Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/216603
READER MAIL Letters from readers regarding our last special edition, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. CORRECTION ON PAGE 36 OF THE WINTER 2013 edition of the Capitol Dome is a lovely picture of President Reagan and four of his closest friends. The character second from left is identified as Cong. Barber Conable, but it is not he. In fact, it is my second favorite Congressman, yours truly. Ever since I came to Congress back in another long-forgotten century, I have wished I were Barber Conable, and tried, with a notable lack of success, to emulate his style and success. Parenthetically, it should be noted here that, in addition to his other skills and interests, Barber was, after Fred, probably Congress' premier historian. The good news here is that I have achieved my highest ambition. I have finally been mistaken for Barber! Because of that thrill, I shall not demand a correction, nor even a year's free subscription to the Dome. EDITOR'S NOTE: Our thanks to Hon. Bill Frenzel for so kindly pointing out our error. We reprint the picture here, with the correct caption. President Schwengel and Congressmen Bill Frenzel (second from left) and J.J. Pickle (far right), along with sculptor Marcel Jovine, present President Ronald Reagan with a complete set of the Society's 1987 Signing of the Constitution Commemorative Medals. ~Rep. Bill Frenzel Washington, DC . . .I WRITE TO CONGRATULATE YOU ON THE [50th anniversary] issue in general and the essay on Congressman Schwengel in particular. I was in my first academic position at the University of Iowa in 1961 when Cong. Schwengel and I began a deep and abiding friendship. Indeed, it was at his insistence that I finally agreed to become Executive Director of the U.S. Civil War Centennial Commission at a time when Centennial matters were in crisis. He was a tower of strength as we slowly got the train uprighted and back on track.He was a walking encyclopedia on the Capitol building, a genuine authority on Abraham Lincoln, and one of the few truly honest politicians I have ever known. Throughout our long relationship, he refused to call me by my nickname, "Bud." To him, I was always "Dr. Jim." His infectious chuckle, boundless energy, and open expression of friendship were traits I can never forget. Please extend my warmest thanks to Jeffrey Hearn for the depth and balance of his article/tribute. ~James I. Robertson, Jr. Oak Grove, VA