Interview with Luci Baines Johnson, October 18, 2019

Interview Summary

Luci Baines Johnson, youngest daughter of President Johnson, begins the interview by discussing her earliest memories of Bess Abell. Johnson then describes what Bess was like as her mother's secretary. Bess' personality is detailed. Johnson talks of her mother's three assistants while she was second lady, one of which was Bess. Johnson explains her role in her father's 1964 presidential campaign. Bess' job responsibilities during the Lady Bird Special campaign tour are explored. Johnson recalls the public reaction to her mother's speeches during the Lady Bird Special. Johnson discusses her mother's southern heritage. Johnson remembers the speech she gave during the Lady Bird Special in Savannah. Johnson provides the names of several people who were involved with the Lady Bird Special. The food during the Lady Bird Special is detailed. Johnson briefly talks of her role in fixing her mother's hair during the Lady Bird Special. Security measures taken during the Lady Bird Special are also mentioned. Bess' perspective as a Kentuckian on the trip is discussed. Johnson also talks of Southern accents. Bess' good qualities are considered. Johnson remembers her father's speech in New Orleans to mark the end of the Lady Bird Special. Johnson details Bess' role in planning her wedding, reception, and honeymoon. Johnson concludes the interview with a reflection on how Bess worked with her mother to create a family atmosphere in the White House private living quarters through art.

Interview Keyword

Bess Abell Earle Clements Lady Bird Johnson Lyndon Johnson Vice president President Social secretary Assistants 1964 presidential campaign Lady Bird Special White House Whistle-stop campaigning The South Wedding reception Honeymoon Family Lynda Bird Johnson Robb Mary Cassatt

Interview LC Subject

Politicians Washington (D.C.) Personality Travel Alabama Speeches Logistics Food Hair Security Mother Father New Orleans (La.) Wedding Bahamas Art

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

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