin - especially
in the heroic fire struck from the B
flat minor Scherzo. Beginning with
the, Beethoven E flat Sonata (Op.
31, No. 3), through the foaming ve-
Locity of Villa-Lobos' "Polichinelle,"
and in the strange world of gauze
and crystal he found in Ravel's
"Valses nobles et sentimentales," it
was glorious music.
When it was over he had a stand-
ing tribute, and a plaque from the
City of Chicago to keep wherever
he keeps his plaques, which must
by this time be a sizeable place. It
was a distinguished occasion,
brushed but not blurred by senti-
ment.
Backstage, asked about future
plans, Rubinstein said, "I will eon-
tinue if I can, but never as an old
nt
man who can play the piano a little.
Glorious Rubinstein
Once not so long ago there was a
man with what he thought was a
problem. A group to which he be-
longed had a chance to get an Artur
Rubinstein recital as a benefit, and
what he wanted to know was this:
"Does Mr. Rubinstein draw?"
For decades music's major prob-
lem in logistics has been how many
seats you can put on a given (I
mean sold) stage and still leave
Monday 3/1/76
10:30 I have checked with Bill Cook and he indicates there
659-7440
is no schedule for Artur Rubinstein to return to
this country.
With his age of 90, it would be uncertain if he will be
returning for future tours. After last year's tour,
Mr. Rubinstein's wife had written Mr. Cook and indicated
at his age, they were never sure whether future tours would
be too tiring for him.
(Mr. Cook has known Mr. Rubinstein
since he (Mr. Cook) was 10 years old.)
So, it would be extremely helpful if such an award
GENA,
could be made while Mr. Rubinstein is still in this country.
ADVUSIT
Eva:
Mr. Cook (?) left the following information for
you about Mr. Rubenstein's schedule:
February 28
-
Boston
March 1
-
Montreal
March 4
-
Houston
March 6
-
Washington, D. C.
" 9
-
Columbus, Ohio
" 15
-
New York
" 21
-
Chicago
" 24
-
Philadelphia
" 26
-
Detroit
" 29
-
Cleveland
" 31
-
Cincinnati
Mr. Cook will call you on Monday.
FORD a LIBRA
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
artin tar
March 1, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JIM CONNOR
FROM:
PHIL BUCHEN P.
SUBJECT:
Award of Presidential Medal
of Freedom to Artur Rubinstein
After receiving your memorandum of February 20
that Mr. Rubinstein is a suitable candidate for
the Presidential Medal, I learned that he will
be in Washington not only on March 6 but also
7 and 8, that he will be in this country only
until shortly after the end of March. Then
he goes to Europe for an extended concert tour,
and it appears unlikely that he would be
available to participate in a general awards
ceremony in July.
Under these circumstances, I would appreciate
your consideration of a date some time in March
when this award could be made.
CC: Jack Marsh
Bob Hartmann
Jim Cannon
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 3, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JERRY JONES
FROM:
DAVE GERGEN DR
SUBJECT:
Medal of Freedom for
Artur Rubinstein
I would strongly support a presentation of the award to
Mr. Rubinstein. (Several attempts were made to set this
up in the previous Administration, but all came to naught.)
If it were possible to arrange, I think it would also be
excellent if Mr. Rubinstein could entertain here -- perhaps
as part of a State Dinner. It would be a very classy and
warm occasion for all participants.
*****
Having been deeply involved in the Medal of Freedom selec-
tions over several years, I would also like to register a
noisy, vociferous vote against setting up an advisory
committee for these medals. Such a committee existed back
in the 60s but it was abandoned -- and for good reason.
If you turn the selection over to a committee, then the
committee - -- not the President -- tends to get credit for
the awards. On the other hand, if the committee makes a
lousy selection and the President says no, then we can
create a flap and insult the recommended recipient. This
is a prerogative of the office that should be preserved.
Surely, an ad hoc group can be organized within the White
House to consider and recommend recipients to the President.
Each presentation of an award represents, of course, an
ideal opportunity for a "good Presidential event", and I
would hope we can approach this as creatively as possible.
CC:
Phil Buchen
Jim Cavanaugh
Jim Connor
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
for my 29 worth- --
Jossell could be
included in a
group (even more
appropaciately near the 4th of
July but
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 5, 1976
TO:
PHIL BUCHEN
FROM: RUSSELL A. ROURKE
RAR
For Direct Reply
For Draft Response
For Your Information
X
Please advise
Phil, please see Jack's note.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 4, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
Jack, despite Virginia Bacon's arguments
to the contrary (letter attached), Arthur
Rubenstein would not be my first choice for
the Medal of Freedom award. I am concerned
about how the award to him would be viewed
by the Jewish community and the Congress.
As you know, there are over one hundred Members
of Congress who have recommended Georgie
Jessell for the Medal of Freedom. Jessell,
though somewhat afflicted with ego-mania, has
made tremendous contributions to his country
over a period of many, many years. He is,
indeed, a true Jewish American super patriot.
Milt Mitler asked the question "what has Ruben-
stein really done beyond his chosen profession"?
In any event, I would not place Rubenstein ahead
of Jessell.
Bring Jessell Plies problems
to
MEMORANDUM
MAR 2 1976
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 1, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
ROBERT HARTMANN
JACK MARSH
BRENT SCOWCROFT
DOUG BENNETT
JIM CANNON
JERRY JONES
BOB GOLDWIN
JIM LYNN
SUBJECT:
Medal of Freedom to
Artur Rubinstein
Phil Buchen has proposed (see attached correspondence) that
we consider giving the Presidential Medal of Freedom to
Artur Rubinstein March 6, 7th or 8th. The President will
be in Illin on the 6th and has a private engagement on
the 7th (which is also a Sunday), which would leave only
March 8th, assuming there is some time for such a ceremony
on his calendar and further assuming there is agreement
among the WH staff that such an award would be appropriate.
I'd appreciate having your views, so that a proposal can be
made to the President since we have no formal mechanism
(in the absence of the Executive Order which is still awaiting
completed staffing and comments from various offices) to
make proposals for such Awards to the President.
JAMES E. CONNOR
SECRETARY TO THE CABINET
encls.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Mrs. Clemens
(212) HA 10900
(Drake Hotol-Rubinstern's
& FORD
BERALD LIBRARY
file
Wednesday 3/17/76
12:10 Bill Cook said he had given you the phone number (212) HA 1-0900
for Arthur Rubinstein's apartment at the Drake
Hotel in New York and his secretary's name
is Mrs. Clemens.
(This number would be in
the apartment with the Rubinsteins -- and in case
you would want to call her in her own apartment,
Mrs. Clemens could be reached at
(212) HA 4-1149
According to the schedule he had given us,
the final concert of Mr. Rubinstein's tour in
this country will be on March 31st. They will
remain in New York until probably April 5th.
He is to play in Europe on April 9th.
FORDO is CTVB30 LIBRAR
Eva:
Mr. Cook (?) left the following information for
you about Mr. Rubenstein's schedule:
February 28
-
Boston
March 1
-
Montreal
March 4
-
Houston
March 6
-
Washington, D. C.
"
9
-
Columbus, Ohio
" 15
-
New York
" 21
-
Chicago
" 24
-
Philadelphia
" 26
-
Detroit
" 29
-
Cleveland
" 31
-
Cincinnati
Mr. Cook will call you on Monday.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Please clip
article on
Plubinstein.
For P.
Thursday 3/18/76
Award Ceremony
for Arthur
Rubinstein
6:15
Eleanor called to say that - - although it isn't completely
APRIL 8
firm -- they are scheduling an award luncheon and ceremony
in the East Room of the White House for Mr. Rubinstein
------
the President has agreed to the Medal of Freedom award
for Arthur Rubinstein!!!!!!!
They are awaiting final confirmation from Mr. Rubinstein's
secretary.
They are scheduling it for April 8th.
This ageless hero,
Rubinstein
He cannot go on like this forever (though some
would not bet on that). In fact, there are now some troubling signs.
though eventually quite sobering hours with him
and was ready to receive me,
By Donal Henahan
in his suite at the Drake Hotel. The first minutes,
had the flu, he said, and hi
as usual, were taken up in making sure the
calling him to tell him to can
visitor had the most comfortable, the softest seat
when I am at the piano, my si
. ----- enkre home :- the
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 25, 1976
Dear Mrs. Bacon,
Mrs. Buchen has very kindly forwarded your
gracious letter to Mrs. Ford urging that the
highest official recognition be given Artur
Rubinstein. Mrs. Ford is indeed grateful
for your comments and encouragement in this
matter.
with appreciation and warmest best wishes,
Sincerely,
Susan Porter
Appointments Secretary
for Mrs. Ford
Mrs. Robert L. Bacon
1801 F Street
Washington, D. C. 20006
c: Mrs. Philip Buchen
1801
1801 F STREET
METROPOLITAN 1601
Dear 17th Ford;
/ have long been disturbed by the
fact that the yourrulusnt of my
country has failed to realize the
importance of giving Our recognition
to its artists-
The most flagrant Example of
this oversight is the case of
Arther Rubinstrin World - Every Government
of the cirilized thas bestowed upon
him its very top honors.
The Government of the United States
- his own country by choice - atone LIBRA
acalam, is our grafest pian st and
has ignored this antist who by puber
whose musician ship is matchew only
by his personality - -
1801
90 1801 F STREET
and giving our concert here
Hr is has Just had his 89 birthday
on Satisday, March6- at Constitution
Hall - / do hope the President
the will Past ssizs this occasion - prthaps
our opportunity - to award him
top
That you are aware of the drawate
confident and that a won From
ffect of such perfect timing law
you to the wise will be sufficient
So have's hoping!
Affec ctionates
22. II.76
Vugine Bacoca LIBRARY
MUSIC
Rubinstein at 89
gie Hall he played Beethoven's Sonata
one"). Then his younger daughter Al-
No. 18 in E flat with the same lithe
ina arrived and told him how eager she
"Isn't it so, Nela?"
rhythms and robust tone that brought
was to hear his Carnaval. "I thought,
It was the day after one of the most re-
him fame in the first place. He played a
even if it's only for her, I will play ev-
markable recitals in the long history of
Chopin group-four of the Preludes, Op.
erything out, and I did."
New York's Carnegie Hall. Ever so gin-
28, the Scherzo in B flat minor, Op. 31
Contemplating the uncertain days
gerly Pianist Artur Rubinstein-at 89,
-as though he, Rubinstein, had invent-
ahead, Rubinstein says: "You take life
four years older than Carnegie-was
ed rubato and the triplet. But most of
as it is and you don't complain." He does
blowing his own horn. The huge hands
all, he played Schumann's Carnaval,
not believe in God. If there is a here-
(he can span a twelfth, which is an oc-
that paradigm of whimsy and frolic, as
after, "I will be pleasantly surprised.
tave plus four white notes) were spread
if only old age could understand the joy
When I was a little boy I wanted to see
imploringly on the table. The gray-blue
of being young. Cheered on by a sold-
God," he recalls. "Moses had seen him.
eyes gazed boyishly across the hotel room
out audience, Rubinstein behaved all
I was a good little boy. I begged him to
where his wife of 43 years, Aniela, his
evening like a man who could not be-
come. He didn't and I think he was
Nela, was reading on the sofa. In the in-
lieve he had been given the marvelous
wrong."
quiring way that some husbands have
present of playing in Carnegie Hall
Now Rubinstein is more philosoph-
with wives they depend on, he was at once
-where, in fact, he first played in 1906.
ical: "Contrast makes everything alive.
asking for confirmation and for permis-
At the end, he raised his hand and said:
You know sadness only when you have
sion to boast.
"For 40 years I came every year. You lis-
been gay, and you know happiness only
Nela: "What is it, darling?"
tened with marvelous affection for me.
if you have been unhappy. Otherwise
Artur: "I am saying that yesterday I
I love you."
things become boring." But then Rubin-
play less wrong notes
Bitter Mood. Another love is the
stein would not know about that.
Nela: "Fewer."
former Aniela Mlynarski. Though 22
TAKING BOWS AT CARNEGIE HALL
Artur: fewer wrong notes with-
years his junior when they were mar-
out eyes than I used to play with my big,
ried in 1932, she transformed her hus-
big eyes wide open. Eh?"
band from a playboy pianist into a great
Nela: "Possibly."
virtuoso. Recalls he: "I said to myself,
At this, Artur roars with laughter.
no, I will never stand for it that people
Nela: "I didn count them.
should say to my wife, 'Oh, if your hus-
Artur roars louder.
band had worked a little more he might
Nela: "I was ready with a basket to
have been quite a good pianist.' Yet
catch them."
that is really when Rubinstein became
Artur's face is now on the table, his
Rubinstein.
shoulders shaking with glee.
Today he and Nela live quietly in
their own house in the fashionable 16th
There has never been much that
arrondissement in Paris. He is justifiably
could get Rubinstein down for long. He
proud these days of a sparkling new set
goes on despite the fact that he can no
(his third) of the complete Beethoven
longer see well enough to read a note of
Piano Concertos, made last year in Lon-
music or see the keys beneath his fingers.
don. Accompanying him is the London
Age has been weakening his eyes in re-
Philharmonic under Pianist-Conductor
cent years, and for the last four months
Daniel Barenboim, 33. "I saw Baren-
he has had only peripheral vision. He
boim from birth. Before even. His moth-
can see his wife's scarf by looking at her
er showed me that she's going to have a
nose, but the center of his field of vision
child. She said 'If he's a boy, I want
is a dark, impenetrable cloud. The pros-
him to be a pianist like you.' The young
pects of his learning new music are nil.
have a way of inspiring Rubinstein. The
"I must rely entirely on my memory," he
day of his Carnegie Hall recital, he was
says. Fortunately that memory is photo-
grumbling about his piano ("I was in a
graphic and still in focus.
bitter mood, I thought I chose the wrong
A passionate reader who sensed
RUBINSTEIN MUGGING NEXT TO BUST OF HIMSELF OFFSTAGE AT CARNEGIE HALL
what was to come, Rubinstein last year
went through all of Proust and Joyce's
Ulysses ("By Jove, I had it, didn't I?").
He says his eye condition cannot be
cured by surgery: "It is final, you see.
But I am an optimist. I love life tre-
mendously. I think to myself, what will
I do with my time?"
He has found a solution, which he re-
counted last week to TIME Music Critic
William Bender and Researcher Nancy
Newman. "I was always lazy to prac-
tice the piano. I loathed it all my life,
and somehow by miracle I got away with
er, without it. But now I practice
more than ever before."
It shows. There was a time a few sea-
sons back when Rubinstein was hitting
so many clinkers that a basket would
have been useful. Last week in Carne-
TIME, MARCH 29, 1976
53
C-2
*
The Washington Star
Monday, March 29, 1976
U.S. to Decorate Rubinstein
Quotes and notes from Washington parties as uncov-
was made of the glaring omission by this country.
ered for The Star by Ymelda Dixon.
Friends have blamed the government's failure to
recognize the artist on bureaucratic inefficiency and to
At long last, Polish-born virtuoso Artur Rubinstein,
being caught between power transitions.
an American citizen since 1942, will be decorated by
Rubinstein, intimates note, has never spoken of the
the United States.
official neglect, but they are aware he and his family
Rubinstein will receive The Medal of Freedom, the
have felt it.
nation's highest civilian award, from the President in
The award comes about partly because of a recent
a ceremony, to be followed by luncheon, at the White
chance conversation between stockbroker Bill Cook, a
House Thursday. The artist's wife, children and
close friend of the Rubinstein family, and Bunny Bu-
ambassadors from 14 or more countries who have al-
chen, wife of the counsel to the President, Philip Bu-
ready decorated him - France, Great Britain, Italy,
chen. When Cook pointed out how Rubinstein went un-
Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Israel, Germany, etc., will be
noted only by his own country, Bunny Buchen,
in attendance.
appalled, said, "I'll take this up with Phil.'
Several years ago when the great pianist was deco-
In the assemblage will be colleagues of Rubinstein,
rated at the Italian embassy here, considerable notice
including Eugene Ormandy, Leonard Bernstein,
Mstislav Rostroprovich, Zubin Mehta and Andre
Previn.
Cook and Mrs. Robert Low Bacon, in whose F Street
townhouse the Rubinsteins stay while here, will also
witness the appropriate, albeit belated, Bicentennial
recognition of their friend.
DERALD FORD CIGRARY
Wednesday 3/31/76
Rubinstein
Ceremony
4/1/76
2:15 Dave Gergen called.
12 noon
He recommanded that you and Mrs. Buchen join
the Rubinsteins and Fords for lunch tomorrow after
the ceremony; however, it has been decided that it
will be small -- so he wanted you to know that was the
decision -- so you won't be wondering if you are or
are not invited. Will be just the Fords and Rubinsteins.
He said they still don't have commitment on whether
Mr. Rubinstein will play the piano or not. Mr. Gergen
said his secretary has just left to go out to Cincinnati
and pick Mr. Rubinstein up. It may be that Mr. Cook
will fly out to Cincinnati but he isn't sure.
The plane will come back tomorrow morning and
Mr. Rubinstein would be getting to the White House
at 11:00 or 11:15, which will give him time to practice on
the White House piano -- if he plans to play. Otherwise,
he will have some free time. Mr. Gergen should talk
with you about all of this at some point. Suggested we
keep your calendar free between 11 and 12.
Mrs. Rubinstein will be at Mrs. Bacon's -- and they
will be coming over around 11:45 -- Mr. Gergen said there
would be a car to pick them up.
FORD is LIBRARY OFRACE
Wednesday 3/31/76
Rubinstein
Ceremony
4/1/76
2:15 Dave Gergen called.
12 noon
He recommended that you and Mrs. Buchen join
the Rubinsteins and Fords for lunch tomorrow after
the ceremony; however, it has been decided that it
will be small -- so he wanted you to know that was the
decision -- so you won't be wondering if you are or
are not invited. Will be just the Fords and Rubinsteins.
He said they still don't have commitment on whether
Mr. Rubinstein will play the piano or not. Mr. Gergen
said his secretary has just left to go out to Cincinnati
and pick Mr. Rubinstein up. It may be that Mr. Cook
will fly out to Cincinnati but he isn't sure.
The plane will come back tomorrow morning and
Mr. Rubinstein would be getting to the White House
at 11:00 or 11:15, which will give him time to practice on
the White House piano -- if he plans to play. Otherwise,
he will have some free time. Mr. Gergen should talk
with you about all of this at some point. Suggested we
keep your calendar free between 11 and 12.
Mrs. Rubinstein will be at Mrs. Bacon's -- and they
will be coming over around 11:45 -- Mr. Gergen said there
would be a car to pick them up.
FORD is GERALD LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WAS GTON 0 N
April 13, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DAVE GERGEN
FROM:
PHILIP BUCHEN
T.
In accordance with our conversation, I am transmitting
to you the original of Artur Rubinstein's letter to
the President and Mrs. Ford and the records which have
been supplied by RCA.
I would appreciate your taking over on this matter.
Attachments
FORD
ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN
April 2, 1976
The President and Mrs. Gerald R. Ford
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. President and Mrs. Ford,
May I, in my name and that of my family, thank you
with all my heart for the great honor and distinction
you bestowed on me yesterday. I shall treasure it
above all other decorations as it represents the rec-
ognition of my adopted country of which I am a proud
citizen.
Receiving us in your personal apartments allowed us
to enjoy your and Mrs. Ford's company in a more in-
timate way which was most delightful.
Flying us all to New York was another most gracious
gesture.
This day of April 1st will remain forever in our
grateful memory.
Most respectfully and cordially,
Team
P. S. I have taken the liberty of instructing the
1.
FORD
behalf, a few albums of my recordings.
ROA Company to send you and Mrs. Ford, on my GERAL
LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Vergenia
April 28, 1976
Dear Mrs. Bacon:
After you had delivered to my office your
letter to the President, I showed it to
him. He was most delighted to receive it
and very much appreciated your warm thanks
and praise for the recognition which was
given to Arthur Rubinstein.
I know that all who attended the award
ceremony were deeply moved, and I thank
you for your encouragement in making
this event possible.
Bunny and I send warm personal regards.
Sincerely,
Thil
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Ms. Virginia Bacon
1801 F Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C.
LIBRARY GERALD FORD
Friday 4/16/76
5:00
We have sent a copy of Mrs. Bacon's letter
to Dave Gergen.
Attached is the original, which you said you
wanted to take to the President.
BERALD ? FORD
Thursday 4/15/76
2:20 I had a call from Barbara in the Social Office.
2510
She had had a call from Larry Culp, who works
for Mrs. Robert Bacon.
He said they had hand delivered a letter this morning
thanking the President for the Arthur Rubinstein
Ceremony bestowing the Medal of Freedom on him.
It was Mrs. Bacon's wish that the letter get into
your hands.
I have tracked it down -- and it is attached.
10817 GERALD ? FORD
1801
METROPOLITAN 11
1801 F STREET
14 April 1976
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C.
PB-1
Dear Mr. President:
I know that I speak for innumerable music
lovers throughout the land when I express our thanks
to you for bestowing the Medal of Freedom to Arthur
Rubinstein.
In our country we are practically unique in
our lack of a national Academy or Institute whose
concern would be to recognize excellence in the field
of musicology and recommend awards.
All the more praise be due to you for your
Vision, notwithstanding an all-important campaign,
to realize that this was a case which could not be
ignored or postponed. I am particularly happy that
YOU should be the one to do it.
EVer gratefully yours,
Vúguie Bacan
FORD & QURALO LIBRARY
Rubenstein
May 5, 1976
To:
Dave Gergen
From: Eva Daughtrey
On April 13, Mr. Buchen sent you
the original of Arthur Rubinstein's
letter to the President and Mrs. Ford,
as well as the records that were
supplied by RCA.
He also sent you the letter from
Mrs. Clemans advising that several
of Mr. Rubinstein's personal recordings
were omitted and that they would be
sent shortly (copy of letter attached).
The records have now been received
and are attached.
LIBRARY GERALD ? FORD
Drake
PARK AVENUE AT 56TH STREET
NEW YORK. N.Y. 10022
*
(212) 421-0900
April 20, 1976
Mr. Philip Buchen
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Buchen,
I am writing to let you know that in connection with the
RCA records recently sent to President and Mrs. Ford, at
the request of Mr. Rubinstein, it was found that several
of Mr. Rubinstein's personal recordings were inadvertent-
ly omitted from the collection. These are being sent as
soon as possible, to your attention, and we apologize for
the delay.
Sincerely,
C.H. Clemans
(Mrs. J. N. Clemans)
(Secretary to
Mr. Arthur Rubinstein)
FORD is LIBRAL
Medic
THE WHITE HOUSE
greed
WASHINGTON
July 6, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MRS. FORD
FROM:
PHIL BUCHEN
1
Attached is a lovely note to you from
Arthur Rubinstein and the beautiful
picture of the two of you taken when he
was awarded the Medal of Freedom on
April lst.
It was sent to my attention so that I might
make sure it got directly to you.
G.S. Hope you have a quick
recovery from your cold.
The dinner on Wednesday
was beautiful, and Bunny
and l were deeply grateful
to be there.
T.
FORD E
ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN
June 30, 1976
DearMrs. Ford,
) was very touched
and most delighted to receive
your photograph, with such a
lovely dedicace for which I am
very grateful.
) am enclosing the
picture which you So graciously
wanted me to sign
with my great respect,
very cordially,
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 10, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DAVE GERGEN
FROM:
PHILIP BUCHEN
T.
SUBJECT:
Medal of Freedom Award
Congressman Paul Findley (Illinois) has strongly
recommended that the President award a Medal of
Freedom to Clarence K. Streit. In Paul's words:
"Clarence K. Streit has devoted his life
to the cause of freedom of individual
liberty. He was the originator of the
Atlantic Union idea and heads the move-
ment.
He's in his 80's, and I feel he should
have this recognition."
Tuesday 12/7/76
5:50 Cong. Paul Findley (Illinois)
225-5271
will be leaving his office in a
few minutes. Advised you would
be out of town tomorrow and asked
if I might help.
He said he has just learned that the
President is considering making some
Medal of Freedom awards before his
term expires and the people who
come to mind in his lifetime of
experience -- the one best qualified
to get such an award would be
Clarence K. Streit who has devoted
his life to the cause of freedom of
individual liberty. He was the
originator of the Atlantic Union
idea and heads the movement.
Formerly N. Y. Times correspondent
in the 30's.
Out of the experience
of the League of Nations, he came up
with the idea of the Atlantic Union.
He has worked all his life for the
strengthening of individual liberty in
the industrialized world.
He's in his 80's, and feels he should
have this recognition.
He would very much appreciate a call
from you on Thursday when you are back
in the city.
is
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY