National Historical Park Member Spotlight from Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce Of the facilities designed to honor the memory of a United States President, The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is arguably considered the most comprehensive due to its large collection of assets that tell the story of our 36th President from his birth to death. Park Superintendent Russ Whitlock explains that the role of the parks facilities and staff is not to advocate for the LBJ presidency, but rather to tell its compelling story. Our goal is to put you back in that time and place, not to debate the issues, he said. The concept of parks was near and dear to Lady Bird Johnson and under her influence, President Johnson signed more national park legislation than any other president in history, adding land to some 39 parks across the country. The creation of the park began in 1969 when the Johnson Family signed over the Boyhood Home and related structures, which is situated on 80 acres. In 1972, 700 acres of the familys beloved ranchland in Stonewall was added to the system, with a congressional authorization to ultimately expand to 1,500 acres. Part of this agreement was a life estate use by Lady Bird and for an additional 34 years after the ranch was gifted to the National Park Service, she used the land. Perhaps the Crown Jewel of the facility is the Texas White House, where the Johnsons entertained family and international dignitaries alike. Of the five years the President was in office, a full 16 months were spent at the Ranch. In December of 2011, the entire ground floor of the home opened to the public and in 12-18 months the second floor is expected to be available for special tours. One of the bedrooms on the second floor was specially decorated by Lady Bird in anticipation of a visit from President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy. Sadly, that visit never occurred as President Kennedy was assassinated on that fateful trip to Texas. Everything one sees is original to the home, which is an amazing feat for a project like this, explains Whitlock. To accommodate her husbands needs as a national public official, Lady Bird added an office to the home, which is affectionately known as the West Wing of the Texas White House. While the office was later used for other purposes, all of its contents had been placed in storage so that it could be restored to period use. Everything, down to the telephones, were used at that time by the President. Whitlock is especially proud of the job his staff performs in telling the Johnson Family story. We have built a staff that is very involved. We want to be an engaged, functioning and meaningful part of the community. We consistently strive to make a valued contribution, he said. One of the key ways the staff engages is through special events. On October 25, Asleep at the Wheel will perform for the Parks annual Barbecue on the Pedernales celebration. Recently, LBJs grandson visited the Ranch and commented that he was proud that the land had not become a historic relic of the past, but rather a present day reflection. In keeping with telling the story, the Johnsons heritage Hereford cattle operation is still managed as a working ranch, with many animals that are direct bloodline descendants of the Johnson cattle. In his 9th park assignment as a career Park Service employee, Whitlock notices changes to the visitors that come to the facility. I believe his memory is breaking the shackles of Vietnam and people are starting to look at his domestic agenda that LBJ described as his Great Society programs. Fifty years have passed and people are taking a different look. During his five-year presidency, LBJ signed 200 pieces of significant legislation. Whitlock recounts a conversation Johnson had with his staff soon after becoming President. He told them that they were at the highest level approval they would ever be and would leave hated. He vowed to spend every bit of his political capital getting things done. He is also quick to note the importance of the role Lady Bird Johnson played in the LBJ presidency and the formation of the park itself. She was undoubtedly a strong wind in his sails. If the park were established today, I believe her name would be in the title as well. He remembers that when Lady Bird passed away, it was important to the family that her grave marker be the same size and height as the Presidents, next to whom she is buried.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 15:23:28 +0000
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