Oral history transcript, Lady Bird Johnson, interview 19 (XIX), 2/6-7/1981, by Michael L. Gillette

Title:

Oral history transcript, Lady Bird Johnson, interview 19 (XIX), 2/6-7/1981, by Michael L. Gillette

Number of Pages:

60

Description:

A January 1945 dinner for Grover Sellers at the Johnsons' home; Franklin Roosevelt's 1945 inauguration; the relationship between Senator Alvin Wirtz and Secretary Harold Ickes; the Johnsons' relationship with the Henry Wallace family; LBJ's work on the Naval Affairs Committee; LBJ's interest in defense and the military; constituents staying in the Johnsons' home in Washington, D.C.; Lynda Bird Johnson's first birthday; African-American employees; LBJ's career aspirations; Bill Deason's marriage; FDR's death; Harry Truman receiving the news of FDR's death at Sam Rayburn's "board of education;" LBJ's relationship with FDR; Milo and Tharon Perkins; President Truman's friends; LBJ's level of conservatism, especially following FDR's death; KTBC sending Paul Bolton to cover the creation of the United Nations; Senator Tom Connally; LBJ's trip to Europe at the end of World War II; Mrs. Johnson's ruptured tubal, or ectopic, pregnancy; Lynda as a toddler; the Washington, D.C. celebration of Japan's surrender; preparing for the return of U.S. soldiers; the housing shortage in Austin; University of Texas married student housing; President Truman's decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan; a post-war planning conference in Austin; Jesse Kellam coming to work for KTBC; the founding of radio station KVET and the Johnsons' relationship with the owners; Mrs. Johnson's role at KTBC in 1945; Operation Magic Carpet to get soldiers home after World War II; an Austin parade for Admiral Chester Nimitz; LBJ's interest in federal, rather than state, government positions; LBJ's family and his brother Sam Houston Johnson's broken leg; Lynda as a toddler and LBJ as father; opponent Hardy Hollers' 1946 accusation that the Johnsons owned apartment complexes and other properties; LBJ's health in 1946; efforts to get money from the Rural Electrification Administration to extend electric power throughout the 10th District; Jesse Kellam's work at KTBC; LBJ's part in converting the Austin magnesium plant into a research center for the University of Texas; Lady Bird Johnson's input on LBJ's decision-making; Dr. Everett Givens; Texas friends who kept LBJ updated on 10th District events and opinions; LBJ's efforts to balance his time in Texas and Washington, D.C., during his campaign; 1946 Texas campaign employees; Mrs. Johnson's work to provide financial records in 1946 so that LBJ could refute allegations of any dishonesty regarding their wealth; LBJ's 1946 Wooldridge Park speech defending their financial integrity; LBJ's work with speechwriters.

Contributor:

Johnson, Lady Bird, 1912-2007

Collection:

LBJ Library Oral Histories

Collection Description:

Go to List of Holdings

Series:

Transcripts of LBJ Library Oral Histories

See Also:

See all online interviews with Lady Bird Johnson

Relation:

Go to Interviewee bio page

Rights:

Possibly copyright restricted: see deed at end of transcript for details