Rare Book Monthly
Articles - November - 2007 Issue
In The News: Cannibals, The Potters, Bushwacked
none
Sharon Bush was not pleased with the divorce, and felt abandoned by her former family that provided her little comfort and only limited resources. The Bushes are intensely loyal to family, which Neil was, but Sharon was no more. She tried to get more financial support from her former husband, but essentially got a middle class settlement, one more appropriate for the wife of a not very successful businessman than the daughter-in-law and sister-in-law of two U.S. Presidents and wealthy Texas oilmen.
Unlike her "ex," Mrs. Bush had no access to rich family friends to keep her afloat. So, she is doing what she must to raise money from her 22-year membership in one of America's most powerful political dynasties. She is selling off memorabilia. There is Neil's badge from the 1988 Republican convention, where his father was nominated for president, robes given to both Presidents Bush (one still a future president) after the Gulf War by the Emir of Kuwait, and for manuscript collectors, a personal note to Neil from the first President Bush. This one, addressed to "Whit" (Neil's nickname), dated December 31, 1999, reads, "Your speech at Bayards touched my heart. What a great son I have. I am so proud of you. Devotedly Dad." The sentiments toward his son are truly touching, a very successful father, with two then very successful sons, expressing equal pride and devotion for a son whose career featured controversy more than accomplishment. If he protests his pride too much, it is completely understandable. The auction is being handled by Heritage Auction Galleries of Dallas, bids having already opened, and are closing on or before November 13.
