This series contains the working files of Bess Abell during her time as Lady Bird Johnson's White House Social Secretary. The material in this series includes correspondence, memorandums, handwritten notes, lists, reports, menus, programs, drafts, schedules, telegrams, and pamphlets related to the duties of Bess Abell, including planning for social events at the White House and the LBJ Ranch. Some of the typical events reflected in the material include teas, receptions, State Dinners, luncheons, festivals, parties, celebrations, weddings, and award ceremonies. Among the luncheons are the "Women Doer's Luncheons" hosted by Mrs. Johnson and luncheons held for foreign visitors. In addition to the records related to the logistics of event planning, there is also material related to the entertainment at various events including theatrical, musical, and dance performances. There is also material related to events hosted by the Johnson's daughters, Luci Johnson and Lynda Johnson. This series also contains material related to travel and campaigning done by Mrs. Johnson, including her Whistle Stop Campaign for the 1964 Presidential campaign, her trips to highlight beautification and conservation, and her trips to highlight the war on poverty. Mrs. Johnson's travel destinations include New York, Kentucky, Virginia, California, Texas, Vermont, the Philippines, South America, El Salvador, and other places. Some of the foreign visitors who attended the events include Chancellor Ludwig Erhard of Germany; President Diaz Ordaz of Mexico; Princess Margaret of the United Kingdom; King Hussein of Jordan; President Antonio Segni of Italy; President de Valera of Ireland; and Prime Minister Levi Eshkol of Israel.
