studied throughout his years in government and beyond. Books by Winston Churchill, Mark Twain, Allen Drury, and even Teddy Roosevelt, hold a place on Reagan’s shelves, as well as subjects on political issues and books relating to the American founding and the past Presidents who influenced Reagan, from Washington to Lincoln. President Reagan was an avid reader, and following a long day on the ranch and with the horses, one could often find him winding down in his oversized easy chair next to a roaring fire reading a book. With so many historic pieces, one more stands out: the President’s favorite navy blue ball cap with gold embroidery that reads “United States Mounted Secret Service.” The hat is well worn now, the vibrancy of the gold braided bill muted, but the hat still beams with pride and adoration. The ball cap is a classic, 1980s style snapback that oozes vintage cool. Left behind in the bright yellow master bedroom sits the hat, with a pair of classic jodhpurs and a pair of three-buckled riding boots placed nearby, as if waiting for President Reagan to come in, get dressed and go out for a ride. It serves as a piece of history, not only because it was worn by the President on so many occasions, but because it is the same style of hat worn by each member of the United States Mounted Secret Service, which was established in 1981 to protect the President while on horseback.
Hosting at the Rancho
During his presidency, trips made to the Western White House included a large
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number of people, and during their stays at the Rancho, the Reagans would host guests, offering them a chance to discover the serenity of the beloved presidential retreat. Cabinet members, heads of state, major media players all paid a visit to this humble space. In the spring of 1983, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip made the trip along the coastline of Santa Barbara and ascended up the winding road to Rancho del Cielo. After the Reagans had been hosted by the Queen and Prince at Windsor Castle a year prior, President Reagan couldn’t think of a better way to thank his hosts than invite them to visit his own “home.” The day of the royal visit was a rainy, dreary day. Upon the royal arrival, President Reagan and the First Lady apologized profusely for the weather, but the Queen graciously responded with elation in her voice, “That’s okay, my dear, it makes me feel at home. It’s exciting. This is an adventure.” Other notable visitors to the ranch included the Gorbachevs in 1992, following Mikhail Gorbachev’s resignation as the leader of the USSR. On this spring day, for the first time, the two former superpower leaders enjoyed a leisurely day at the Rancho, not as adversaries, but as friends. The following year, Lady Margaret Thatcher, the 71st Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, made a visit to Rancho del Cielo. Much like the Queen and Prince’s visit years before, the British Prime Minister brought the British weather along for the trip, and through the apologies of the Reagans for the less-thandesirable-weather, she responded with “I love the fog.”
The Steward’s Final Years and the Future of the Rancho
Rancho del Cielo was known by many names and by many classifications. During Reagan’s presidency, it served as the White House of the west. For nearly 25 years, the Rancho also acted as a retreat for the Reagans, a private escape from the obligations of public service and pressures of life. But even more so, it was a “home.” A home away from home, perhaps, but a place that spoke to the soul of President Reagan. In 1995, Ronald Reagan made his final trip to Rancho del Cielo. His days of tending to the ranch, riding horses and exploring its vast 688 acres had come to an end. But the historic memories remain. And the stories found within the walls of the adobe, along the trails of the ranch and the fence lines of the property can still be told. Thanks to the Young America’s Foundation, who purchased the Ranch in 1998 from Mrs. Reagan, the character of the home and surrounding property has been preserved, and Rancho del Cielo lives on as an inspiring monument to the life and ideas of the man who acted as its steward for a quarter of a century, President Ronald Reagan. “There’s something about the wild scenery and serenity of the ranch and the easy gait of the horse beneath me that I find particularly relaxing. And while I loved living in the White House, I must confess that nothing in this great wide world of ours quite compares to having a home on the ranch.” Learn more about Rancho del Cielo by visiting www.reaganranch.yaf.org.