Lessons in Conservation

Jeanne, the conservator hired by LYJO, arrived for a two-week work session, and we began the job of cleaning and packing the multitude of items in the Texas White House. We started with the ceramics and learned the proper conservation techniques for handling these items.

Jack had arrived with Jeanne, and I was in awe of the secure way he packed some of the most fragile items. I learned how to wrap the plates and then moved on to wrapping Mrs. Johnson’s costume jewelry. In the meantime, Tim was cleaning and packing all the framed photographs that had hung throughout the house, as well as searching for answers to any questions about the catalog record.

Wrapping Plates and Jewelry with Jack

Cleaning and Wrapping Framed Items and Playing Computer Guru

It was very cool to have such an “up close and personal” look at the Johnson’s items. Tim’s brother had asked if we would be handling LBJs underwear. No, but I did deal with his toothbrush and other toiletry items.

I also spent much of my time photographing those items that had never been photographed for the catalog record. Then, in order to create a snapshot of how the house looked before being packed away, I photographed each room from all angles. 

Photographing Items from the Texas White House

Photographing Individual Rooms

I learned so much about conservation from Jeanne and Jack, and Tim and I loved working with them and with Niki. Niki was always there with a smile and a question, “What can I do for you?” What a treasure!

Tim, Niki, and Sarah (and Mrs. Johnson)

Touring the LBJ Ranch

Tim and I had previously visited the LBJ Ranch when we spent several months in nearby Kerrville while full-timing in our RV. Since we’ll be working here, we wanted to take the opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with this historic property.

The LBJ Ranch is where LBJ was born, lived, died, and was buried. Mrs. Johnson continued to live here part-time after the President’s death in 1973.

Two of the major buildings at the Ranch include the Texas White House, where we will be spending much of our time, and the former hanger, which is now the visitor center. Other buildings are scattered throughout the property.

The Ranch is still a working ranch, and I believe it is still one of only two National Park units with that distinction. We loved having the cows among us.

The Texas White House

The Hanger

Air Force One-Half

Reconstructed Birthplace

Grandparents' Farmhouse

Who Are You Looking At! - We Have the Right-of-Way

Hats and More Hats

We started work at LYJO on January 3, after several orientations/ briefings at headquarters. Our first project was to photograph approximately 82 hats and their boxes. These were hats that LBJ gave away as gifts, and the boxes are on display in the visitor center at the ranch.

"The Giving President"

Examples of Our Work Product

We are working at the LBJ Ranch, where our campsite is located, and the Secret Service Command Post is our “office.” The staff has been great, especially Niki, the Museum Technician whom we will be working with most closely.

Secret Service Command Post - Our Office

Searching for Propane in Texas

After a great two days of settling into our site at LYJO, things began to fall apart. We knew that freezing overnight temperatures were predicted, but we were not prepared. Our propane supply was low, and it was forecast to be below freezing for two nights, so we had to conserve. Our little electric heater could not keep up, and it was so very, very cold in the RV overnight.

We knew we had to get propane the next morning, but it was Sunday, and most places were closed. I called and found a Tractor Supply about 45 minutes away, and we headed there. I almost cried when they told me that they had sold out 30 minutes before we arrived. We scrambled to find another place, even farther away. We were eventually successful but ended up driving 154 miles altogether. What was to have been a relaxing Sunday turned out to be anything but that.