Another blog post on President Richard Nixon’s activities during the Watergate investigation. The first one can be found here, and the second one can be found here.
On November 17, 1973, Richard Nixon famously declared “I’m not a crook” to a room full of Associated Press managing editors. According to the Washington Post story at the time, he appeared resolute about his innocence with regards to the growing scandal. You can watch a brief clip of the press conference here.
With all of that going on, the president still found time to relax. The photographs below show Richard Nixon spending time with Pat, performing at the White House, and meeting with actor Chuck Connors in the Oval Office.
The Nixons had three dogs while they lived in the White House: Pasha, a terrier; Vicky, a poodle; and King Timahoe, an Irish setter. If you’re interested in other presidential pets, check out the Presidential Pet Museum.
Richard and Pat Nixon walk their dogs at Camp David (November 1973). Oliver F. Atkins photograph collection, Box 21, Folder 2. George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections & Archives. Copyright not held by George Mason University Libraries. Restricted to personal, non-commercial use only. For permission to publish, contact Special Collections and Archives.
A little known fact about Richard Nixon is that he played the piano. It was not unusual for him to perform at events both inside and outside of the White House.
Pat Nixon sings while Richard Nixon plays the piano at a White House event (November 1973). Oliver F. Atkins photograph collection, Box 27, Folder 7. George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections & Archives. Copyright not held by George Mason University Libraries. Restricted to personal, non-commercial use only. For permission to publish, contact Special Collections and Archives.
Chuck Connors was an American film and television star most famous for his role in the “Rifleman” television show from 1958 to 1963. He was also an accomplished athlete and played professional basketball and baseball prior to his acting career. At the time of this photograph, he was still very active and appeared in multiple television movies and films during the year.
Richard Nixon shakes hands with actor Chuck Connors (November 1973). Oliver F. Atkins photograph collection, Box 21, Folder 7. George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections & Archives. Copyright not held by George Mason University Libraries. Restricted to personal, non-commercial use only. For permission to publish, contact Special Collections and Archives.
