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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
I Had to Melt Some of Your Butter into Bombs
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

I Had to Melt Some of Your Butter into Bombs

Artifact ID1973.1.788
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (1903 - 1979)
Publisher (founded 1837)
Gifter
Medium Ink and developer on Craftint paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 3/8 in x W 11 3/4 in (36.5 cm x 29.8 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ holds a skillet to make the material to mold bombs ("Viet Spending”). The mold sits on the floor beside him and the bucket of bombs. LBJ wears an apron with “Lady Bird’s” name struck through and “Lyndon’s” has been written in its place. He speaks to a horrified woman ("Great Society Programs"). A man stands next to her with a sign (“Record grocery bills”). A cat stands next to the bucket and looks at LBJ. Caption: “I Had to Melt Some of Your Butter into Bombs”. Artist signature lower right: "Yardley”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: “Wed. AM”. Handwritten at lower center: “6 in”. Handwritten at lower right: “Editorial” “52.5”.
Historical NoteThe Johnson Administration submitted 87 bills to Congress, and Johnson signed 84, or 96%, arguably the most successful legislative agenda in US congressional history. However, because of the Vietnam War, some funding had to go to defense instead of domestic programs.
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 Lady Bird Johnson (United States, 1912 - 2007)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Baltimore
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