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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Ghost Writers in the Sky
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Ghost Writers in the Sky

Artifact ID1965.28.349
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1905 - 1986)
Publisher (1922 - 1989)
Date ca. May 1960
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/2 in x W 11 in (36.8 cm x 27.9 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A small man ("Bowles" "Democrat Platform Writer") rides a donkey while holding a large ink pen. He looks uneasily at the outlines of four other men ("New Deal Liberals", "Union Leaders", "Congress Leaders", "Dixie") who are also riding donkey and holding large ink pens. A small sign near Bowles indicates the direction to "L.A.". Caption reads: "Ghost Writers in the Sky". Artist signature lower right: "Reg Manning [drawing of a cactus]". Additional text at bottom center: "McNaught Syndicate, Inc.".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: "Regards to Texas' great Senator, Lyndon B. Johnson. - Reg Manning [drawing of a cactus] 5-29-60". Handwritten at lower left: "[circled] 2" "5-3-60 Mailing".
Historical NoteChester Bowles was a governor and later House representative of Connecticut. He was a liberal Democrat and foreign policy advisor for John F. Kennedy. Although he tries to write the Democratic platform, the Democratic Party has lots of conflicting ideologies and divisions.
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 Estes Kefauver (United States, 1903 - 1963)
Person Referenced Chester Bowles (United States, 1901 - 1986)
Person Referenced Sam Rayburn (United States, 1882 - 1961)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place Described
Los Angeles
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