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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Beautification America First Day Cover
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Beautification America First Day Cover

Artifact ID1970.35.60
Object Type Cover, First Day
Date 1966
Date DescribedOctober 5, 1966
Medium Paper
DimensionsOverall H 3 5/8 in x W 6 1/2 in (9.2 cm x 16.5 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionBeautify America Stamp First Day Cover. The cachet on the envelope is a portrait of Lady Bird above a roadside forest scene. Cachet text: "First Day of Issue", "Beauty cannot be set aside for vacation or special occasions... Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson", "Beautification of America", "Restore America to its natural Heritage of Beauty". Stamp adhered at upper right: 5c "Plant for More Beautiful America". Postmarked at: Washington DC - Oct 5, 1966.
Historical NoteThe Beautification of America issues of 1966 and 1969 were a result of initiatives by President Lyndon Johnson’s wife, Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson, to advocate for the beautification of public spaces, particularly public roadways and parks. The four 1969 stamps were issued to support gardening in public spaces. Because of Lady Bird’s extraordinary efforts, the country gained thousands of new flowering plants and trees, such as daffodils, azaleas, and Dogwood trees.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson personally, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1970.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Person Referenced Lady Bird Johnson (United States, 1912 - 2007)
In Collection(s)
Historical Dates
  • October 5, 1966
Not on view
Place Described
Washington
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