
Our Library Founder, Virgil Talbot, worked steadily in politics designing leaflets, writing editorials, and taking stands on issues and candidates. He wrote a book called "A Bit Of History" (available in our online store and at Talbot Library and Museum) that chronicles some of his political efforts, acquaintances, and correspondence. (And many other of his stories and writings about history)
On page 131 of the book, Talbot chronicles the moment he shook the hand of President Lyndon Johnson around 1964:
"It was a presidential news conference, not the kind you see on television these days, but one for members of the International Labor Press Association (ILPA). We were all part of the working press, editors, writers and publishers of labor newspapers. Security was tight in those days and I assume we had been checked out before being allowed into one of the rooms at the White House. I don't remember which one.
President Johnson came in, along with House Speaker Carl Albert and Senate Majority Leader Russell Long. I was struck by the difference in size between Albert and Long - - one small, the other huge, or at least he looked that way beside Albert. The president was even bigger.
The three men discussed the issues of the day - poverty, civil rights, etc. - and answered questions. Then we filed past the president for a handshake and picture taking. I remember telling him my name and that I was from Arkansas (We lived in Fayetteville, AR at that time.) And he made some remark and I passed on into history.
(Note, written in 1986: I weigh about 100 pounds lighter today than I did 22 years ago. One hundred pounds! No wonder my feet are flat.)"
You can shop for this book here.