1950-1954
Tom Clark, newly appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, again was honored guest at a Society dinner on January 20, 1950. During Mr. Pickett’s second term a committee was named to a draft a new constitution and by-laws. The final draft of the new documents was adopted by the membership at a meeting on February 25, 1950.
L. T. (Tex) Easley was elected president at this meeting. Miss Diane Sanderfer was named Cherry Blossom Princess for 1950. An April dance to celebrate San Jacinto Day, a Mexican food dinner in March, a picnic, a cocktail party, a dance at the National Airport Terrace, and a reception honoring the Texas Congressional Delegation were highlights of Mr. Easley’s term. A party on March 2, 1951, at the Shoreham Hotel honored soldiers from Walter Reed Hospital. Rep. Olin Teague was elected president at this meeting, and Miss Mary Catherine Kilday was chosen Cherry Blossom Princess for 1951.
Representative Teague’s administration continued a varied program of social activities. A chili supper at the National Press Club, a boat ride down the Potomac, a chuck wagon style barbecue, and a Christmas-time egg-nog party for Texans, who could not go home for the holidays were notable events. At a breakfast on March 2, 1952 Representative Teague was elected to a second term. Miss Mimi Clark, daughter of Justice and Mrs. Tom Clark was chosen 1952 Cherry Blossom Princess, and an open house at the Capitol was held in her honor by Senator Connally on April 2. In that month the Society conducted a campaign to send a plane load of blood to Korea in cooperation with the American Red Cross. More than 1,000 people attended the June barbecue. A basket picnic was held at the Aubrey Graves farm in Virginia in the summer and a Society Halloween Party followed in October.
On January 19, 1953, a pre-inauguration cocktail party was given by the Society for Texans who had come to Washington for the inaugural of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Society also sponsored a float for the inaugural parade on January 20, 1953. Robert B. Anderson of Vernon was named Secretary of the Navy. The Society honored him with a dinner on February 27, 1953. At that meeting, Lyndon B. Johnson, Senate Democratic Leader, was elected president of the Society.
The first function under the new president was a brunch at the Mayflower Hotel honoring the Texas-born President of the United States and Mrs. Eisenhower. The President and the First Lady were presented gold membership cards in the Texas State Society. The card numbers were 100 and 1001, marking the largest membership in the Society’s history. Cabinet members present included Mrs. Oveta Culp Hobby, Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare; Attorney General Herbert Brownell, Jr., and his Texas-born wife; and Secretary of the Navy Bob Anderson, a member of the “Little Cabinet,” with Mrs. Anderson. Representative Teague was presented by Senator Johnson with a plaque testifying to his distinguished service as president of the Society, Mis Betty Ann Kilday, daughter of Rep. and Mrs. Paul J. Kilday of San Antonio, was named Cherry Blossom Princess of 1953.
The June 1953 barbecue featured entertainment by native Texan Gene Autrey and his Class Country Kids. A coffee party on November 9, 1953 honored Wiley Buchanon, new U.S. Minister to Luxembourg, and Mrs. Buchanon. A pre-Christmas dinner was held at the Press Club on December 12, 1953, and the Texas Congressional Delegation was honored on January 29, 1954, in the Senate Caucus Room.
At the Society’s annual business meeting on February 26, Senator Johnson was re-elected president. Miss Nina Maria Korth, daughter of former Assistant Secretary of the Army and Mrs. Fred Korth of Fort Worth, was announced as Texas Princess in the Cherry Blossom Festival. Rep. Wright Patman, a former president of the Society, was presented with a scroll marking his twenty-five years of continuous service in the House of Representatives. Representative Patman was requested to act for the Society in placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on March 2.
The National Maid of Cotton, Miss Beverly Pack of El Paso, was honored by the Society on May 1, 1954, with a tea dance and style show at the National Press Club. A July 4th concert by the Texarkana High School Band was sponsored by the Society, and the fourth annual barbecue was held on September 25. A Christmas tea dance was given December 22. The customary reception for new members of the Texas Congressional Delegation came January 9, 1955.
1955-1959
The annual business meeting on February 19, 1955 was combined with a dinner of Mexican food brought up from Texas by Fred Catterall of Austin. Mrs. Dale Miller, who had served as entertainment committee chairman during Senator Johnson’s tenure of office was named president. She became the first woman to head the Texas State Society of Washington.
First meeting during Mrs. Miller’s administration was on March 2, 1955, when a wreath was placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Texans who had given their lives in the service. In early April the Texas Princess, Miss Anne Blalock of Marshall, participated in the Cherry Blossom festivities.
On May 1, 1955, the Society held a brunch at the Mayflower Hotel honoring the Speaker of the House, Sam Rayburn, and the Majority Leader of the Senate, Lyndon Johnson with hundreds of members and guests present. The annual barbecue took place on July 9, and a Christmas party was held at the American Newspaperwomen’s Club on December 13.
A reception was held on January 8 in the Caucus Room of the Senate Office Building, honoring the Texas Delegation in Congress, at which time a plaque was presented to Senator Johnson by Mrs. Miller in appreciation of his service during his two years as President of the Society. On February 25, 1956, a Frito Mexican Dinner was combined with the annual business meeting at the National Press Club. Mrs. Miller was re-elected President.
The memorial ceremony on March 2, 1956, the Cherry Blossom Festival in early April, with Miss Anne Thomas of Houston as the Texas Princess—and the annual barbecue at Walnut Hill on June 30 were the traditional events of the early months of Mrs. Miller’s second term. On October 16 a glittering reception and buffet dinner for Society members was held at the Venezuelan Embassy, hosted by the Ambassador and Señora de Gonzalez.
In January 1957, a reception was held in the Caucus Room of the Senate Office Building, welcoming back the Texas Congressional delegation; and a buffet in the National Press Club auditorium honored visitors from Texas to President Eisenhower’s second inaugural. At the annual March 2 observance at Arlington Cemetery, a wreath was laid by former Senator Tom Connally, Senior Past President of the Society, escorted by other former Presidents. Mrs. Miller ended her tenure on March 16, 1957 at a Lone Star dinner, held in the Press Club auditorium for an overflow crowd. She was succeeded as President by Claude C. Wild, Jr., of Austin.
The first event in Mr. Wild’s administration was the Society’s annual Cherry Blossom festivities when Miss Catherine Cabell resigned as the Texas Princess. On May 7, 1957, the Society honored Texas’ newly elected Senator and Mrs. Ralph Yarborough at a reception at the Women’s National Democratic Club. Members and guests enjoyed a barbecue and dance at Walnut Hill in July and ushered in the Christmas season with a cocktail dance at Bolling Officer’s Club in December.
On February 5, 1958, a dinner honored the Secretary of the Treasury and Mrs. Robert B. Anderson. Several hundred members and guests paid tribute to their fellow-Texan from Vernon in the elegant ballroom of the Mayflower Hotel and were entertained by Miss Alice Lon, the “Champagne Lady” television star from Kilgore. At this function Mrs. Dale Miller was presented a plaque in recognition of her service during two terms as president, by past president Lyndon B. Johnson.
Congressman Jim Wright of Fort Worth laid the Lone Star floral wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the March 2, 1958 memorial service in Arlington Cemetery. The annual business meeting was preceded by a chili supper at the National Press Club on March 18, 1958. Miss Ramona Wire was named Cherry Blossom Princess of 1958 and presented to the membership of the Texas State Society. Mrs. W. Harvey Young of Corsicana was elected President.
Several of the events held during the 1958-59 year under the energetic and able direction of Mrs. Young and Representative Olin Teague, Entertainment Chairman were brand new and extremely popular.
Drawing a record attendance was the State Society’s Texas-Alaska Family Picnic and frolic held in Carter-Barron Amphitheater on July 27, 1958. Given to celebrate the newest and “largest,” top Alaskans were the guests of honor. Picnic fare, flown up from Texas, was topped off with Eskimo pies.
Members of the Congressional Delegation were welcomed by the society membership at a reception held in the House Committee on Ways and Means Hearing Room in January 1959. A memorable meeting at the Mayflower Hotel, February 15, 1959, entitled the Texas Heritage Brunch, crowded the main dining room of the hotel to capacity to honor the ambassadors of Spain, France and Mexico, whose flags once flew over land which is now the State of Texas.
Two Texans who were establishing history through their joint leadership in Congress, Speaker Sam Rayburn and Senate Majority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson, spoke on the great Texas heritage. The Ambassadors, in a sense, were being repaid for having an earlier open house of their Embassies to the members of the Texas State Society and royally entertaining the hundreds who made the visit.
Miss Susan Rogers, of Pampa, was introduced as Texas Princess in the Cherry Blossom Festival. In the business meeting that followed the brunch, Representative Jim Wright of Fort Worth was elected President.
Four entertainment functions were held during Congressman Wright’s tenure: a convivial dance at the Presidential Arms on June 9, 1959, which was characterized by outstanding entertainment; the annual Congressional Reception, held on this occasion in the new Senate Office Building which was attended by several hundred members of the Society; choosing on February 2,1960, Miss Marta Miller of Dallas as Princess of Texas for the 1960 Cherry Blossom Festival; and gathered for a Chili supper at the National Press Club.
1960-1964
The Society’s annual meeting, a Sunday brunch at Arlington Towers in March, 1960, was a colorful affair to honor the 50th state, Hawaii. Appropriate island decorations and entertainment made the affair a memorable one. In the business meeting which followed, Mrs. C.P. Cabell of Dallas was elected President.
The first activity of the Society in Mrs. Cabell’s administration was a gala dance at the National Press Club on April 6, 1960, during the Cherry Blossom festivities, honoring the Texas Princess, Miss Marta Miller.
On June 5, more than a thousand Texans and their friends gathered at spacious Carter Barron Park for an authentic barbecue, under the supervision of Entertainment Chairman, Mrs. Gib Sandefer. On January 18,1961, more than six thousand Texans and Inaugural guests from around the world thronged the Statler Hilton Hotel at a reception honoring Vice President-elect Lyndon B. Johnson, a former President of the Society, and Lady Bird. This event was officially listed as part of the Inaugural Program. In the receiving line were the Johnsons, Speaker Sam Rayburn, the Society’s President, Mrs. Cabell, and for a time the President-elect of the United States, the Honorable John F. Kennedy, who also came to honor Texas’ favorite son. The occasion was by far the largest in the history of any state society in Washington.
The success of this remarkable affair made it possible for the Society, at the Annual Meeting in the Mayflower Hotel ballroom on March 19, 1961, to present to the Speaker of the House a $1,000 contribution to the Sam Rayburn Library in Bonham, and to Vice President Johnson a similar $1,000 check as a contribution to some worthy institution of his own choice. The Vice President, in a quiet and moving gesture, endorsed the check over to the Rayburn Library and presented it to the Speaker.
The 1961 Cherry Blossom Princess, Miss Betty Oldham, was presented to the membership during the course of the brunch; and at the brief business session, which closed the meeting; Representative Bob Casey of Houston was elected President for the coming year. President Casey’s administration began with a dinner-dance on May 21, 1961, at Kenwood Country Club, organized by Entertainment Chairman Bob Waldron. Music was provided by the Trinidad Steel Band. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a beautiful gold charm to all Cherry Blossom Princesses selected since the selections began in 1948, except the two who had already received charms, Miss Susan Rogers, 1959, and Miss Marta Miller, 1960. On each charm was the princess’ name, year of selection and a raised map of Texas. In addition of Miss Betty Oldham, charms were presented by President Casey for Misses Wanda Lyle, 1948; Mario Wilson, 1949; Diane Sandefer, 1950; Mary Catherine Kilday, 1951; Mimi Clark, 1952; Betty Ann Kilday, 1953; Nina Maria Korth, 1954; Anne Blalock, 1955; Anne Thomas, 1956; Catherine Cabell, 1957; and Ramona Wire, 1958. Mrs. Gib Sandefer was in charge of all arrangements for the charms, including design.
The next social function of the year was the annual picnic, held at Old Fort Washington Park, Maryland, July 30, 1961. About 500 attending were honored by the visit of the Vice President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson. Numerous door prizes were awarded and the National Park Service conducted special tours of the old Fort. The annual Congressional Reception honoring the Texas Delegation, held Sunday, February 11, 1962, in the Ways and Means Committee Hearing Room, new House Office Building, drew about 700 members. Vice President and Mrs. Johnson, Secretary of the Navy and Mrs. Fred Korth and most of the Texas Delegation and their wives were present. Music was provided by the U.S. Navy Orchestra.
The Presidential Ballroom of the Hotel Statler provided the scene for the Society’s Annual Business Meeting on March 11, 1962. The Vice President and Mrs. Johnson, most of the Texas Delegation and approximately 425 other members of the Society attended the brunch. Vice President Johnson and Secretary of the Navy Korth spoke briefly. The Cherry Blossom Princess for 1962—Miss Lynda Bird Johnson-was presented. President Casey announced the appointment of Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson as Chairman of a committee to handle the planning and execution of a memorial to Speaker Sam Rayburn. Officers for 1962 were elected, and Mr. Thomas P. Bartle was installed as President. President Bartle’s tenure featured some of the most unusual and exciting events in the Society’s history. The first was a dance at the National Press Club on June 9th, honoring the Cherry Blossom Princess. Two months later, on August 5, 1962, a festive Barbecue-Round Up at Walnut Hill honored “Texas’ No. 1 seafaring cowhand,” Secretary of the Navy Fred Korth and his wife, Vera.
Then in the fall, on September 5, members and guests set forth on an “Adventure to the Stars.” In cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Society produced a program in the auditorium of the New Senate Office Building featuring a movie of space flight and a demonstration of space equipment. The fourth entertainment function was the annual reception honoring the Texas Delegation. Hundreds of Texans and guests gathered in the Ways and Means Committee Room of the New House Office Building on Sunday, January 13, 1963, to participate.
On March 17, 1963, six hundred Texans and guests filled the Mayflower Hotel ballroom at the Sunday brunch to honor all living past presidents of the Society. Following an entertainment program, featuring master of ceremonies Morris Frank of Houston and the Catholic University Modem Choir, citations were presented to eleven past presidents: Eugene Black, Dale Miller, Ralph D. Pittman, Tom Pickett, L. T. (Tex) Easley, Olin E. Teague, Mrs. Dale Miller, Claude C. Wild, Jr., Mrs. W. Harvey Young, Mrs. C. P. Cabell, and Bob Casey. Other citations were dispatched to those who could not attend.
The certificates read: “For devoted and untiring service as President, this citation is presented with the sincere appreciation of the members of the Texas State Society of Washington, D.C.” Miss Lera Thomas, of Houston, was announced as Cherry Blossom Princess for 1963. And in the business meeting which closed the program, Tom Bartle was succeeded as President by Frank N. Ikard, whose first official act was to present one of the citations to his predecessor.
The first social event arranged by Mrs. J. Anthony Moran, Entertainment Chairman, was a “Swing into Summer Dance” held June 21, 1963 in the Persian Room of the Marriott Twin Bridges Motel. Dance contests, folk singing, and a square dance exhibition were features of the evening.
In September, Society members and their guests enthusiastically boarded the S.S. Texas (locally known as the S.S. Wilson Line) and went “Crusin’ Down the River” to Marshall Hall Park for a barbecue served by the Odessa Chuckwagon Gang. A full-fledged hootenanny was held aboard ship and numerous door prizes were awarded. Over five hundred participated in the affair which honored Representative Homer Thornberry, recently appointed Federal District Court Judge for the Western District of Texas.
The Ways and Means Committee Room of the New House Office Building was the scene of the annual reception honoring members of the Texas Delegation. The reception, held on Sunday, January 19, 1964, was attended by 800 Texans. “Am All-Texas Weekend” provided the finale to President Ikard’s tenure in office. On Saturday, February 29, 1964, members of the Society were invited to attend the golden anniversary performance of the Houston Symphony Orchestra at Constitution Hall. The First Lady was Honorary Chairman of the event and along with, Miss Ima Hogg of Houston Miss Lynda Bird Johnson, and Miss Luci Baines Johnson occupied the Presidential Box for the concert. The following day, Sunday, March 1, 1964, over 800 Texans gathered in the beautifully decorated Presidential Ballroom of the Statler Hilton Hotel for the Annual Business Meeting. The Society, joined by members of the Washington Chapter of The University of Texas Ex. Students Association, honored the “College Coach of the Year,” Darrell Royal of The University of Texas Longhorns, who made an inspiring talk and showed a movie highlighting the 1963 undefeated season of the Number One Team in the Nation. Present for the occasion was the President of the United States-Lyndon Baines Johnson.
Miss Victoria Dailey of San Marcos was introduced as Texas Princess for the 1964 Cherry Blossom Festival. The Honorable Everett Hutchinson was elected President of the Society for the coming year, and the meeting adjourned following his presentation of a citation for service to the retiring President.
Under the administration of President Hutchinson, Commissioner of the Interstate Commerce Commission, with Mr. Warren Woodward as entertainment chairman and Mrs. W. C. McGlothlin as vice-chairman, membership reached a high of 1,843.
To begin the year, the Society and its members participated in various activities of the 1964 National Cherry Blossom Festival, including a float bearing our 1964 Cherry Blossom Princess, Miss Victoria Ann Dailey, and the members of her court. On behalf of the Society, President Hutchinson presented the princess the traditional gold Texas charm.
In June, 1964, the Annual Spring Dinner Dance was held at the Kenwood Country Club for more than 400 members of the Society. In August, 1964, uncooperative weather made it necessary to move the barbecue indoors from historic old Fort Washington. More than 500 Society members and their families and guests enjoyed barbecued chicken and the jokes of Texas-born television star, Jimmy Dean. The Society cooperated with the American Hispanic Society in observing Columbus Day which was highlighted by a “capacity crowd” Columbus Day Ball at the National Press Club on October 12, 1964.
1965-1969
On January 6, 1965, the Society presented to the Congress and the people of the United States a full-length bronze statue of Speaker Sam Rayburn. The statue created by world famous sculptor Felix de Weldon, was presented on behalf of the Society by President Everett Hutchinson, dedicated by First Lady Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson, and accepted by Speaker John W. McCormack. It was unveiled by the Honorable Robert T. Bartley, Mr. Rayburn’s nephew. The President, Lyndon B. Johnson, attended the ceremonies in the main hall of the Rayburn Office Building. The Honorable Wright Patman presided.
On January 19, 1965, The Presidential Inaugural Event included a Texas reception at the Statler Hilton Hotel honoring Governor John B. Connally and Mrs. Connally. Press and television of the event was extensive and included the NBC-TV “Today” show. Music was furnished by the Navy Band. The next day, in the Presidential Inaugural Parade, the Star of Texas rode the Texas float which featured a scaled model replica of the LBJ Ranch House.
In February, 1965, the Society sponsored the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s concert in Constitution Hall on the 27th, and the Society held its annual reception for members of the Texas Delegation on the 28th. The reception honored the new Texas members of Congress and was attended by more than 700 Society members and guests. Prior to the Saturday night concert, symphony patrons were guests of President and Mrs. Johnson at the White House at an afternoon reception where Society President Everett Hutchinson presented the President and Mrs. Johnson with gold membership cards signifying life membership in the Society.
A reception honoring the Dallas Symphony patrons was given at the Spanish Embassy by the Ambassador of Spain and the Marquesa de Merry Del Val. There were a number of afterconcert parties, one by the Honorable Perle Mesta to compliment the orchestra patrons. President Hutchinson’s term ended at the Annual Business Meeting held at the new Washington Hilton Hotel on March 21, 1965. The highlight of the day for the 900 members who attended was entertainment by Cactus Pryor of Austin, a special guest for the event. The Texas Cherry Blossom Princess, Miss Suzanne Lynn Jones, was introduced in absentia. Members of her court, Misses Kathryn Burris, Christy Carpenter, Cynthia Sue Carter, Ann Hutchinson, Robin Mann and Polly Westbrook were presented by President Hutchinson and accepted by the mother of the Princess.
President Hutchinson announced that the Executive Board, by unanimous vote had set aside a special fund of $1,000 to be presented as a gift of the Society to the Lyndon B. Johnson Library at The University of Texas at such time as gifts are accepted. The meeting adjourned with the introduction of the new President, Mrs. Howard L. Burris, and the presentation to her of a Texas-Under-Six-Flags gavel made from Texas pecan wood. As her first official act, the new President presented to retiring President Hutchinson a citation for outstanding service to the Society.
A sparkling array of events highlighted the term of Mrs. Burris as 1965-66 President of the Society. In April, activities of the National Cherry Blossom Festival were popular with Society members, and the 1965 Texas Princess, Miss Suzanne Jones, reigned over the Texas float, which won First Prize in the parade. Entertainment Chairman, Mrs. Everett Hutchinson, and her committee opened Society functions for the year with a Buffet-Cabaret Dance at the Bolling Air Force Base Officers’ Club on Father’s Day, June 20, 1966. Almost 400 Society members and guests enjoyed a Smorgasbord style buffet. Prizes were awarded the oldest and the youngest fathers present. Cherry Blossom Princess Suzanne Jones, who attended the dance with many other young people, was presented by President Burris.
Restored old Fort Hunt, Virginia, was the scene of the Society’s Annual Barbecue on August 8, 1965, which honored Edward Clark, Ambassador to Australia, and Mrs. Clark of Austin and San Augustine. More than 1,200 Texans, including many who came from the Lone Star State especially for the occasion, crowded the old Fort grounds and pavilion, feasted on Texas fare of Walter Jetton and danced to country and western swing music. The afternoon featured sack racing, Indian dancers, and a baseball game between teams captained by Congressman Eligio de la Garza and Congressman Richard C. White. Umpires for the game were the Texas beauties who served as hostesses on the 1964 Whistle-stop Train, the “Lady Bird Special.”
The winter feature of the year was the annual reception for the Texas Congressional Delegation on January 23, 1966. Nine hundred Society members greeted their Congressmen in the palmdecked cafeteria of the new Rayburn Office. Unique table decorations were fresh fruits and vegetables from the Rio furnished through the courtesy of Congressman Eligio de la Garza.
The administration of President Burris ended on March 20, 1966, when society members honored, for the first time in its history, the wives of the members of the Texas Delegation in Congress. The Texas fashion Creators Association of Dallas presented a “Discover Texas Fashions” show to a capacity crowd of 900 at the annual spring Business Meeting-Brunch at the Statler Hilton Hotel. With accompanying music by Devron, Mrs. Velma McKee, Executive Director of the Association, described the fashions designed and made in Texas. Favors for the event were furnished by Sakowitz Houston, TFCA, Pangurn’s Fort Worth, Texas Highway Department, and Imperial and Holly Sugar Companies.
President Burris reported that during the year membership had reached its all-time high of 2,000. She introduced, in absentia, the 1966 Texas Cherry Blossom Princess, Miss Jill Teague, of College Station. Young ladies selected by the Princess to sit as members of her court on the Texas float in the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade were also introduced. They were Nhsses Kathryn Burris, Cynthia Carter, Peggy Pickle, Melinda Pickett, Mary Catherine Rogers, and Ginger Wright.
The meeting was adjourned by the incoming President, Congressman Graham Purcell who presented to Mrs. Burris a certificate of appreciation for outstanding service to the Society. That evening a number of Society members went to Constitution Hall for a concert by the Houston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir John Barbirolli.
The National Press Club was the scene of a summer dance and the kickoff of a year of highly successful social activities under the leadership of Entertainment Chairman Mrs. Dale (Scooter) Miller. Mrs. Miller designated Mrs. Howard L. Burris Chairman of the dance. Mrs. Richard (Kathy) White corralled over 800 Society members and their guests on September 25, 1966, at Carderock, Maryland for an Indian Summer Barbecue. With assistance from Congressman Olin “Tiger” Teague and Kika de la Garza, Mrs. Whit, though faced with wet weather, put on one of the most successful outdoor events ever held by the Society. With excellent vittles, lively music, and an abundance of prizes, the elements of bad weather were quickly forgotten by all who attended.
The Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of History and Technology was the scene of a reception in January, 1967, chaired by Mrs. Everett Hutchinson honoring the Texas Congressional Delegation. Over 1,000 Society members attended to honor those who represented Texas in Congress.
President Graham Purcell closed his Administration with the Annual Brunch. Under the direction of Mrs. Horace Busby, the Regency Room of the Shoreham Hotel was filled with the words and music of young and talented Texans who appeared in response to the Society’s “Salute to the Campus Generation of Texas.” Entertainment included award winning performances by Miss Betty Lynn Buckley of TCU, Miss Lois Summers of Baylor, Mr. Larry Farrar of Southwest Texas State College, the North Texas State University Lab Band, and The University of Texas G.E. College Bowl Champion Team. Cactus Pryor, with tasteful humor and wit, served as master of ceremonies. Miss Kathy Burris was applauded on her selection as the 1967 Texas Cherry Blossom Princess. The meeting was adjourned with the election of the Honorable J. J. (Jake) Pickle as President of the Society for the coming year. Congressman
Pickle presented outgoing President Congressman Graham Purcell a certificate of appreciation for outstanding service to the Society. Under the leadership of Honorable J.J. Pickle and Mrs. Fritz-Alan Korth, Entertainment Chairman, the Society “pointed with pride” to the outstanding achievements of Texans in many diverse fields, On June 25, 1967, members and their families—of all ages— gathered at Smokey Glen Farm in Maryland to salute the Honorable Ramsey Clark and his wife, Georgia, for his notable achievement of following his father the Honorable Tom Clark, to the office of Attorney General of the United States. Hayrides, puppet shows and softball marked this memorable outing as Texans feasted on barbecue and sausage.
To start the fall season, Society members and their guests dined on a midnight breakfast of grits and ham—amid the historic tableaux of Washington’s National Wax Museum. Between dances, members had the opportunity to see the animated re-creation of the Battle of the Alamo—or to pose for photographs with the wax likeness of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
In January, 1968, the Society sponsored a showing of paintings and sculpture by outstanding Texas artists in the Pan American Union. The opening day attracted First Lady, Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson, her older daughter and husband, Captain and Mrs. Charles Robb, as well as Ambassadors to the Organization of American States from many Latin-American countries.
Texas painters and sculptors whose works were shown included Otis Dozier of Dallas, Evaline Sellors of Fort Worth, and William Lester, Loren Moseley, Everett Spruce and Charles Umlauf, all of The University of Texas faculty at Austin.
On March 17, 1968, the Society combined St. Patrick’s Day and the Hemisfair at San Antonio to present “Mariachis and Mulligan Stew.” The guests of honor were the Ambassador of Ireland and Mrs. William Fay. Cherry Blossom Princess Robin Mann was presented to the Society. Musical entertainment was provided by “Las Conquistadores” who were featured Hemis fair entertainers. The occasion saluted Texas A & M University’s Cotton Bowl champion football team, and Coach Gene Stallings was the featured speaker. The program concluded with the presentation of the certificate of appreciation to President Pickle by the incoming President, Forbes (Ted) Mann.
As Texans in Washington concluded the years of the Johnson Administration, the State Society chalked up another outstanding year with Forbes Mann as President and Mrs. John H. Crooker, Jr., as Entertainment Chairman. The summer dance on June 14, 1968, honored our Cherry Blossom Princess, Miss Robin Mann, and her court at the National Press Club. An added attraction was a performance by the Ryder High School Chorus from Wichita Falls.
The Annual barbecue on September 7, 1968 at Carderock was planned by Mrs. Wayne Gibbons and featured the delicious food of the Odessa Chuck Wagon Gang. The honoree was the new Texan in the Cabinet, Postmaster General W. Marvin Watson, and Mrs. Watson. Among the members who lent their talents were Scooter Miller, who told fortunes, and Congressman Jake Pickle, who hawked for customers. The grand door prize was two round trip tickets to Hemisfair via Braniff.
A special event was a reception at the Smithsonian on November 17, 1968, in honor of Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson. The Society presented a 14-foot American holly tree to Mrs. Johnson as a tribute to her role in beautification throughout the country. The Johnson’s later planted the tree on the White House grounds as a gift to the American people. Society members and their guests crowded the beautifully decorated hall to greet the President and Mrs. Johnson and to pay tribute to Mrs. Johnson before her return to Texas. Lynda Johnson Robb attended the reception with her parents. Mrs. Jack Hight and Mrs. W. Marvin Watson were Chairmen of this event.
At the reception honoring the Congressional delegation on January 23, 1969, in the Rayburn Building, large poster photos throughout the room provided positions for each member and his family to greet Society Members and mingle and visit with them on an informal basis. Mrs. Willard Dason and Mrs. John Tower were Co-chairs of the Reception.
The annual business meeting-brunch on March 23, 1969, at the Statler Hilton took members on a trip to the moon, with a film narrated by Col. Frank Borman, Commander of Apollo 8. The head table included National Aeronautics and Space Administration officials who had come from Houston for the occasion, Congressman from Texas on the space committee and officers of the Society. The U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Band and color guard and table decorations of large models of the Apollo 8 Saturn rocket designed by Abraham Kazen, Jr. made the occasion memorable and a credit to Co-chairman, Dr. Luther Holcomb and Mrs. Richard Spangler. Mrs. Everett Hutchinson, newly-elected President, presented President Mann with a certificate for outstanding service to the society. Fort Hunt, Virginia was the scene of the opening 1969-70 function of the Texas State Society on Saturday, January 28th. Serving as Entertainment Chairman, Mrs. Richard White provided in large quantities of barbecue, western music, and a large red fire engine for the children’s enjoyment. Billed as the “Gaucho of the Rio Grande” ebullient Congressman Kika de la Garza was Master of Ceremonies and aided in dispensing both good humor and prizes.
Texas Bluebonnet Queen, Miss Ann Lacy Crain, was on hand to draw the number of the lucky youngster winning a Santa Gertrydus calf donated by Dolph Briscoe, Jr. of Uvalde, Texas. Mrs. Everett Hutchinson, Society President, presented the winner, young Lonny Munden, with his calf.
The next event was held on September 20, 1969 at the new Senate Office Building. A buffet supper was featured in conjunction with the Washington premier showing of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
