Memories from the Homestead: President Reagan's favorite author

     It's another beautiful morning here from the porch of Old Matt's Cabin at the Ross Homestead, the Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park. As I sit here, there are short periods of absolute peace and quiet. Not a car going by on this 90-year-old highway, the sounds of nature are all that can be heard. J.K. and Anna Ross experienced this exact sound in their time here, and I greatly enjoy the rare moment as I sit here on the porch. 

A few days ago a guest asked a question that comes up once in a while. "Is it true that Harold Bell Wright had an impact on Ronald Reagan?"

Yes, is the definite answer to that! Wright's first novel, his 1903 "That Printer of Udell's" did very well, and later would sell into the millions of copies. Wright was pastor of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Pittsburg, Kansas, a position he had held since 1897.

Wright's congregation admired his professionalism and his simplicity in explaining biblical passages. As his first official book, Wright wrote the storyline with the intention of reading it as a supplement in his Sunday evening service. Instead, it was condensed and published in the Disciples of Christ newsletter. A friend of Wright, Dr. Williams, saw great opportunities and felt Wright needed to publish it as a book. Williams made arrangements for Wright to meet Chicago publisher Elsbery Reynolds. This meeting changed everything and in time would make Wright America's first million-selling author.

What is "That Printer of Udell's" really about?

Well, it follows the character Dick Falkner, who was orphaned and homeless, and how he escaped poverty and an abusive alcoholic father. George Udell, a printer, takes Falkner in, which changes his life and the community of Boyd City, which he resides in.

Honestly, this book shares true Christian values, and that's what made it popular with readers. In its first edition run, it sold out very quickly at 2,500 copies. Elsbery Reynolds pushed Wright for another work, which would be "The Shepherd of the Hills."

So here is the connection with Ronald Reagan. In 1984, the President wrote a letter to Wright's daughter-in-law. Reagan stated, "When I was ten or eleven years old, I picked up Harold Bell Wright's “That Printer of Udell's,” which I had seen my mother reading, and I read it from cover to cover. That book had an impact I shall always remember. After reading it and thinking about it for a few days, I went to my mother and told her I wanted to be baptized. We attended the Christian Church in Dixon, Illinois, and I was baptized several days after reading the book. I found a role model in that traveling printer Harold Bell Wright brought to life. He set me on a course I've tried to follow even unto this day.  I shall always be grateful."

In recent years, early copies of "That Printer of Udell's" have been very easy to find, at very affordable prices, many times well under ten dollars online and closer to twenty in antique stores. In 2024 all of that changed.  

In August 2024 Dennis Quaid starred in the film "Reagan," a moderate box office success, bringing in box office sales of just over $30 million. There was reference in the film to Wright's book, and suddenly, collector's values shot through the roof, and for nearly a year, it was impossible to find first or second edition copies of "That Printer of Udell's" for under $500. I took down my personal copy on display here at the cabin and now keep it in a lock box!

Currently, online prices have dropped back down considerably, but first editions are still listing anywhere from $130 to $200. It's amazing that a Hollywood film can do that!

Come with me for the historic tours here at The Shepherd of the Hills. I conduct these 90- minute adventures Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m., 12 noon, and 2 p.m. I'd be happy to see you! Happy trails, everyone!