We love these Lady Bird Johnson centennial stamps, recently issued by the U.S. Postal Service. The set includes five stamps adapted from the 1966 and 1969 originals, which were issued as part of the First Lady’s “Plant for a More Beautiful America” campaign. Aren’t the graphics beautiful? Thanks to reader Patrick for this tip.
With her 1960s campaign, Lady Bird Johnson urged citizens to reconnect to nature by using native plants and landscaping to elevate their back yards and public spaces — even highway medians. She also helped to pass several bills, such as the Highway Beautification Act of 1965. The USPS’ collection includes five of the original stamp designs (adapted to accommodate today’s printing techniques). And, it includes a stamp featuring the official White House portrait of Mrs. Johnson, painted in 1968.
All about the special Lady Bird Johnson stamps:
Lady Bird Johnson awakened our country’s conscience to the importance of protecting our native plants and maintaining a sustainable and beautiful environment. Mrs. Johnson championed the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, often referred to as “Lady Bird’s Bill.” She remained committed to highway beautification after leaving the White House, supporting legislation that allocated federal funds for landscaping projects using native plants, flowers, and trees along the nation’s highways.
After returning to Texas, Mrs. Johnson continued her work for environmental and conservation causes. She led a campaign in her adopted hometown of Austin to create a trail by the city’s lake. The lake, beloved by city residents, was renamed in her honor after her death, something she was too modest to allow during her lifetime.
Mrs. Johnson’s most lasting legacy was the creation of the National Wildflower Research Center. Founded on her 70th birthday, the center — now the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center — continues to be a national leader in research, education, and projects that encourage the use of wildflowers and native plants. She maintained an active and direct involvement with the center, giving it her considerable time, talent, and treasure until her death.
Fulfilling her deep personal beliefs, Mrs. Johnson strove throughout her life to “keep the beauty of the landscape as we remember it in our youth…and to leave this splendor for our grandchildren.” She inspired generations to see that one person, at any age, can make a difference and that young people and the environment hold our greatest hopes for tomorrow.
In honor of Mrs. Johnson’s contributions, the U.S. Postal Service is issuing these six stamps — a new stamp which reproduces the official White House portrait of the First Lady painted in 1968, and adaptations of five stamps issued in the 1960s that encouraged people to participate in the President and Mrs. Johnson’s campaign “Plant for a More Beautiful America.” The five engraved stamps originally issued in 1966 and 1969 have been adapted for printing in offset lithography.
Above: A still shot of the original “Beautify” stamps — spotted in the original 1960s press conference video that we found and feature next:
For more information on the life and work of Lady Bird Johnson, visit ladybirdjohnson.org.
Special thanks to the USPS for providing us with the enlarged images of this lovely stamp collection so that we could enjoy the nostalgic detail.
Joe Felice says
She had so-much-more class than her husband!
Tom G says
Also, there’s a great set of stamps called “Pioneers of American Industrial Design” that highlights some awesome MCM-era pieces.
https://store.usps.com/store/browse/productDetailSingleSku.jsp?productId=S_467804&categoryId=subcatS_S_Sheets
Susan C. says
I was able to visit the Lady Bird Wildflower Center in Austin or on the outskirts of Austin, I remember getting lost! Texas highways are very pretty, and full of wildflowers!
Diane says
I had the pleasure to visit the LBJ Ranch near Austin this past summer and let me tell you it was an outstanding trip. If you love mid century decor as much as I you must go. All the decor is original and the colors remind you of the First Lady’s wildflowers.
Thank you for this column, I loved it.
Diane
Honey Stop The Car Vintage
pam kueber says
Ahhhh, I must go online and look! Thank you for the tip!!
Angela says
Ha! I bought these stamps at the PO a few weeks ago, not knowing they were retro reissue. Not only am I a Conservation Department worker, but a retro nut, so they’re now doubly appropriate!
Jay says
I knew about these stamps but when I needed to buy stamps the other day they weren’t available. It’s great the PO decided to reissue these stamps. Now more then ever it’s important to emphasize the use of native plants. I find that whenever I plant the natives with berries – hollies, serviceberry, blueberries, the birds are sure to follow; also the black eyed susies and pink coneflowers. So many ornamental shrubs have been imported from Asia, they look nice but have no appeal to wildlife. Oh, yes! I would definately use the stamps.