Washington's Santa Hamlet
Artifact ID1973.1.1184
Object Type
Cartoon Drawing
Artist
John Shevchik
Publisher
Beaver Falls News Tribune
Gifter
John Shevchik
Medium
Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 12 1/2 in x W 10 5/8 in (31.8 cm x 27 cm )
Physical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. On a stage ("Another 10 Billion for Vietnam"), LBJ as Santa holds a sack ("Vietnam War Co$t") with one hand and a little man ("Taxpayers") in the other saying, "To tax or not to tax=that is the question=". Caption: “Washington's Santa Hamlet”. Artist signature lower right: "Shevchik”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at upper left: [illegible].
Historical NoteWhen Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1964 Revenue Act that decreased income taxes and refused to raise taxes, spending by consumers and businesses increased. Along with government spending from the Vietnam War and Great Society, all of this increase of demand led to inflation. Johnson raised taxes to decrease inflation. John Q Public is a character often included in political cartoons to depict the average citizen, often portrayed with glasses, a mustache, and a fedora.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, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1973.
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 StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced
Lyndon Baines Johnson
(United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Subjects
Place Described
Place of Publication