Interview with Tyler Abell, June 5, 2018

Interview Summary

Tyler Abell, husband of Bess Abell, begins the interview by recalling the 1956 senatorial campaign of his father-in-law, Earle Clements. Abell discusses what Senator Clements did for work after losing his Senate seat to Thruston Morton in 1956. Abell describes Earle Clements as Governor of Kentucky, including some of his accomplishments. Abell recalls Bess' initial impressions of being the governor's daughter. Abell also remembers when Bess and her father met Harry Truman. Abell considers the origins of the Earle Clements vs. Happy Chandler political rivalry. Abell details Bess' close relationship with her father. Abell also reflects upon attending the Kentucky Derby with Bess and her father. Abell talks of the house he owns in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. that has been in his family for several generations. Abell discusses his mother-in-law and her struggles with Alzheimer's disease, which Bess also suffered from. Abell explains why his father-in-law did not want Bess to help in his political campaigns. Abell provides the historical context behind why the Lady Bird Special campaign tour was created. Bess' role in the Lady Bird Special tour is discussed. The results of the Lady Bird Special in terms of the 1964 presidential election are considered. Abell details Bess' work in public relations after the Johnson administration ended. Abell discusses the friendships that Bess formed with Robert Strauss and Edward Bennett Williams. Abell describes Bess' nature as a mother. Abell also highlights Bess' abilities in decor and cooking. Abell discusses instances in which Bess witnessed sexual harassment in the workplace, mostly on Capitol Hill. Abell comments upon Bess' rather fast career trajectory from typist to White House Social Secretary. Abell talks of how Bess handled gifts in honor of her work in the White House. Abell recalls two trips he and Bess took to the Philippines with the Johnson and Carter administrations. Abell describes Bess' role in the Carter White House. Abell concludes the interview with a reflection on his and Bess' encounters with Gretchen Poston, who served as White House Social Secretary to President Carter.

Interview Keyword

Bess Abell Earle Clements 1956 senatorial campaign Governors Harry Truman Albert "Happy" Chandler Houses Mother-in-law Alzheimer's disease Lady Bird Special Whistle-stop campaigning Lady Bird Johnson Robert Strauss Edward Bennett Williams Interior design Imelda Marcos White House Carter administration Gretchen Poston

Interview LC Subject

Politicians Washington (D.C.) Kentucky Kentuckians Kentucky Derby Georgetown (Washington, D.C.) Public relations Publicity Sons Cooking Sexual harassment Sexism Gifts Travel Philippines

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.