Description:

Lady Bird Johnson 19 TLS Archive with Related Cards, Letters, Etc. to Designer Adele Simpson

A large group of 19 typed letters signed and an autograph postcard signed by Lady Bird Johnson, together with related letters, cards, programs, etc. relating to Johnson and fashion designer Adele Simpson. The typed letters are signed either "Lady Bird" or "Lady Bird J" and date from January 3, 1974, to December 21, 1992. All are typed on Johnson's personal Stonewall, Texas letterhead. The majority are addressed to Adele Simpson herself, thanking her for numerous glamorous gifts such as evening bags, gowns and dresses, a silk stole, a robe, a suit, and more. Three of the later letters are addressed to Joan Simpson Raines (Adele's daughter) and her husband Richard. Among the related materials (approximately 30+ additional items) are Christmas cards, formal White House invitations, dinner programs and menus, and typed letters signed by Lady Bird's secretaries. There is also an autograph card signed by Lady Bird's daughter, Luci Baines Johnson, addressed to Joan Simpson Raines. The total group is a fantastic collection and highlights the First Lady's interest in fashion and travel, among other things in the years following her husband's death. With flattened mail folds and faint toning. Boldly signed letters. Some soiling and creasing to other related materials. Please refer to the photographs for further condition information.

Highlights from the group:
January 3, 1974, Stonewall, Texas, addressed to Adele Simpson: "How touched and deeply gratified I am you are serving as a member of the national committee of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac! Lyndon was a man who loved to have his friends around him in life and it is especially meaningful to know that this committee on his memorial in Washington is one of personal ties…"

October 31, 1979, Stonewall, Texas, addressed to Adele Simpson: "The pink slips describing my beautiful beige suit and red dress just reached my hands. Adele, I noted with pleasure and gratitude the 'less 25%', which is a wonderful kindness, and then I saw the other slip which said 'NC'. You must not be so generous! How can I keep coming to see you if you persist?!! And, I do want to return often, for I love the fine workmanship and lasting quality of your clothes -- and of course, visiting with you. The suit and dress are just perfect, and I will wear them often, feeling turned out 'just right.' Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do."

September 15, 1986, Stonewall, Texas, addressed to Joan and Richard Raines: "Thank you for reaching out to me at the time of my brother's death. A world without Tony in it seems a very different one to me, but I'm endlessly grateful we shared so many good, long conversations, experiences and reminiscences, especially in our later years. We didn't let the thousand miles between our homes stand in the way too often, and spending five days with him in Santa Fe the week before his death was a blessing I shall always treasure. Your understanding words and sympathy meant so much to me."

Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Johnson (1912 -2 007) married Lyndon B. Johnson in 1934 and served as First Lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969. As First Lady, she broke convention by interacting directly with Congress, employing her own press secretary, and making a solo electioneering tour. She was also an advocate for cleaning up the nation's cities and highways, and the subsequent Highway Beautification Act became informally known as "Lady Bird's Bill". She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1984, the highest honors bestowed upon a U.S. civilian. Lady Bird has been consistently been ranked as one of the most highly regarded first ladies by historians.

Adele Simpson (1903-1995) was an American fashion designer with a successful career that spanned nearly five decades. She studied design at the Pratt Institute and became head designer for Ben Gershel (a prominent 7th Ave ready-to-wear fashion house) after graduation. In 1949, she bought Mary Lee's business (also located on 7th Ave), which she renamed Adele Simpson Inc. Her designs became highly sought after in the U.S. and were frequently showcased in the media and department stores. She would go on to dress First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, and Barbara Bush during her long career. She also designed the matching yellow dress, hat, and street-length coat which Lady Bird wore to her daughter's 1966 wedding.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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June 28, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
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University Archives

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