YORBA LINDA, CALIFORNIA
RICHARD NIXON LIBRARY, BIRTHPLACE
AND BURIAL
YORBA LINDA, CALIFORNIA
RICHARD MILHOUS NIXON
BORN: JANUARY 9, 1913
DIED: APRIL 22, 1994
YORBA LINDA, CALIFORNIA
Richard was born in Yorba Linda, California, to Frank and Hanna Nixon. The year before his birth, Frank Nixon built a home that now stands at the Nixon Library, from a catalog kit. The property spread across 8.2 acres. Richard was raised in Whittier, and graduated from Fullerton High School. He also attended Whittier College, and Duke University of Law. He returned to California, to join a law firm in his hometown. In 1940, he married Patricia Ryan. In 1942, he joined the Navy and served in WWII. In 1946, he won a seat in the House of Representatives. In 1952, General Eisenhower selected Nixon as his running mate, serving as Vice President from 1953 to 1961.
Richard and Patricia had two daughters, Tricia and Julie. Julie is married to David Eisenhower, grandson to President Dwight Eisenhower.
In 1960, after an unsuccessful run against JFK, and a losing race for California Governor, he returned to law in California (Nixon was in Dallas that fateful day, November 22, 1963). In 1968, he ran again, but this time as President. He won, serving two terms, but leaving in August of 1974, in the middle of his second term.
After the House Judiciary Committee passed three Articles of Impeachment in July 1974, and the Supreme Court ordered the release of White House tapes that appeared to implicate the President further in Watergate, he decided to resign on August 9, 1974, prior to impeachment by the Full House and the Senate trial that would have followed. Even though he was entitled under the Constitution to a trial conducted according to rules of evidence, he said that he did not want the nation pre-occupied with Watergate for months to come. His second Vice President, Gerald R. Ford, was sworn in as President the same day.
Nixon was the only person elected twice, as a Vice Presiden ('52 and '56) and as President('68 and '72) of the United States.
Richard and Patricia returned to their home in San Clemente, California, and lived there until 1980, when they moved to New York City. A year later they moved to Bergen County in New Jersey.
Nixon spent his last years writing books and traveling. He was involved in foreign policies with the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations. The dedication of his library took place in July 1990 in Yorba Linda, California. His home was moved there from Whittier with most of its original furnishings.
When Nixon passed away, his funeral was attended by thousands, who lined the streets to see him. He was laid to rest next to his wife Patricia, when he passed away, just two days shy of the 1st anniversary of her death
Patricias stone was orginially pink granite; being replaced, with Nixon's passing, for a black marble stone with gold lettering. The Nixon grave markers, which were carved of black marble, are said to be a gift from a local grave stoner, who personally delivered them to the Nixon Library in his pick-up truck. And were placed within hours of his burial.
RICHARD MILHOUS NIXON
Patricia Ryan Nixon
Born: March 16, 1912
Ely, Nevada
Died: June 22, 1993
Park Ridge, New Jersey
Born Thelma Catherine Ryan on March 16, 1912 in Ely, Nevada. "Pat" Nixon acquired her nickname within hours. Her Father, William Ryan, called Pat, his "St. Patricks babe in the morn", when he came home from the mines before dawn.
After her birth, her family returned to Artesia, California. Patricia lost her mother in 1925 at the age of 13, and her father at the age of 18. Patricia attended Excelsior High School in Norwalk, California. She worked her way through the University of Southern California. Pat held part time jobs on campus, as a sales clerk in a department store, and as an extra in the movies-she graduated Cum Laude in 1937.
Patricia's film credit include, "Becky Sharp" in 1935, "The Great Ziegfield" in 1936, "Small Town Girl" and "Dancing Pirate", all unaccredited or just as an extra.
Patricia accepted a job as a high school teacher in Whittier, and there she met Richard Nixon, who had come home from Duke University to practice law. They became acquainted at a little theater group when they were cast in the same play, and were married on June 21, 1940.
During World War II, she worked as a government economist, while Richard served in the Navy. She campaigned at his side in 1946, when he entered politics, running successfully for Congress.
Always the campaigner when he ran unsuccessfully for President in 1960, she was at his side when he ran again in 1968 successfully this time. She had once made the comment, "It takes heart to be in political life."
As First Lady, she encouraged volunteer service, "the spirit of people helping people." She invited hundreds of families to non-denominational Sunday services in the East Room. She instituted a series of performances by artists in varied American traditions, from opera to bluegrass. Mrs. Nixon took quiet pride in adding 600 paintings and antiques to the White House collection.
Mrs. Nixon met the troubled days of Watergate with dignity. "I love my husband," she said, "I believe in him, and I am proud of his accomplishments." She died at home in Park Ridge, New Jersey, on June 22, 1993.
Pats original marker after her death.
Pats new marker placed after the Presidents death
