EXPLORE THE ARCHIVES:
FIRST FAMILY
Embedded Files
These records highlight some of the key moments from the lives of this seemingly average American family, which was very much in the spotlight during an eventful time in American history.
Photo of Family Beagles with Paw Prints (1973)
The Johnson family owned several dogs over the years, including during their time in the White House. They were often photographed taking their beloved beagles, Him and Her, for walks on the White House lawn.
Did you know? Him and Her had their paw prints set in the cement of the walkway leading up to the pressroom at the White House. You can still see those paw prints today! Later, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover gave President Johnson another beagle. The president named it Edgar.
Phone Call with Lady Bird (March 7, 1964)
Lady Bird Johnson took notes during the president’s press conferences. In this telephone call, she offers a frank critique of his televised performance.
Did you know? The Johnsons understood the power that television appearances had in shaping public perception. Since the 1940s, Lady Bird’s family had owned a radio station in Texas, which eventually became a television station.
LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto [W8-23]
Lady Bird’s Home Movie (1940)
Lady Bird narrates this home movie with scene by scene acounts from 1940. The scenes are mainly from the Washington DC area, but also shows views of George Washington's home at Mount Vernon, and stops on a drive back to Texas. Lady Bird's love of flowers shines through in this film.
Did you know? Lady Bird’s interest in chronicling her life began in the 1930s when Lyndon Johnson gave her a video camera. Years later, she added music and narration to parts of her extensive home movie collection.Love Letter to Lady Bird (September 25, 1934)
Lyndon Johnson wrote this love letter to Lady Bird only a month after meeting her. He proposed marriage after their first date—claiming love at first sight—but Lady Bird wanted to wait a year.
Did you know? After Lyndon’s many letters and phone calls to Lady Bird, she finally accepted an engagement ring seven weeks after meeting. The ring cost two dollars and fifty cents from Sears.
Photo of LBJ and Lyn (August 27, 1968)
President Johnson spends his 60th birthday relaxing in the pool with his grandson, Lyn, and the family dog, Yuki.
Did you know? Yuki was named after the Japanese word for “snow.” Luci Johnson found him at a gas station in Texas on Thanksgiving Day, 1966, and he instantly became part of the family.
LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto [D1493-15]
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