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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
He's Signed So Many Bills Lately...
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

He's Signed So Many Bills Lately...

Artifact ID1965.28.39
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (American, 1932 - 2015)
Publisher ()
Gifter
Date ca. August 1965
Medium Pencil on typing paper
DimensionsOverall H 11 in x W 8 1/2 in (27.9 cm x 21.6 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ is standing in front of a group of children with a handful of bill signing pens, signing autographs for the children. An aide stands behind him with a tray of pens and speaks to a man recognizable as Senator Everett Dirksen. Caption reads: "He's Signed So Many Bills Lately, Using Lots of Pens Has Become Force of Habit." Printed in upper left: "BERRY'S WORLD". Artist signature lower left: "Jim Berry 8-19-65."
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten across bottom: "For President Johnson : with greatest admiration and my very best wishes - Jim Berry"
Historical NotePresidents sometimes use multiple pens to sign one bill and then distribute them to the people standing nearby that helped get it passed. Because Lyndon Johnson signed so many laws as president, many pens were made so that he could give them to people afterwards. When Johnson decided not to run for president in 1968, a surplus of pens were already made in anticipation for his second term.
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 Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. The Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these 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 (American, 1908 - 1973)
Person Referenced Everett Dirksen (American, 1896 - 1969)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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