#33 • Pair of Framed White House Letters to Colonel Harland Sanders Signed by President Richard Nixon

Part of The Colonel Sanders Artifact Collection (live auction by The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)

High bid $5,000.00

Status: Sold

DESCRIPTION Collection of two framed White House letters addressed to Colonel Harland Sanders, each bearing the printed signature of President Richard Nixon on official White House stationery. The first letter, dated September 18, 1972, conveys birthday greetings from President and Mrs. Nixon on the occasion of Colonel Sanders' eighty-second birthday. The second letter, dated December 5, 1972, thanks Sanders for his support during the 1972 presidential campaign and references Nixon's historic reelection victory. Both letters are professionally framed and preserved for display. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE These letters illustrate the national prominence Colonel Sanders achieved by the early 1970s. What began as a roadside restaurant operation in Kentucky had grown into an internationally recognized brand, and Sanders himself had become one of the most famous and recognizable businessmen in America. Correspondence from the White House reflects the level of public recognition he enjoyed and demonstrates the extent to which Sanders had become a respected cultural figure beyond the restaurant industry. The December 1972 letter is particularly notable as it directly references President Nixon's landslide reelection victory, one of the largest electoral wins in American political history. Together, the letters place Colonel Sanders within the broader political and cultural landscape of the United States during a significant period of the twentieth century. STORY & CONTEXT Even after selling Kentucky Fried Chicken, Colonel Sanders remained the public face of the company and continued to travel extensively promoting the brand. His fame frequently brought him into contact with political leaders, celebrities, and international dignitaries. These letters capture that unique status. The birthday greeting acknowledges Sanders as a nationally known figure worthy of personal recognition from the President and First Lady. The later correspondence expresses appreciation for Sanders' support during the 1972 election campaign, providing a glimpse into the relationships Sanders maintained with prominent public figures during the height of his celebrity. PROVENANCE From the preserved personal collection associated with Colonel Harland Sanders and Claudia Sanders, maintained by the Settle family at Blackwood Hall. The collection was preserved through the longstanding relationship between the Sanders and Settle families and remained together for decades. CONDITION Both letters remain housed in period frames. Visible toning, age-related discoloration, minor foxing, and light handling wear are present. Mats and frames exhibit expected age and display wear. The documents remain legible and present well for exhibition. Overall condition is consistent with framed correspondence retained and displayed over many decades.