Interview with Tyler Abell, June 15, 2018

Interview Summary

Tyler Abell, husband of Bess Abell, begins the interview by describing Bess' participation in sports throughout her life, including snorkeling, sailing, swimming, and equestrian events. Bess' abilities as an entertainer are considered. Additionally, Abell recalls Bess' views on being a secretary. Bess' friendship with Senator Claiborne Pell is explored. Other important friendships that Bess had are also mentioned. The switch over to American wine from French wine in the Johnson White House is examined. Abell shares his memories of attending the controversial 1968 Democratic National Convention with Bess. Abell offers his opinion on what sort of adjustments Hubert Humphrey could have made to his campaign to win the 1968 presidential election. Abell recalls some of the houses he lived in with Bess early on in their marriage. Abell explains how Bess obtained a raise as White House social secretary. Abell articulates Bess' role in orchestrating a country fair for the children of congressmen on the White House lawn. Bess' involvement in a protest party to the all-male Gridiron Club for journalists is discussed. Abell talks of Bess' work after leaving the White House, including a lawsuit between Bess and her business partner. How Bess treated contractors is detailed. Abell describes Bess' role in renovations to their homes. Bess' interests in baking and gardening are explored. Abell then talks of Bess' friendship with the Mondale family. Abell explains his and Bess' views on women's issues and presidents. Abell recalls when Bess had the opportunity to possibly work for Vice President Nelson Rockefeller. Abell articulates Bess' involvement in creating Merry-Go-Round Farm, a subdivision created from their land in Potomac, Maryland. Bess' friendship with Harry Middleton is considered. Additionally, Abell recalls a story that Bess told about Lyndon Johnson. Abell considers Bess' level of formality when addressing her superiors at the White House. An interesting nickname bestowed on Bess by White House social aides is considered. To conclude the interview, Abell reflects upon a fun visit he took to LBJ Ranch with Bess.

Interview Keyword

Bess Abell Snorkeling Equestrian Entertaining Social secretary White House Claiborne Pell Lyndon Johnson Lady Bird Johnson 1968 Democratic National Convention Hubert Humphrey Houses Salary Country fair Lawsuit Business partner Renovations Walter Mondale Joan Mondale Women's issues Nelson Rockefeller Merry-Go-Round Farm Harry Middleton Formal

Interview LC Subject

Politicians Washington (D.C.) Swimming Horses Wine Chicago (Ill.) Alexandria (Va.) Gridiron Club (Washington, D.C.) Journalists Baking Gardening Potomac (Md.) Mondale family Friendship Presidents University of Texas LBJ Ranch House (Tex.)

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.