Interview with Marta Dunetz, February 8, 2020

Interview Summary

Marta Dunetz, a co-worker and friend of Bess Abell, begins the interview by describing her personal background. Dunetz discusses her work in the press office of Vice President Lyndon Johnson. Dunetz talks of her boss in the press office, Liz Carpenter. Dunetz recalls the procedures for event planning in the Johnson White House. Dunetz discusses John F. Kennedy's assassination and how she experienced the Johnson transition to the White House. The historic role of White House calligraphers is explored. Dunetz recalls the prevalence of smoking in the U.S. during the 1960s and 1970s. Dunetz describes how staff grief following Kennedy's assassination was addressed. Dunetz shares her recollections of the Lady Bird Special political campaign of 1964. Dunetz discusses and compares the weddings of Luci Baines Johnson and Lynda Bird Johnson Robb. Dunetz shares her overall impressions of Bess Abell. Additionally, Dunetz talks of her work in the White House press office and how well the different White House offices worked together. How Bess Abell and Liz Carpenter worked together is also mentioned. Dunetz characterizes her friendship with former White House staffer Marcia Maddox. Dunetz evaluates her role in Lady Bird Johnson's beautification programs. Dunetz remembers her participation President Johnson's trip to Asia and Oceania in 1966 to attend the Manila Summit Conference. Bess Abell's interest in beautification is considered. Dunetz shares her reaction to President Johnson's decision not to run for re-election in 1968. Preparations for the departure of the Johnson family from the White House are explored. Dunetz provides a comparison between White House social and personal secretaries. Dunetz recalls political conventions she attended in the 1960s and 1970s. Bess Abell as a role model for women is explored. To conclude the interview, Dunetz describes her contact with White House social aides throughout the years.

Interview Keyword

Bess Abell Social secretary Texans Press Office Lyndon Johnson Vice presidents Presidents Lady Bird Johnson Liz Carpenter John F. Kennedy White House Lady Bird Special 1964 presidential campaign Luci Baines Johnson Lynda Bird Johnson Robb Marcia Maddox Beautification Manila Summit Conference Conventions Role models

Interview LC Subject

Politicians Washington (D.C.) Secretaries Texas Early life Parents Calligraphers Smoking Press Sisters Weddings Staff Travel Australia Philippines Military

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Interview Usage

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