Vivian Castleberry’s reporter’s notebook from November 22, 1963
Eighteen page green Steno notebook used by Vivian Castleberry, who was a reporter and women’s news editor at the Dallas Times Herald from 1956 to 1984. The notebook has a spiral binding at the top edge; most pages in the notebook are only written on one side, though some have writing on both sides of the page.On November 22, 1963, she was writing a story on Jacqueline Kennedy’s day in Dallas and attended the Trade Mart luncheon where the Kennedys were scheduled to be in attendance. In the beginning Castleberry writes about Jacqueline Kennedy, her previous speeches, her appearance, and her voice. Castleberry then describes the décor at the Trade Mart ahead of the luncheon. Her notes describe the seating order, attendees, and their appearances. On page 6 of her notes, she writes “Press bursts through East door” and “Faces stark…drawn-” from the moment when news of the assassination first reached the Trade Mart. She writes that news of the assassination was shared to the crowd by Erik Jonsson, a leader in the local chamber of commerce. Next, she writes that a prayer was led by Luther Holcomb and details people’s reactions to the news. Castleberry drafted sentences for her upcoming articles and took people’s names and addresses. Pages 14 and 15 have notes from a briefing by pool reporter, Sid Davis, on the circumstances and people present on Air Force One when President Johnson took the oath of office. Her last few pages have notes and quotes about President Johnson and hopes for the country in the future.
8″ glass bottle of Canada Dry club soda from Dallas Trade Mart luncheon
Unopened 8″ tall glass bottle of Canada Dry club soda with the Seal of the Vice President and “Bottled for the Honorable Lyndon B. Johnson” on the face. The limited edition bottle was manufactured in 1963 by the Canada Dry Bottling Company of San Antonio. This bottle was collected from head table at the Dallas Trade Mart luncheon on November 22, 1963 by luncheon attendee Marquita Smith.
Physician’s lab coat worn by Dr. Ronald C. Jones at Parkland Memorial Hospital
White physician’s lab coat worn by Dr. Ronald C. Jones at Parkland Memorial Hospital in 1963. The white button-up coat has long sleeves and a collar. Dr. Jones’ name is embroidered on the front, above the breast pocket. Jones was the chief surgery resident in Parkland Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room on November 22, 1963. He was among the team of doctors that tried to resuscitate President Kennedy in Trauma Room One. Less than forty-eight hours later, Jones was part of the surgical team that treated Lee Harvey Oswald. Dr. Jones owned two identical white lab coats at the time of the assassination, donating both to the Museum.
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce breakfast ticket
Ticket to a breakfast sponsored by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce to honor President and Mrs. Kennedy at the Hotel Texas the morning of November 22, 1963. The ticket price was $3.00.