Please note current members are encouraged to invite as their guests potential new members in the Friends of LBJ National Historical Park for this special event!

Schedule for August 24, 2008

Friends Preview Reception

4:30 PM          Park Gates Open at Junction School

                        5:00 PM          Reception Begins in Hangar

5:15 PM          Welcome and Announcements:

*  Sign up for tours of the President's Office

*  Sign up for volunteers to help with Friends/NPS Events in 2009

*  Opening of on-site silent auction bidding

5:15 PM to

7:00 PM          Tours of President's Office Continue; Guests Are Invited to Walk the Grounds

7:15 PM          Silent Auction Winners Announced

Item # 1

Dinner and Private Tour for 10 of the LBJ Ranch and Texas White House
Donated by Luci Johnson and Ian Turpin
Opening bid: $1,000

Invite your friends to a private tour of the Texas White House and the LBJ Ranch led by Luci Baines Johnson and her husband, Ian Turpin.

After the tour, Luci and Ian will be the hosts for a special dinner for the group. Date and time to be arranged.
 

Item #2

Hunter's Moon Dinner for 10
Donated by Bob & Frana Keith and Karen Weber
Opening bid: $500

Invite your friends to this dinner for 10 as you enjoy an evening under the stars for a hillside view of a Hunter's Moon (full moon) over the Texas Hill Country.

This special event is hosted by the Keiths at their Cypress Valley Ranch on a hilltop near Shovel Mountain in the Cypress Mill Community.

Wine and hors d'oeuvres await you and your guests on the lawn overlooking the expansive view, with the possibility of a lively game of Bocce Ball or Croquet.

As the sun sets, let your senses be filled with sounds of music in the night and smells of autumn air as you gather for a gourmet dinner prepared by Karen Weber, LBJ National Historical Park trustee.

Last, but not least, save room for a sinful dessert served by your hosts before the evening ends.

The winning bid for this item will include a choice of dates for the dinner: Sunday, October 12, 2008 OR Friday, October 17, 2008, One or the other, but not both.

Item # 3

LBJ Marble Bust

Donated by Shirley James, Lady Bird Johnson's Former Assistant

Opening Bid: $200

The marble LBJ bust is by Jimilu Mason, who also sculpted the life-size sculpture of President Johnson that stands at the LBJ State Park in Stonewall. 

A similar bust is in the Senate Gallery of Vice Presidents in Washington, D. C., and one also is in the LBJ Library in Austin.

Ms. James: "After President Johnson's funeral, I was asked to help at the LBJ Library in various ways including correspondence and news clippings. 

I went for two days and stayed for three months.  Mrs. Johnson-ever gracious and generous in showing her appreciation-gave me this bust along with several other items of treasured memorabilia."

Item # 4

Table Made of Elm from LBJ's Birthplace
Donated by Ric Smith
Opening bid: $200

A one-of-a-kind, small four-legged table or stool made from a branch of the large American elm that shaded LBJ's Birthplace for decades.

The table-top is a cross-section of one of the branches from the tree that stood near the site where, according to the president's mother, "Lyndon discovered America."

The tree rings on this branch mark about 90 years of Hill Country history. The age of the tree itself is unknown.

The tree was removed in 2000 due to the unsafe main trunk which had become hollow.

The table was designed and crafted by noted woodworker, Ric Smith, Hye, Texas. The table top is oval shaped with some bark remaining on the sides.

Inlaid in the edge of the table between the bark and the wood are some aventurine crystals, "comfort stones." The table is 23" long and 21" wide, and stands 17" high. The four legs are made from Bois D'Arc wood. Mr. Smith does custom woodwork from his home and created this unique piece especially for this event and the silent auction. Other work by this craftsman may be seen at Artisans at Rocky Hill, 234 West Main, Fredericksburg.

Item #5
Austin American-Statesman Ben Sargent's Print, "Bluebonnets in Heaven"
Donated by Russ Whitlock (NPS)
Opening bid: $100

"Are there bluebonnets in heaven? There will be now."

When Mrs. Johnson died on July 11, 2007, American Austin-Statesman cartoonist Ben Sargent drew a most fitting tribute to the First Lady's love of wildflowers and of protecting the natural beauty of America.

The print is matted and framed. Framed dimensions are 18-3/4"x15-3/4".

Item #6
Heritage Farms B&B Vacation
Donated by owners Patrick & Margie Watson, and Bonnie Jenschke (NPS)
Opening bid: $100

A two-night stay for two at Heritage Farms B&B, "The Homestead."

Treat yourself to a quiet get-away or gift to a friend or loved one.

Visit www.heritagefarmsbandb.com for pictures and additional information.

This is one of the most popular B&Bs in the area, and needs to be seen via their website, if not in person.

Item #7
Photograph "Presidential Swimming Hole-LBJ Ranch"

Donated by Sherry Justus (NPS)

Opening bid: $100

This photograph depicts the outdoor swimming pool that President Johnson had constructed in 1954 on the grounds of the Texas White House and enjoyed for so many years afterwards.

The photograph was taken in the early evening when the water looked particularly inviting.

It is printed on Epson archival paper and presented in a 16"x20" gallery frame with an archival mat.

Item #8

Photograph "Great Grandmother's House-LBJ Ranch"

Donated by Sherry Justus (NPS)

Opening bid: $100

This photograph gives another name to the famous Texas White House.

Mrs. Johnson's love of family and her delight in each new grand- and great-grandchild are shown by the tricycle which has been left by the doorway to her bedroom suite.

The photograph is printed on Epson archival paper and presented in a 16"x20" gallery frame with an archival mat.



Item #9

Silver K Cafe Gift Certificate
Donated by Kay and Al Pratt
Opening bid: $75.00

Silver K Cafe owners Kay and Al Pratt take pride in serving outstanding Texas Hill Country cuisine in an ambiance of rustic elegance.

The Silver K, located in Johnson City on Main Street in the Old Lumber Yard, features an excellent menu, Texas wines, art by local Texas artists and Texas singers and songwriters.

The cafe is known throughout the state and elsewhere for fine dining selections in an atmosphere of true Texas hospitality.

The gift certificate will comfortably accommodate up to 4 persons, but please be even more generous with your bid in supporting our own LBJ National Historical Park. 



Item #10
Rather Dessert & Book
Donated by Rebecca Rather
Opening bid: $100.00

An incredible dessert by Fredericksburg's Rebecca Rather, known for cuisine fame throughout the area.

Plus, a copy of Rebecca's latest book, "The Pastry Queen's Christmas Cookbook."

Item #11
Texas State Capitol Flag Certificate
Donated by Representative Patrick Rose
Opening bid: $50.00

Upon receipt by Representative Rose's office of the completed certificate, a Texas Flag will be flown over the Texas State Capitol Building on the date and in honor of whomever so specified by the purchaser of the certificate. 

Afterwards, the flag and a commemorative statement giving the name of the honoree and the date flown will be sent to the purchaser.