Lynda Bird Johnson and Charles S. Robb Wedding Portrait
O. J. Rapp
celebrations
weddings
Second Floor
Yellow Oval Room
In this photograph by O. J. Rapp, Lynda Bird Johnson, daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, poses alongside her husband, Marine Corps Capt. Charles S. Robb, following their wedding ceremony on December 9, 1967. The couple, photographed here in the Yellow Oval Room, was married in East Room of the White House. Lynda's wedding gown was designed by Geoffrey Beene and featured a high-necked, long sleeve narrow A-line type dress, made full by a center pleat down the back. The gown was made of pearl white Abraham silk satin in an internationally distinguished Swiss mill.
Wedding Ceremony of Lynda Bird Johnson and Charles S. Robb
Robert L. Knudsen
celebrations
weddings
State Floor
East Room
In this photograph by Robert L. Knudsen, Lynda Bird Johnson, daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, stands at the altar alongside her groom, Marine Corps Capt. Charles S. Robb, on their wedding day, December 9, 1967. The Johnson-Robb wedding took place in the East Room of the White House. Lynda's younger sister, Luci Baines Johnson, in red at right, served as maid of honor while Reverend Canon Gerald N.McAllister, far right, performed the wedding ceremony. Lynda wore a white silk satin-paneled wedding gown designed by Geoffrey Beene featuring embellished vertical lines of silk floss, embroidered flowers, and delicate seed pearls. Her wedding ensemble was topped with a 15-yard-long tulle veil.
Newlyweds Lynda Bird Johnson and Charles S. Robb Lead Recessional
Michael Geissinger
weddings
celebrations
State Floor
East Room
Cross Hall
military
In this photograph by Michael Geissinger, newlyweds Lynda Bird Johnson and Charles S. Robb lead a recessional following their wedding ceremony on December 9, 1967. Lynda, daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, married Robb, a Marine Corps captain, in the East Room of the White House. Lynda's wedding gown was designed by Geoffrey Beene and featured a high-necked, long sleeve narrow A-line type dress, made full by a center pleat down the back. The gown was made of pearl white Abraham silk satin in an internationally distinguished Swiss mill.
President and Mrs. Johnson Pose with the Johnson-Robb Wedding Party
Frank Wolfe
Yellow Oval Room
Second Floor
celebrations
weddings
In this photograph by Frank Wolfe, President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson pose with their daughter, Lynda Bird Johnson, on her wedding day on December 9, 1967. The Johnsons are joined by Lynda's groom, Marine Corps Capt. Charles S. Robb, her younger sister, Luci Baines Johnson, to the right of Mrs. Johnson, and the wedding party in the Yellow Oval Room on the Second Floor of the White House. This photograph was captured following Lynda and Charles' ceremony in the East Room. Along with the bridal ensemble, Geoffrey Beene designed the bridesmaids’ red velvet dresses which were inspired by Francisco Goya’s 1787-1788 painting Manuel Osorio Manrique de Zúñiga and reflected the medieval aesthetic popularized by the 1967 film Camelot.
Lynda Bird Johnson and Charles S. Robb Cut Their Wedding Cake
Yoichi R. Okamoto
weddings
celebrations
State Floor
East Room
military
In this photograph by Yoichi R. Okamoto, Lynda Bird Johnson and Marine Corps Capt. Charles S. Robb use a saber to cut their wedding cake while her parents, President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, look on. Johnson and Robb were married in the East Room of the White House, where they also cut their cake, on December 9, 1967. Per Marine Corps tradition, the couple uses a saber to cut through the five-layer cake, as they became the 15th couple to be married in the White House. Immediately following the cake-cutting ceremony, the couple performed their first dance.
Designer Geoffrey Beene with Lynda Bird Johnson's Wedding Veil
Yoichi R. Okamoto
weddings
celebrations
Second Floor
Center Hall
clothing & accessories
fashion
In this photograph by Yoichi R. Okamoto, designer Geoffrey Beene holds up the shoulder-length veil worn by Lynda Bird Johnson at her wedding on December 9, 1967. Beene was captured in the Center Hall on the Second Floor of the White House that day ahead of the wedding ceremony. Lynda Bird Johnson, daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, married Marine Corps Capt. Charles S. Robb in the East Room. The veil was made of silk illusion and attached to a coronet made of the same silk satin fabric and embroidery as her gown.
"How to Discover America in Style" White House Fashion Show
United States Information Agency
South Portico
South Grounds
clothing & accessories
fashion
This photograph was taken at the "How to Discover America in Style" fashion show at the White House on February 29, 1968. The first fashion show to take place at the White House, it was presented by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and guests included an assembled group of the wives of the governors of the United States, fashion designers, and journalists. The fashion show took place in the State Dining Room along with a luncheon. Frankie Welch, one of the first designers to design “across the aisle,” creating gowns and scarves for Mrs. Johnson and first ladies Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, and Rosalynn Carter, was among the designers featured in the fashion show. Her "Discover America" scarf, seen here on the underside brim of a sunhat, was used throughout the show and was given as a thank you gift to attendees.
"How to Discover America in Style" White House Fashion Show
United States Information Agency
State Dining Room
State Floor
clothing & accessories
fashion
This photograph was taken at the "How to Discover America in Style" fashion show at the White House on February 29, 1968. The first fashion show to take place at the White House, it was presented by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and guests included an assembled group of the wives of the governors of the United States, fashion designers, and journalists. The fashion show took place in the State Dining Room along with a luncheon. Frankie Welch, one of the first designers to design “across the aisle,” creating gowns and scarves for Mrs. Johnson and first ladies Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, and Rosalynn Carter, was among the designers featured in the fashion show. Her "Discover America" scarf, seen here on on flagpoles held by the models, was used throughout the show and was given as a thank you gift to attendees.
President Ford Awards the Presidential Medial of Freedom to Lady Bird Johnson
Bill Fitz-Patrick
ceremonies
White House Guests
State Floor
Presidential Medal of Freedom
East Room
merits & awards
In this photograph by Bill Fitz-Patrick, President Gerald R. Ford presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson in a ceremony in the East Room on January 10, 1977. President Ford presented the award in the waning days of his presidency, honoring Mrs. Johnson alongside the likes of Georgia O'Keeffe, Irving Berlin, Joe DiMaggio, Nelson Rockefeller, and Norman Rockwell.
Inaugural Ball for the Second Inauguration of President Lyndon B. Johnson
Yoichi R. Okamoto
inaugurations
Washington, D.C.
This photograph of an inaugural ball for President Lyndon B. Johnson was taken by Yoichi R. Okamoto on January 20, 1965. Following President Johnson's second inauguration, inaugural balls were held at the National Guard Armory and four Washington, D.C. hotels: the Mayflower, Sheraton-Park, Shoreham, and Statler-Hilton. Pictured here from left to right: Luci Baines Johnson (wearing a pink gown), First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, President Lyndon B. Johnson, Lynda Bird Johnson, Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, Muriel Humphrey.
This photograph of President Lyndon B. Johnson and his family celebrating Christmas Eve in the Yellow Oval Room was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on December 24, 1967. Here, First Lady Lady Bird Johnson leans over the shoulder of President Johnson to look at a book given by their daughter, Lynda, and son-in-law Capt. Charles S. Robb.
25th Anniversary of the Inauguration of Lyndon B. Johnson
Frank Wolfe
presidential sites & libraries
commemorations
Texas
This photograph taken by Frank Wolfe on May 4, 1990, depicts a celebration held at the Lyndon B. Johnson Library Auditorium in Austin, Texas, for the 25th anniversary of the inauguration of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Pictured here from left to right: Lynda Bird Johnson Robb, former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, and Luci Baines Johnson.
Johnson Family Celebrates Christmas in the Yellow Oval Room
Jack E. Kightlinger
Yellow Oval Room
First Family
Christmas
winter holidays
pets
Second Floor
This photograph of President Lyndon B. Johnson and his family opening Christmas presents in the Yellow Oval Room was taken by Jack E. Kightlinger on December 24, 1968. President Lyndon B. Johnson sits in a chair patting dog Yuki, flanked by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and his daughter, Lynda Bird Johnson, who cradles her daughter Lucinda Desha Robb. Behind them, the president's daughter Luci crouches in front of a couch beside her son, Patrick Lyndon Nugent, who is opening a present. Other individuals can be seen in the background, including secretary Mary Rather, who stands near a Christmas tree. Although during early years of their administration the Johnson family celebrated Christmas at their Texas ranch, they celebrated Christmases in the Yellow Oval Room in 1967 and 1968.
President and Mrs. Johnson Dance at Their Daughter's Wedding
Yoichi R. Okamoto
weddings
celebrations
East Room
State Floor
This photograph of President Lyndon B. Johnson dancing with First Lady Lady Bird Johnson at their daughter Lynda Bird Johnson's wedding reception in the East Room was taken by Yoichi R. Okamoto on December 9, 1967. The first daughter exchanged vows with Marine Corps Capt. Charles S. Robb during their ceremony in the East Room of the White House.
Bill Signing Ceremony for Civil Rights Act of 1964
O. J. Rapp
signing
press
bills
State Floor
East Room
civil rights
In this photograph, taken by O. J. Rapp on July 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson delivers a televised address to the nation prior to signing into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The bill prohibited job discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, or national origin, ended segregation in public places, and the unequal application of voting requirements. In attendance at the ceremony were members of Congress and civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rep. Peter Rodino of New Jersey.
Black Tie Dinner for the National Council on the Arts
Robert L. Knudsen
winter holidays
meals
arts & culture
State Floor
Blue Room Christmas Tree
Blue Room
Christmas
This photograph was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on December 13, 1966, following a black tie dinner hosted by President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson for members of the National Council on the Arts. It was established through the National Arts and Cultural Development Act of 1964, before the The National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act passed in 1965, establishing the National Endowment for the Arts. The National Council on the Arts consists of appointees selected by the president and approved by the Senate for their contributions to the arts, who advise the Chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts. Many of the founding members of the National Council of the Humanities attended this reception, including Ralph Ellison, Paul Engle, Elizabeth Ashley, Gregory Peck, Oliver Smith, William Pereira, Leonard Bernstein, and Isaac Stern. Here, President and Mrs. Johnson receive guests by the Blue Room Christmas Tree.
Black Tie Dinner for the National Council on the Arts
Robert L. Knudsen
winter holidays
military
meals
decorations
arts & culture
U.S. Marine Band
State Floor
Entrance Hall
This photograph was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on December 13, 1966, following a black tie dinner hosted by President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson for members of the National Council on the Arts. It was established through the National Arts and Cultural Development Act of 1964, before the The National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act passed in 1965, establishing the National Endowment for the Arts. The National Council on the Arts consists of appointees selected by the president and approved by the Senate for their contributions to the arts, who advise the Chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts. Many of the founding members of the National Council of the Humanities attended this reception, including Ralph Ellison, Paul Engle, Elizabeth Ashley, Gregory Peck, Oliver Smith, William Pereira, Leonard Bernstein, and Isaac Stern. Here, Lynda Bird Johnson, eldest daughter of the president and first lady, dances with guests in the Entrance Hall as the United States Marine Band performs. The room is festively decorated for the holiday season: visible on the mirror behind the Marine Band is an elaborate "Twelve Days of Christmas" motif, made of colorful felt figures. Similar displays were a tradition in the Entrance Hall throughout Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency.
This photograph, taken by Frank Wolfe on December 15, 1967, shows First Lady Lady Bird Johnson posing with guests beside a crèche in the East Room. The Neapolitan crèche was gifted to the White House by Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard, Jr. of Far Hills, New Jersey, pictured here behind Mrs. Johnson. The donation included 39 hand-painted figurines. The 14-foot tall crèche setting display was built by Tony Award-winning stage designer Donald Oenslager, with mechanisms for annual disassembly.
President and Mrs. Harding and Guests Descend the South Portico
Harris & Ewing
American Indians
South Portico
east view
Jacqueline Kennedy Garden
In this photograph, President Warren G. Harding and First Lady Florence Kling Harding descend the east staircase of the South Portico with guests who are dressed in traditional American Indian attire. During his presidency, Warren G. Harding welcomed several prominent members of the American Indian community at the White House including Chief Plenty Coups (Alaxchíia Ahú) from the Crow nation, and Chief Buffalo Bear and Princess Buffalo Bear of the Sioux nation. The East Garden is partially visible on the right side of this photograph. The garden was rededicated as the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden in 1965 by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson.
In this photograph, maitre d'hotel John W. Ficklin surprises President Giuseppe Saragat of Italy with a birthday cake during a State Dinner held in his honor on September 19, 1967. The State Dinner was hosted by President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson on the Italian president's 69th birthday. Prominently displayed on the table is a gilded bronze plateau purchased for the White House during the James Monroe administration. After the dinner in the State Dining Room, guests transitioned to the East Room where they enjoyed selections from the musical "Man of La Mancha" by Richard Kiley, who originated the role of Don Quixote in the Broadway production.
Santa Claus Greets Guests at Children's Christmas Party
Joseph J. Scherschel
State Floor
Christmas
Blue Room
winter holidays
parties
In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 18, 1965, guests of a White House Christmas party attempt to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, framed in the door of the Blue Room. Luci Baines Johnson, youngest daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, hosted the party to brighten the holiday season for approximately 150 local children. The children gathered in the Blue Room to see the official White House Christmas Tree, which is traditionally placed at its center. In 1965, the tree was adorned with garlands made from nuts, popcorn, and cranberries, and 3000 ornaments including decorations made from gingerbread, straw stars, bunches of geraniums, and toy soldiers. During the party, the children also enjoyed sweet treats in the State Dining Room, watched a concert in the East Room by Estonian-Swedish pianist Käbi Larete, and were presented with toys including jack-in-the boxes and mechanical animals.
Eartha Kitt Questions President Johnson at Luncheon
Kevin Smith
protests
meals
initiatives
arts & culture
State Floor
Family Dining Room
Vietnam War
In this photograph, taken by Kevin Smith on January 18, 1968, American singer and actress Eartha Kitt questions President Lyndon B. Johnson during a "Women Doers" luncheon hosted by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Mrs. Johnson hosted the luncheon series to encourage discussion of the roles women could take to address various social issues. The topic for the January 18 luncheon was "Crime on the Streets." Kitt, who was invited to speak at the luncheon due to her work with at-risk youth, defended anti-Vietnam War protestors and spoke critically on President Johnson's policies regarding taxes, social welfare, and childcare. Due to her remarks, Kitt faced media backlash and career repercussions that lasted several decades.
President Johnson Hosts Reception for Olympic Medal Winners
Cecil Stoughton
sports
State Floor
East Room
receptions
In this photograph, taken by Cecil Stoughton on December 1, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson mingle with guests during a reception for Olympic medal winners in the East Room. President Johnson hosted the luncheon and reception to congratulate approximately 100 U.S. Olympic medalists for their achievements at the 1964 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. At the 1964 Tokyo Games, the American team took home 90 medals, including 36 gold medals.
President Johnson Hosts Reception for Olympic Medal Winners
Cecil Stoughton
sports
receptions
East Room
State Floor
In this photograph, taken by Cecil Stoughton on December 1, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson addresses a group of approximately 100 Olympic medal winners in the East Room. First Lady Lady Bird Johnson can be seen seated in the first row of the audience. President Johnson hosted the luncheon and reception to congratulate the athletes for their achievements at the 1964 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. At the 1964 Tokyo Games, the American team took home 90 medals, including 36 gold medals.
President Johnson Hosts Reception for Olympic Medal Winners
Cecil Stoughton
sports
receptions
State Floor
East Room
In this photograph, taken by Cecil Stoughton on December 1, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson receive guests in the Cross Hall prior to a reception for Olympic medal winners in the East Room. President Johnson hosted the luncheon and reception to congratulate approximately 100 U.S. Olympic medalists for their achievements at the 1964 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. At the 1964 Tokyo Games, the American team took home 90 medals, including 36 gold medals.