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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Deep Roots
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Deep Roots

Artifact ID1966.64.74
Artist (United States)
Publisher ()
Date 1965
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 12 1/2 in x W 10 7/8 in (31.8 cm x 27.6 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ uses a rope attached to a bulldozer to pull up big dead tree ("Poverty") from the U.S. Capitol lawn. The tree has a massive root structure. Caption reads: "Deep Roots". Artist signature lower right: "Crook © 1965, Newsday, Inc.".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower center: "Mr. President I'm pulling for you! Ken Crook".
Historical NoteThe most ambitious and controversial part of the Great Society was its initiative to end poverty. The Kennedy Administration had been contemplating a federal effort against poverty. Johnson, who, as a teacher, had observed extreme poverty in Texas among Mexican-Americans, launched an "unconditional war on poverty" in the first months of his presidency with the goal of eliminating hunger, illiteracy, and unemployment from American life.
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
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Newsday, Inc., 1965
Copyright 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)
Not on view
Place Described
Place of Publication