Friends of former President Bill Clinton from his childhood and adult years, along with family members, attended the Hope celebration of former President Clinton's 64th birthday Thursday at the Cassidy House.
Clinton Foundation members and fans from different parts of the world gathered for cake and lemonade. A few reminisced and signed birthday cards to be mailed to the former president.
Long time friend George Frazier, who has been key in all the restoration and preservation of Clinton's legacy in Hope, talked of his last stay and lengthy visit with Clinton.
He was on an insurance trip in Washington during Clinton's presidency and he said he got a call from Clinton telling him to come to the White House.
Frazier said Clinton told him he would not be staying at a hotel, but at the White House, for the night.
“He took us to the Lincoln Bedroom and said this is where we would be staying. So Effie and I spent the night in the Lincoln bedroom,” Frazier said.
Across from him, at the time, he said actor Chevy Chase was staying as well and he was able to get to know him.
“ We became friends and still talk to this day,” Frazier told guests as the active, 91-year old relaxed in the historical scene of Clinton's childhood in the Cassidy home. “Later, after arriving, Bill asked if we were hungry. I thought he would call a servant and have something brought out,” Frazier said. “But he called his daughter, Chelsea, and they went into the kitchen and whipped us up a dessert.
“That is the Bill Clinton today. He is the sweetest man,” Frazier said.
John Anthony, a childhood playmate and brother of special guest Bonnie Routon, was able to attend as he was traveling through on a business trip for Bridges of Peace.
Anthony is a retired missionary in Israel who, after years of trying for permanent residency in Israel, was granted immediately after Israeli officials witnessed the President of the United States Bill Clinton speak to Anthony as he was making a trip to Jerusalem, according to Routon.
“ The President did not do anything, but they gave permanent residency because they witnessed the President say 'Hey Johnny,’” she said. “Johnny and Bill were both born the summer of 1946. They both attended Mrs. Mary Perkins' kindergarten class.”
Bill's cousin, Myra Reese, is a usual guest at the annual celebration, and she also talked of a few memorable stays at the White House with Clinton. She stayed in the Queen's Room.
Museum Director Martha Berryman also talked with guests about the many international visitors that come to the museum.
“ They appreciate him not just as former president, but as a global statesman,” Berryman said.
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Friends of former President Bill Clinton from his childhood and adult years, along with family members, attended the Hope celebration of former President Clinton's 64th birthday Thursday at the Cassidy House.
Clinton Foundation members and fans from different parts of the world gathered for cake and lemonade. A few reminisced and signed birthday cards to be mailed to the former president.
Long time friend George Frazier, who has been key in all the restoration and preservation of Clinton's legacy in Hope, talked of his last stay and lengthy visit with Clinton.
He was on an insurance trip in Washington during Clinton's presidency and he said he got a call from Clinton telling him to come to the White House.
Frazier said Clinton told him he would not be staying at a hotel, but at the White House, for the night.
“He took us to the Lincoln Bedroom and said this is where we would be staying. So Effie and I spent the night in the Lincoln bedroom,” Frazier said.
Across from him, at the time, he said actor Chevy Chase was staying as well and he was able to get to know him.
“ We became friends and still talk to this day,” Frazier told guests as the active, 91-year old relaxed in the historical scene of Clinton's childhood in the Cassidy home. “Later, after arriving, Bill asked if we were hungry. I thought he would call a servant and have something brought out,” Frazier said. “But he called his daughter, Chelsea, and they went into the kitchen and whipped us up a dessert.
“That is the Bill Clinton today. He is the sweetest man,” Frazier said.
John Anthony, a childhood playmate and brother of special guest Bonnie Routon, was able to attend as he was traveling through on a business trip for Bridges of Peace.
Anthony is a retired missionary in Israel who, after years of trying for permanent residency in Israel, was granted immediately after Israeli officials witnessed the President of the United States Bill Clinton speak to Anthony as he was making a trip to Jerusalem, according to Routon.
“ The President did not do anything, but they gave permanent residency because they witnessed the President say 'Hey Johnny,’” she said. “Johnny and Bill were both born the summer of 1946. They both attended Mrs. Mary Perkins' kindergarten class.”
Bill's cousin, Myra Reese, is a usual guest at the annual celebration, and she also talked of a few memorable stays at the White House with Clinton. She stayed in the Queen's Room.
Museum Director Martha Berryman also talked with guests about the many international visitors that come to the museum.
“ They appreciate him not just as former president, but as a global statesman,” Berryman said.
