Interview with Tyler Abell, May 29, 2018

Interview Summary

Tyler Abell, husband of Bess Abell, begins the interview by discussing his wife's early years and work in the federal government. Abell then talks of his wife's education and his own educational background. Abell recalls when he first began to date his future wife. Abell describes his wife's personality and friends. Abell then discusses his wife's first engagement to another man that was eventually called off. Bess Abell and her friendship with Lyndon Johnson is also mentioned. Abell recalls the circumstances behind his marriage to Bess, including eloping and a church wedding. Abell shares some stories that his wife told from her college years. Abell considers what his wife's views were on women in the workforce. Abell remembers what his and his wife's lives were like in the mid-1950s and 1960s. Abell articulates his and his wife's roles in the 1960 John F. Kennedy presidential campaign. Abell describes his wife's work as Lady Bird Johnson's social secretary. Abell also briefly evaluates Lyndon Johnson in his role as vice president. Additionally, Abell remembers his wife's perspective on John F. Kennedy's assassination. Abell describes what it was like to be closely associated with the White House. Abell details his wife's work in the White House. Abell reflects upon the impact of Earle Clements on his daughter's work as a social secretary. To conclude the interview, Abell provides an overview on Earle Clements and his background.

Interview Keyword

Bess Abell Earle Clements Politics Lyndon Johnson Lady Bird Johnson John F. Kennedy Social secretary White House

Interview LC Subject

Politicians Washington (D.C.) Life Childhood Work Federal government Morganfield (Ky.) Kentucky Union County (Ky.) Personality University of Kentucky Marriage Wedding Children

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.