Reagan collector shares memorabilia and memories

06:02 PM CDT on Sunday, June 6, 2004

By Jason Whitely / 11News

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HOUSTON - Of all the Reagan admirers across the country it would be difficult to find one more passionate about the former president than Robin Chiswell.

If it has his image or his name, chances are Chiswell owns it.

"People don't understand it," Robin said referring to his hobby of 28-years.

"Well if my house ever catches on fire and ya'll are driving by you need to save these," Chiswell told us pointing out nine framed pictures just inside the front door.

"These are the Christmas cards that the President and Mrs. Reagan sent as the first couple," Chiswell said proudly.

The 46-year-old's west Houston home is everything Reagan.

"I bought this on eBay," he remembered, holding a 5x7 print of Nancy Reagan from the 1970s. "It was actually from Mrs. Reagan's mother's estate."

"These are all my Christmas cards," Chiswell said in his kitchen pointing to a refrigerator full of holiday picture cards. "I always do a Reagan theme Christmas card."

In his closet are stacks of newsmagazines with Reagan's photo on the front and campaign posters pinned to the wall.

In his bedroom, "These are my masks," he said, showing off Ronald and Nancy Reagan plastic Halloween masks. "I like to dress up on Halloween. This is the only way I do it."

Even in his bathroom, framed movie and political prints hang between the vanity and shower.

From pins and posters to letters and slippers, Chiswell has collected more than a 1,000 pieces of Reagan memorabilia since he was 17. A real-life Alex P. Keaton.

"I was Alex P. Keaton before he was," Chiswell laughed.

Only the real Reagan fans will recognize Robin on the road. His Texas license plates read "RWR LDR:" the initials of Ronald Wilson Reagan and Nancy Davis Reagan. Robin has purchased personalized Reagan plates for 20 years now.

KHOU-TV Robin has purchased personalized Reagan plates for 20 years. He has had this plate for 10.

"I've had this one for 10 years," Chiswell said holding one of his old personalized license plates that read "REAGAN."

"I just want them to know someone in Texas loves Ronnie," Chiswell said.

In his 28-year love affair with the former first family Chiswell only met them once: a five-minute meeting in a hallway of a Los Angeles hotel.

He has six pictures to prove it, all framed and hanging in his living room appropriately.

"It's a fun hobby," said Chiswell, "When I die I'm giving it all to the Reagan library."

It was only natural this 46-year-old cried when he learned of Reagan's death.

"He'll live in my heart forever," Chiswell said.

His heart and his home.