11-01-07, Friends of LBJ National Historical Park Seeking to Expand

By Sherry Justus, Public Information Officer

Johnson City, TX – Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park’s newly formed Friends group is seeking additional members. The Friends of LBJ National Historical Park is made up of individuals who are committed to work with the National Park Service to provide educational and interpretive programs, conduct research and accomplish conservation planning and improvement projects for the benefit of the park. Membership from other surrounding counties is also sought.

Specifically, the Friends share a common interest and desire to support the national historical park as it preserves and shares with the public the historic properties, life and legacy of our 36^th President and of Mrs. Lyndon B. (“Lady Bird”) Johnson.

The Friends help the National Park Service increase its outreach within surrounding communities and the level of participation in local events.  In partnership with the national historical park, the Friends offer special events and activities such as the recent Luci Johnson-led bicycle rides on the LBJ Ranch. The Event/Meeting Center at the Johnson Settlement in Johnson City is now available to the public at very reasonable fees. Recently, two wedding receptions have been held there, to the acclaim of the bride and groom, their parents, and the guests.

The Event/Meeting Center includes a well-lighted, 28’ x 34’ air-conditioned room that will comfortably seat up to 60 people and can be arranged in any manner with portable tables and chairs that are provided. A small kitchen includes a refrigerator, sink with hot and cold water, and a stove/oven combination unit.

2008 marks Lyndon B. Johnson’s 100^th birthday, and many exciting centennial events are scheduled throughout the year. Membership in the Friends, a 501 (c) (3) organization, offers discounts and other benefits for these events and other planned park and Texas White House activities.

The Friends of the LBJ National Historical Park organization has attracted interested and interesting members.  They are from all around the region and bring a variety of talents.  Each opportunity to be with such a diverse group is also an opportunity for good conversation and very enjoyable times together.

For additional information on the mission and goals of the Friends, and the various levels of membership and the benefits offered, please click on Membership Invitation.

Fees received by the Friends are for the benefit the LBJ National Historical Park. There are no payroll expenses, and membership fees are fully tax-deductible. You are cordially invited to join this worthwhile and timely organization.

9-19-07, A Park Ranger and Her Partner: Horse Patrol at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

By Sherry Justus, Public Information Officer

Up until recently, park rangers patrolling here in Johnson City and on the LBJ Ranch could be found on foot and in vehicles only. But when Alison Bullington transferred to the park from Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico, she brought with her fifteen years of mounted horse patrol experience and her own horse, Zoe.

Beginning with patrols on horseback in the Johnson Settlement, Ranger Bullington saw an additional opportunity when Bandelier was looking for a less strenuous home for an older horse named Poco. Now Poco has joined Zoe in assisting Bullington in both park districts, both with routine patrolling and for special occasions like the Spange-Dangle’s Fourth of July Parade in Johnson City. Zoe and her owner were in their most formal attire during the cortege for Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson in July: the horse sported her white polo wraps and the rider wore her white dress gloves and tall English riding breeches and boots.

“Horse patrol is a wonderful way to get out into the park and talk with visitors, says the riding ranger. “There is something about a horse that just gets people’s attention.”

There are now two other horses in the park’s stable, Penny and Reprimand. Reprimand spends his time at the Johnson Settlement, west of the James Polk Johnson Barn, keeping company with Zoe.  Penny and Poco enjoy the wide open spaces of the ranch most of the time.

Ranger Bullington and her equine partners have worked together at park special events in 2007, including the Volkssportverein Friedrichsburg Volksmarch in March and the Vietnam Bird Dog Invitational Fly-in in May, both held on the LBJ Ranch. In 2008, the national historical park will celebrate Lyndon Johnson’s Centennial Year with 14 or more special events, including ranch bike tours and outdoor movies “under the stars,” a Texas Book Festival and a 1960s-themed barbecue in the famous live oak grove used by President and Mrs. Johnson for their entertaining. A highlight for many participants during these events will be “the ranger on the horse,” so bring your kids and get your cameras ready as we say Happy 100^th Birthday to LBJ!

04-04-07, Founding Board Will Meet to Create Friends of LBJ National Historical Park , Click: Press Release 04-04-07