Nation: The Shy Philanthropist

John Davison Rockefeller 3rd, 1906-1978

On one of his trips to Washington to call on President Lyndon Johnson, John D. Rockefeller 3rd flew tourist class and did not ask to be met by a limousine. But it was raining at the airport and no cabs were in sight. So Rockefeller rented the only vehicle available and rode to the White House as the sole passenger of a sightseeing bus. Not recognizing him, a White House official asked for his name. "John Rockefeller," he replied softly, not bothering to use his distinctive middle initial. Only after several more questions did the official realize...

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