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Lady Bird (Claudia Alta Taylor) Johnson:
The Emergence of a Public First Lady with Private Influence

“The Evolution of the role of First Lady in America during the past half century has been….almost as dramatic as the expansion of the Role of the Chief Executive.” [1] Katie Louchheim in the March 1964 issue of Ladies’ Home Journal observed this phenomenon.
The most significant development was the power acquired by the first lady through her position as a public figure: “Regardless of her distaste for public life, her role can no longer be a private one; she acquires indirect power when her husband takes the oath of office as President of the United States.”[2]
In the Era of 1964-1977 the role of the first lady began to transform from one of a political celebrity to the first lady as a Political savvy activist. One of the First Ladies during this era instrumental in the emergence of the first lady as a proactive political activist was Lady Bird (Claudia Alta Taylor) Johnson, wife of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Through exploring Lady Bird’s roles as a wife, mother, conservationist, businesswoman, philanthropist and First Lady, one will further understand how her influences and actions transformed the role of the modern First lady and how she used her platform to eventually transform not only cities and states but an entire nation well after her role as First lady. In order to fully understand Lady Bird Johnson’s development of her legacy especially in the sense of defining roles and responsibility of a modern first lady one must look at her background filled with active campaign agendas, promotion of her husband’s issues, development of her own environmental issues and private influence on her husband decisions and rhetoric.

Lady Bird’s Early Years Claudia Alta Taylor was born on December 22, 1912 in Karnack, Texas. As a child Claudia acquired the name “Lady Bird” which was given to her by an African American cook in the family that stated “that child was as pretty as a lady bird”, comparing her to the lady bird beetles of East Texas.[3] She was born to a wealthy business man, Thomas Jefferson Taylor, and a cultured intelligent woman, Minnie Pattillo Taylor who died in an accident when Lady Bird was five years of age. It’s been stated that although Lady Bird had little time with her mother, her mother’s lifelong love of reading was seemingly fostered in Lady Bird. Due to her father not being able to take care of the children alone he asked for the help of his wife’s unmarried sister, Effie Patillo came from Alabama to assist in raising Lady Bird. From her aunt, lady bird gained a pleasure for literature and nature.[4] Through lady bird’s biographical accounts scholars gained a sense of loneliness from her which caused her to retreat in nature. Much of her enjoyment came from spending time on the Caddo Lake or in fields of flower. During these retreats she would learn the names of the flowers and nurtured a love for landscape and the natural world.
She was an excellent student throughout school. She graduated high school ranked third in her class and at the age of 15. For two years after that she attended St. Mary School for girls in Dallas, Texas then entered into the University of Texas in Austin in the 1930’s. She received a bachelor’s of Arts degree majoring in History in 1933. Also took an additional year so that she could earn her journalism degree. She aspired to be a reporter and had necessary courses to have her teacher certificate. Lady Bird was prepared for a multitude of opportunities and possibilities.
One opportunity that she was faced with was one of marriage. In the summer of 1934 a friend introduced her to Lyndon B. Johnson, who at that time was an aide to a member of congress from Texas. After only a 7 week courtship they were married on November 17, 1934. After their marriage lady bird found herself in Washington, D.C learning and embarking on a political education that would ultimately benefit her for the rest of her life. Lady Bird’s Role as a wife Lyndon B. Johnson had a fiery temper and expected his wife to cater to his every need whether small or large. Unlike Lady Bird, Johnson had little interest in literature or the theater and constantly criticized her clothes and constantly embarrassed her in front of friends. In the midst of his disrespect towards especially with infidelities she accepted his cutting words and urged others to bear with his temper. Seemingly, she was always supportive of her husband even in the midst of his injuring comments to her feelings. Lady Bird in the process developed an unusual self control and patience for her husband. All in all, Lyndon B. Johnson came to depend on his wife’s judgment and patience and stability in his active and hectic life. Three years later a Congressional seat in Texas opened up due to the death of a congressman and Lyndon decided to run for that seat. Lady Bird entered into this venture with him and here is when one sees how she begins to use and exhibit her political savvy and quiet that would be instrumental in Johnson’s successful political career. Seeking advice from a former Senator, attorney , and political figure according to Diana Curling, she wanted to find out Lyndon’s chances to win and once she found out she took her inheritance to help start up a campaign. Although Lady Bird “criticized herself for being too timid to get out and campaign with him” she “pushed herself to work harder behind the scenes.”[5] The fact that Lady Bird was criticizing herself over being too timid to get out and campaign with her husband, the very fact that she even thinks to do this demonstrates her progressive way of thinking at the time. During these years women remained in the background and that was not expected of wives. Lady Bird’s Role of Political Partner After Lyndon B. Johnson won the election, due partly to his wife taking over and making phone calls to get out the vote after his emergency appendectomy two days before the election, their political partnership was firmly launched.[6] Lady Bird support for her husband’s career is one of great magnitude and what she is often know for most. For eight months Johnson volunteered for active duty in the navy at the start of WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He left in April 1942. Lady Bird managed his congressional office without compensation. In an era in which wives usually remained in the background, Johnson wanted Lady Bird to be in charge instead of one of his aides because she “had the authority of his name.”[7] This was an atypical role for a political wife but as Burns states in her book, “The First Ladies and the Fourth Estate”, that the political role of the First Lady in 1964-1977 was one of presidential surrogacy which the wives use to garner support and publicity for their husbands program and name and a role of Political activism filled with influence and power. The presidential campaign of 1960 thrust Mrs. Johnson into national politics in a decisive way. During the campaign for the Kennedy Johnson ticket, Mrs. Johnson proved to be an important asset. She made whistle stop tours of Dixie that impressed the Kennedy people. During the campaign she traveled 35000 miles, she made 16 fampaign appearances in 11 states on her own and accompanied her husband on 150 stops. She did all this in a matter of two months Lady Bird’s Role as a businesswoman Lady Bird’s tenure in Johnson’s office, however gave her confidence that she could do things on her own, and made her aware of the need for income beyond the congressional salary. In 1942, Lady Bird bought a bankrupt Austin radio station in which became the foundation for a family broadcasting business that ultimately made her a multimillionaire. After this purchase, Lady bird spent time in Texas hiring staff and overseeing operations. Giving recognition to her husband was important, according to author Diana Curlin “Lady Bird invested her time and money in helping to create a grand persona for LBJ. She helped build his reputation as a great man, Texas rancher, wealthy business man,, as well as a member of congress, someone worthy of the whole nations leadership.”[8]
Lady Bird’s Role as a mother
There were major setbacks and challenges and disappointments that happened in the midst of the ascent of the Johnson’s careers. In 1941, Lyndon was unsuccessful in procuring a seat in the senate. There were several miscarriages suffered before finally giving birth to their first child, Lynda Bird in 1944, and Lucy Baines in 1947. Lyndon B Johnson also suffered a heart attack while serving majority leader in the Senate in 1955, being the supportive wife that she is found herself overseeing his office until his recovery. It was then when Lyndon B. Johnson realized how much his wife meant to him. Lady Bird balanced her dedication to her husband, children, and country throughout LBJ’s career.
Role as First Lady During the Vice President years of LBJ, Lady Bird was often called on the take care of many issues for Jackie Kennedy. Jackie Kennedy disdained most aspects of political life. Anything Mrs. Kennedy didn’t want to do was often given to Lady Bird. So when the Kennedy assassination ensued and thrust the position of First Lady on Lady Bird she was already prepared and knew what to do. As the First Lady, Lady Bird was often concerned with all the little / simple things that need to be done. Lady Bird never hesitated to voice her opinion about any issue her husband addressed. As first lady , Lady Bird used her power and influence as LBJ’s political partner to implement programs, such as Head Start that assist preschool children in obtaining skills they needed for success in education. She also concluded that natural beauty was the area in which most of her time would go as First lady. Many wanted her to first focus on Washington, D.C to make it a model for the nation.[9] During Johnson State of the Union address he included references to beautification. Mrs. Johnson held an initial meeting of her First Lady’s Committee for a more beautiful capital. This campaign in Washington, D.C. operated on two tracks 1) dealing with the needs of the city of what the tourist would see and two she worked and publicized the needs for flowers, parks, and open spaces. The Beautification Act of 1965 was one of the most tangible results of Lady Bird’s campaign for national beautification. This bill called for legislative support for control of outdoor advertising, including removal of certain types signs along the nation’s interstate systems. It also called for scenic enhancement and roadside development. Lady Bird made it her purpose to call attention to the natural beauty of the nation and Washington. Lady Bird had numerous influential beautification programs implemented that not only beautified parks but neighborhoods and many programs came of this. Lady Bird’s beautification programs inspired millions of Americans to try to preserve our land and beautify this nation.
After leaving Washington, Mrs. Johnson efforts were focused on Texas. Due to her efforts she was instrumental in the development of Austin’s hike and bike trail that winds more than 10 miles around the Town Lake. For the next 20 years after her stint in Washington, D.C. She continued to encouraged the beautification of Texas highways by personally giving awards to highway districts that used native Texas plants and scenery to the best advantage according to the Lyndon B. Johnson library. In 1982, her passion for beautification would lead her to create the National Wildflower Research Center which she personally contributed $125,000 and 60 acres east of Austin, Texas to start the center. This center soon became a national leader in research, education and projects that encouraged use of wildflowers.[10] A few years later Lady Bird Johnson saw the need for a larger site and located 43 acre piece of land in the country of Southwest Austin. This new center opened in 1995, in 1998 it was renamed the Lady bird Johnson Wildflower Center. It is now more than 279 acres and houses a fully developed education program for children and adults which makes for the Wildlife Centers influence immense across the nation. The Centers mission is to increase sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes, and to teach everyone how these plants conserve water, minimize fertilizer use and reduce insecticides that pollute the atmosphere
Through exploring Lady Bird’s roles as a wife, mother, conservationist, businesswoman, and First Lady, one should further understand how her influences and actions transformed the role of the modern First lady from one of celebrity and passiveness to a role of great influence and partnership to her husband. One should also comprehend how she used her platform to eventually transform not only cities and states but an entire nation well after her role as First lady through her beautification initiatives, environmental movements, addressment of inner city youth problems, and enhancement of national concern about natural beauty . Although she died on July 12, 2007 at the age of 94, she leaves behind a legacy of forging a national environmental movement, becoming a symbol for how the contemporary women should balance her domestic duties with careers, civic responsibilities and interest independent of her husband and children, and changing the role of the modern day First Lady. Lady Bird’s daughter Lucie Baines Johnson stated “It is a philosophy that will endure long after my mother is not here, and I think there is no legacy she would more treasure than to have helped people recognize the value in preserving and promoting our native land.”[11]

A List of Lady Bird’s Accomplishments
AWARDS AND HONORS PRESENTED TO LADY BIRD JOHNSON:
Of particular note:
· From 1971-1977, served on The University of Texas System Board of Regents.
· Member of the International Conference Steering Committee (1981-82) and The University of Texas Centennial Commission.
· Trustee of the National Geographic Society.
· Member of the National Committee for the Bicentennial Era.
· Named to the Advisory Council to the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration by President Ford. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter appointed Mrs. Johnson to the President's Commission on White House Fellowships.
Other awards include:
· Togetherness Award, Marge Champion, 1958
· Humanitarian Award, B'nai B'rith, 1961
· Businesswoman's Award, Business and Professional Women's Club, 1961
· Theta Sigma Phi Citation, 1962
· Distinguished Achievement Award, Washington Heart Association, 1962
· Industry Citation, American Women in Radio & Television, 1963
· Humanitarian Citation, Volunteers of America, 1963
· Distinguished Alumnus Award, The University of Texas Ex-Students’ Association, 1964
· George Foster Peabody Award for the television program, "A Visit to Washington with
· Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson on Behalf of a More Beautiful America," 1966
· Eleanor Roosevelt Golden Candlestick Award, Women's National Press Club, 1968
· Damon Woods Memorial Award, The Industrial Designers' Society of America, 1972
· Conservation Service Award, Department of the Interior, 1974
· American Legion Distinguished Award, 1975
· Ladies Home Journal "Woman of the Year" Award for Quality of Life, 1975
· Abraham Lincoln Award, Southern Baptist Convention, 1976
· Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Gerald Ford, 1977
· Texas Women's Hall of Fame, 1984
· National Achievement Award, American Horticultural Society, 1984
· Wildflowers Across America Award of the Year, Garden Writers Association, 1984
· Texan of the Year Award, State of Texas, 1985
· Lord & Taylor Rose Award, 1987
· Congressional Gold Medal, 1988
· Gold Seal Award for Distinguished Service and Achievement,
· National Council of State Garden Clubs, 1990
· Lone Star Lifestyle Visionary Award, J.C. Penney Company, 1990
· Tom Dodd, Jr. Award of Excellence, 1990
· Star in Our Crown, Victoria Magazine, 1993
· Charles Leonard Weddle Memorial Award, Native Plant Society, 1994
· Lifetime Achievement Award, Nature Conservancy of Texas, 1994
· Texas Federation of Women's Clubs Award, 1994
· Motorola Earth Day Award, 1995
· Golden Plate Award, American Academy of Achievement, 1995
· National Building Museum Honor Award, 1995
· Chairman's Award, National Geographic Society, 1995
· Conservation Achievement Award, Southwest Regional Office of the
· National Park Service, 1995
· Laurance Spelman Rockefeller Conservation Award for Distinguished Service, 1996
· Caritas of Austin's Harvey Penick Award, 1996
· Environmental Law Institute Award, 1996
· Star of Texas Preservation Award, Gillespie County Historical Society, 1996
· The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT)
· International Award of Excellence, 1997
· The Heritage Society of Austin Sue and Frank McBee Visionary Award, 1997
· The 39th Annual Freeman Award, 1998
· The Edith Wharton Achievement Award for Landscape Preservation, 1998
· Denver Botanic Gardens Medal for Eminent Contributions and Leadership, 1998
· Lifetime Achievement Award, Native Plant Conservation Initiative, 1999
· The Texas Audubon Society Centennial Award for Conservation, 1999
· Cornerstone Award, Texas Society of Architects, 2000
· Theodore Roosevelt National Park Medal of Honor, National Park Foundation, 2000
· The Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Honor, 2003
· Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Hall of Fame Award, 2004
· Edwin P. Hubble Award, Edwin P. Hubble Society, 2004
· History Making Texan Award, The Texas State History Museum Foundation, 2005
· National Conservation Achievement Award for Conservationist of the Year,
· National Wildlife Federation, 2005
· Lindy Boggs Award, Stennis Center for Public Service, 2005
· Cornelius Amory Pugsley Medal, Academy of Park and Recreation Administration and
· The National Park Foundation, 2005
Honorary Degrees:
· The University of Texas, Austin, Texas, Doctor of Letters, 1964
· Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas, Doctor of Law, 1964
· Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, Doctor of Letters, 1967
· Williams College, Massachusetts, Doctor of Humane Letters, 1967
· Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas, Doctor of Humanities, 1967
· The University of Alabama, Doctor of Humane Letters,1975
· Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), San Marcos, Texas,
· Doctor of Humane Letters, 1983
· Washington College, Chestertown, Maryland, Doctor of Humane Letters, 1983
· Weizmann Institute of Science, Honorary Fellow, 1985
· George Washington University, Doctor of Public Service, 1986
· Johns Hopkins University, Doctor of Humane Letters, 1990
· State University of New York, Doctor of Humane Letters, 1990
· Southern Methodist University, Doctor of Humane Letters, 1996
· St. Edward’s University, Doctor of Humane Letters, 1998
· Boston University, Doctor of Humane Letters, 1998

Notes
[1] Burns, Lisa M. First Ladies and the Fourth Estate. Illinois: Northern Illinois University Press, 2008. 102

[2] Burns, First Ladies and the Fourth Estate, 102 [3] Carlin, Diana B. "Lady Bird Johnson: The Making of a Public First Lady with Private Influence." In Inventing A Voice: The Rhetoric of American First Ladies of the Twentieth Century, by Molly Meijer Wertheimer, 273-295. New York: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, 2004.

[4] Gould, Lewis L. American First Ladies: Their Lives and Their Legacy. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc, 1996.

[5] (Carlin 2004, 276), (Russell 1999, 131) [6] (Burns 2008) [7] (Carlin 2004,277), (Russell 1999,135) [8] (Carlin 2004, 279) [9] (Gould 1996), (Burns 2008) [10] Clark, Charles S. CQ Researcher. June 30, 2006. http://library.cqpress.com.libproxy.udayton.edu/cqresearcher/document.php? (accessed October 5, 2009).

[11] (Clark 2006)

Bibliography Burns, Lisa M. First Ladies and the Fourth Estate. Illinois: Northern Illinois University Press, 2008.
Carlin, Diana B. "Lady Bird Johnson: The Making of a Public First Lady with Private Influence." In Inventing A Voice: The Rhetoric of American First Ladies of the Twentieth Century, by Molly Meijer Wertheimer, 273-295. New York: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, 2004.
Clark, Charles S. CQ Researcher. June 30, 2006. http://library.cqpress.com.libproxy.udayton.edu/cqresearcher/document.php? (accessed October 5, 2009).
Gould, Lewis L. American First Ladies: Their Lives and Their Legacy. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc, 1996.
Russell, Jan Jarboe.1999. Lady Bird: A Biography of Mrs. Johnson. New York: Scribner