Interview with Judith H. "Judy" Whittlesey, July 7, 2018

Interview Summary

Judy Whittlesey, a former staffer to Joan Mondale, begins the interview by describing her personal background and career in public relations. Whittlesey remembers when she first met Bess Abell, who was also working in Joan Mondale's office. The atmosphere that Bess Abell created in Second Lady Joan Mondale's office is detailed. Whittlesey reflects upon her encounters with the Mondale children as teenagers. Whittlesey describes her work with the Carter administration and her travels to Iowa and Africa in that capacity. The transition period between the Carter and Reagan administrations is recalled. Whittlesey articulates Bess' role in key Carter White House events and promoting the arts with Joan Mondale. Important events in 1980 are detailed, including the presidential campaign and the Summer Olympics. Whittlesey considers how important political events affected her work in Joan Mondale's office. Whittlesey talks of her work for the Mondales after the vice presidency. Whittlesey describes her contact with Joan Mondale during her final years. Bess Abell's eulogies at the two funerals of Joan Mondale are remembered. Bess' role in the decoration of Joan Mondale's office is considered. The lives of several former Joan Mondale staffers are explored. Whittlesey recalls the transition period between Second Ladies in 1980, in which Barbara Bush succeeded Joan Mondale. Whittlesey also considers the specific ways in which Bess Abell helped Joan Mondale. Additionally, the decision by Joan Mondale to furnish the vice president's residence with pieces by American craft artists is explored. Whittlesey explains how Bess Abell helped to launch her career in public relations. Whittlesey talks of how the Washington, D.C. social circles inhabited by Bess and Joan often intersected. Recent renovations to the Old Executive Office Building are briefly mentioned. Potential people to interview for this project are listed. Bess Abell's work in refurbishing and supporting two important horticultural institutions in D.C. (the United States Botanical Garden and the National Arboretum) is discussed. Whittlesey concludes the interview by discussing the important role of Secret Service agents for Bess Abell and Joan Mondale.

Interview Keyword

Bess Abell Joan Mondale Second lady Vice president Walter Mondale Vice president's residence Jimmy Carter Old Executive Office Building (Washington, D.C.) Campaigning 1980 presidential campaign 1984 presidential campign Funeral Decorations

Interview LC Subject

Politicians Washington (D.C.) Art Travel Africa Iowa Crafts & design Staff Furniture Gratitude Artists Secret service United States Botanic Garden National Arboretum (U.S.)

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Interview Usage

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