At Kenmore in 1967, Johnson enjoyed gingerbread and tea in the kitchen with several locals, including Mayor Joe Rowe (far right), his wife and three daughters. Daughter Jeanette Rowe Cadwallender, seated to Johnson's left, recalls the experience as 'a huge treat.' View More Images from this story Visit the Photo Place

Locals remember Lady Bird

Lady Bird had local ties

BY EDIE GROSS

Date published: 7/13/2007

BY EDIE GROSS

Amid a crowd of 500 pizza-loving Democrats at a home in Spotsylvania, Lady Bird Johnson spotted a young Ron Carter sporting a Dallas Cowboys T-shirt.

The former first lady, a Texas native, approached the grade-schooler.

"She said, 'You've got the right shirt on,'" Ron's mother, Mary Lee Carter, a former Spotsylvania supervisor, recalled yesterday. "Of course, she took a picture with him."

Carter still has the snapshot, taken in 1981 at then-Supervisor Hugh Cosner's home, where Johnson's son-in-law, Chuck Robb, campaigned for governor.

"Everyone, of course, wanted to take their picture with her--and they did. She was very receptive to that," Carter said. "I found her to be very gracious."

Johnson, who died Wednesday at the age of 94, visited the Fredericksburg region several times during a 30-year period. Those who met her describe her as the quintessential Southern lady with a finely tuned business sense and a penchant for environmental causes.

In addition to supporting her husband's political career for more than three decades, Johnson ran a family business that included television, radio and banking interests.

Cosner, a businessman and developer, said when Johnson visited his home, the two spoke at length about the sacrifice it takes to be involved in politics and business.

Cosner said he had to install Secret Service-approved security at his home, including outside lights, before the 1981 event. But despite her star status, Johnson came across as just a regular person, he said.

"She did tell us she liked pizza better than barbecue," recalled Cosner, a Pizza Hut owner who tailored the menu to suit. "I laughed at that."

During Garden Week in 1967, while her husband was still president, Johnson arrived unannounced in Fredericksburg to tour several historic sites.

At Kenmore, she enjoyed tea and gingerbread in the kitchen with then-Mayor Josiah Rowe, his wife and three daughters. Jeanette Rowe Cadwallender, then about 9, was warned to be on her best behavior.

"That was really a big deal for her to come to Fredericksburg and during Garden Week. I wish all the presidents' wives would come for Garden Week," said Cadwallender, who sat next to the first lady. "It's just a neat little memory I have."

Edd Houck was a volunteer for the local Democratic committee when he met Johnson at Cosner's party. He said he complimented her on several of her husband's programs, particularly the Civil Rights Act. The passage of the act in 1964, she told him, was one of her husband's proudest moments.

Houck said he took plenty of pictures with his new Minolta 35-mm camera, photos that are still tucked away in treasured albums.

"She was every bit the fine, Southern lady, just full of energy and full of exuberance," said the state senator from Spotsylvania. "She really put you at ease, no pretense. You talked to her for a minute or so, but she seemed like somebody you'd known forever."

Lady Bird in the 'Burg Lady Bird Johnson visited the Fredericksburg region several times over 30 years, supporting the political aspirations of her husband and son-in-law, and sometimes just to take in the sights. 1960--Accompanied her husband on his "LBJ Special" tour, which stopped at the train station in Culpeper. May 11, 1965--Dedicated the new Dumfries rest stop on I-95 as part of her "Landscapes and Landmarks Tour" of Virginia. April 23, 1967--Stopped in Fredericksburg for a 2-hour visit to three historic spots: James Monroe Law Office, Mary Washington House and Kenmore. June 9, 1976--Appeared with son-in-law Chuck Robb at Fredericksburg Country Club as part of his campaign for lieutenant governor. April 4, 1977--Addressed more than 100 people at the Holiday Inn south of Culpeper while stumping for Robb. Also visited Little Fork Episcopal Church in Rixeyville, where she'd already contributed $200 toward restoration of the building, which dates back to 1773. April 24, 1977--Attended Coaching Day at Stratford Hall in Westmoreland County with Robb. Watched a parade of horse-drawn carriages at Robert E. Lee's boyhood home while sipping a mint julep. Oct. 8, 1981--Joined about 500 people at Spotsylvania Supervisor Hugh Cosner's home to eat pizza and popcorn and support Robb's gubernatorial campaign. She started the day at a reception in Manassas, and a scheduled hand-shaking tour through Spotsylvania Mall was canceled so she could rest before the event. 1989--Sent a letter to Stafford County voicing support for the county's purchase and eventual restoration of Ferry Farm.

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Date published: 7/13/2007