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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 Stamps
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Beautification Stamps

Artifact ID1970.35.57
Object Type Cover, First Day
Date 1969
Date DescribedJanuary 16, 1969
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 woman and a child playing in a park fountain. Cachet text: "Beautification of America", "An effort to restore America to its natural Heritage of Beauty", "First Day of Issue". Two stamps adhered at upper right: 5c "Plant for More Beautiful America" and 6c "Plant for More Beautiful Cities". Postmarked at: Washington DC - Jan 16, 1969. Hand addressed to: "Mrs President Johnson", "White House", "Washington, D.C.".
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. These stamps were sent to Lady Bird Johnson at the White House on the first day of issue, January 16, 1969.
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.
In Collection(s)
Historical Dates
  • January 16, 1969
Not on view
Place Described
Washington
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