Meeting Nixon at Plaque Dedication 22 Years Ago

Richard Nixon’s presidential library in Yorba Linda will be dedicated on July 19. I have a nostalgic interest in attending this event.

Twenty-two years ago, in the summer of 1968, the presidential campaign was in full swing. Cup in hand, I dropped into my usual chair in the company cafeteria.

Bob said, “Frank, Nixon’s going to be in Yorba Linda this afternoon to dedicate a plaque at his birthplace. Why don’t you go over there and shake his hand?” Chuckles around the table, as all knew that I was the only Democrat present.

Late that afternoon, my wife phoned to tell me to buy some wine on the way home. This required a detour to our favorite wine store in Yorba Linda.

The automobile congestion reminded me of the morning conversation. So, after buying the wine, I wandered up to a schoolyard where the Nixons, at a podium, were just concluding their speeches. I continued to move to the right around the edge of the crowd, and found myself in front of a small house. I barely beat the mob that descended from the schoolyard.

“Make way, folks, so he can come see the plaque,” someone called from a short distance. No one moved. “If you don’t make way, folks, he’s not coming over.” That stirred the crowd, and as they settled in the background, I saw that I was about three feet from the plaque.

There was a rush of movement, and 10 or 12 young giants in business suits formed a ring some 10 feet in diameter. They were shoulder to shoulder, and so was I, for I was part of the ring, along with the plaque. The strange thing was that the giants were facing outward while I faced inward.

Nixon stepped into the hollowed circle. All he could see were giant backs and, opposite him, a 46-year-old man in coat and tie. A frown of uncertainty. Who the devil is this guy? City manager? Committee chairman? State senator?

He recovered instantly, smiling, stepping forward, and extending his hand. I took it. “Boy, this is some crowd,” he said. “It sure is,” I replied. He stepped back, looked briefly at the plaque and was gone.

The next morning I sat down for coffee. “Bob, I took your advice yesterday.” “What was that?” “I went over to Yorba Linda and shook hands with Nixon. And I have to admit that I agreed with what he confided in me.”

FRANK TAYLOR

Orange