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Post Date: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 |
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 As BallenIsles just finished celebrating its 50th anniversary of legendary golf, one resident is celebrating a historic milestone of his own. His name is Fred Burke, and he is known for providing the audio devices that later became a part of Watergate, one of the biggest presidential scandals in American history.
Marking the 50th anniversary of that break-in, Burke was contacted by numerous papers interested in learning and sharing his contribution to the Watergate scandal. First was the White House Quarterly Journal. A week later, he got a call from The Washington Post, where long-time reporter John Kelly requested to write a story on his contribution to Watergate. On June 8th, Burke found his name making headlines, in a story titled “Meet the Man Who Sold the Blank Recording Tape to Nixon’s White House.”
Recalling the days after the story was published, Burke said “Some of my friends from Washington called to wish me congratulations. John also called to thank me and said, ‘You’re a part of history!’ I thought ‘Wow, this is so exciting!’” Here’s more information on Burke’s story, and how he’s sharing that history with BallenIsles residents.
How Burke Played His Part in American History
Born and raised in Washington DC, the Burke family did not have much. One thing he had going for him, however, was his honest, reliable reputation. That reputation was what landed him his first opportunity in 1958 to open Audio Center, a consumer-based stereo store. In the late 1960s, he founded Professional Products, which soon became a preferred supplier for the technical department of the Secret Service, and for presidential needs within the White House.
“My involvement was in the Secret Service and CIA. I always felt the Secret Service was some of the best people I dealt with back then. I used to get all the stories as I was security cleared. Trusted Supplier was the title I received.”
Burke was the go-to for any kind of technical supplies that were needed. He sold the cassette recorders and microphones that could be put on briefcases, started with just a touch of a button. Perhaps the most notable was Rose Mary Woods tape recorder and the blank tapes that the Nixon White House requested – no manufacturer’s label on the outside, and massive quantities from 200 to 300 per order. On June 17, 1972, operatives were caught breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters. As part of the investigation into that break-in, the Watergate Commission learned of the tapes and hours of White House recordings and discovered one that had 18 ½ minutes of silence. A gap that Nixon’s secretary described as accidental, but Burke said could only have been done purposely.
“Next thing I know I got a subpoena,” said Burke. “The Secret Service told me to give them anything they want. So, I gave them everything they needed in their investigation. I was thrilled that I was the person getting to provide the tapes. I always felt privileged to be part of whatever I did. I was just proud – based on my upbringing and so forth – that I had the opportunity to do that.”
Sharing His Past with the BallenIsles Community
After selling his business, Burke retired in 1999 and moved to the sunny state of Florida. He settled down in BallenIsles Country Club and has been a Member ever since. Now, Burke is looking to share his slice of history with the BallenIsles community. Numerous items that Burke has received throughout the years are on display in the Clubhouse, in History Hall, for all Members to see.
Among the items on display are two copies of briefs on Behalf of the President of the United States Richard Nixon to the Committee on the Judiciary Ninety-Third Congress United States House of Representatives, along with the framed subpoena Burke received for the trial. The Secret Service and Nixon administration would also send him gifts, including Nixon’s cuff links, an autographed pen, two vases from the Chinese government, two Secret Service hats, and a presidential seal with Richard Nixon’s name. Burke also received many personal pictures from Nixon’s family, including photos of his wedding, and the last meal he had in the White House (cottage cheese, pineapple, and a glass of milk).
“It has been very rewarding for me, and I am very blessed to have and be able to share all this stuff.”
A Private Club Filled with History to Enjoy
Ranked among the top 100 Clubs in America since the early 2000s, Members at BallenIsles Country Club enjoy the luxurious lifestyle they lead, and decades of legendary history that have made this Palm Beach Gardens hidden gem an epicenter of the golf world.
Made up of nearly 1,600 residences, 33 intimate neighborhoods are each characterized by their own unique identity of golf villas, luxury condominiums, elegant estate homes, and more. Members also have access to a full range of resort-style amenities, including six dining venues, 21 tennis courts, nine pickleball courts, three championship golf courses, a state-of-the-art Sports Complex, and a resort-style swimming pool.
For more information on this private gated community or to experience the social lifestyle yourself, visit BallenIsles.org to schedule a tour, or call our office at 561-622-0220. Request a complimentary copy of our digital brochure today.
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