This rare collection of Lady Bird Johnson signed memorabilia spans two decades. Lady Bird Johnson was First Lady of the United States (1963–1969), as the wife of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson.
The collection includes:
A type-written and signed letter from the White House years, on official White House stationary, thanking the recipient for his thoughtful good wishes for Lady Bird and Lyndon B. Johnson's anniversary. The letter is dated "January 5, 1965", and reads, in part: "Dear Mr. Ryback: How thoughtful of you to take the time to send your good wishes on the happiest of milestones for us - - our 30th wedding anniversary. With much appreciation, Sincerely, Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson".
A framed hand-signed and inscribed color photograph of the First Lady, on which Lady Bird Johnson has written, in ball point pen, "To Harry Snider, with best wishes, Lady Bird Johnson". The vintage photo has some wear due to its age. It comes custom framed and ready for display in an elegant 12" x 14" golden frame with double mat of white and gold.
A signed First Edition 1970 hardcover edition of Lady Bird Johnson's book, A White House Diary, hand-signed and personally inscribed directly on the first interior page of pale green thick paper, matching the book's endpapers. Lady Bird Johnson has written, in black pen, "To Ruth Habenicht Merry Christmas!" and has hand-signed "Lady Bird Johnson". The book was released one year after the end of Lyndon B. Johnson's second Presidential term.
A hand-signed autograph, "Lady Bird Johnson" dated "10-27-73", written on a receipt from an antique show in Texas visited by Lady Bird Johnson. On the item is the further hand-written notation "Austin Antique Show, Civic Center". Lady Bird Johnson's signature, date and notation are written in black pen. The Johnson's had a ranch in Texas to which they returned after LBJ's Presidential term.
Lady Bird Johnson was a lifelong advocate for beautifying the nation's cities and highways ("Where flowers bloom, so does hope") and the Highway Beautification Act was informally known as Lady Bird's Bill. As First Lady, she broke new ground by interacting directly with Congress, employing her own press secretary, and making a solo electioneering tour. She was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest U.S. civilian honors.