We drove to Fredericksburg, TX, yesterday under threatening clouds and set up in a little intermittent drizzle at the campground at Ladybird Johnson Municipal Park and Golf Course. I didn't even know Ladybird played golf. Anyway, despite threats, we made it through the day without heavy rain. With the afternoon open we decided to take in LBJ's ranch and 'western White House' about 16 miles away. Half of the site is a state park, including a living history farm and half national park with the Johnson Ranch.
This was a very interesting trip and well worth our $3 admission. The volunteer guide was excellent. President Johnson spent about one-fourth of his Presidency at this home, but what comes through more than anything is the man's incredible work ethic. A 400-year old live oak in front of the house is known as the Cabinet Oak for the meetings of state that Johnson held there.
Since the airstrip, even after improvements, would not allow for the landing of the 707 then used as Air Force One, a smaller Lockheed Jetstar was used to ferry staffers and dignitaries to the home and is on display. The house had 72 phone lines installed to facilitate the business of state and the communications center behind the house is a conglomeration of trailers and steel buildings. Also on display are Johnson's fleet of cars, including an all-terrain hunting car and an amphibious car, that he delighted in driving guests about the ranch.
This was a very interesting trip and well worth our $3 admission. The volunteer guide was excellent. President Johnson spent about one-fourth of his Presidency at this home, but what comes through more than anything is the man's incredible work ethic. A 400-year old live oak in front of the house is known as the Cabinet Oak for the meetings of state that Johnson held there.
Since the airstrip, even after improvements, would not allow for the landing of the 707 then used as Air Force One, a smaller Lockheed Jetstar was used to ferry staffers and dignitaries to the home and is on display. The house had 72 phone lines installed to facilitate the business of state and the communications center behind the house is a conglomeration of trailers and steel buildings. Also on display are Johnson's fleet of cars, including an all-terrain hunting car and an amphibious car, that he delighted in driving guests about the ranch.
This morning the promised rain has arrived but looks like it may not be all day. On our plans for today are the National Museum of the Pacific War and a further look around Fredericksburg. The brochures promise 31 wineries but we may not get to them all.
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