San Antonio Commemorates 90 Years of the Johnsons’ Whirlwind Romance and Its Historical Significance

San Antonio Celebrates a Love Story for the Ages

This week, San Antonio has been buzzing with nostalgia as locals celebrate the 90th anniversary of the whirlwind wedding between future President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson, which took place on October 17, 1934. Their love story is one for the books, full of romance and a sprinkle of serendipity.

A Quick Romance

The couple’s courtship was nothing short of extraordinary. After meeting through mutual friends, it wasn’t long before the sparks flew. A mere breakfast date the very next day at Austin’s renowned Driskill Hotel led to LBJ’s marriage proposal—yes, a proposal just hours after their first meeting! And he didn’t stop there; he asked her a few more times before Lady Bird finally agreed, stating her concerns about the whirlwind romance.

Ultimately, it was LBJ’s charming ultimatum that sealed the deal. He reportedly told her, “We either do it now, or we never will.” Talk about high stakes! Fast forward to the next day, just 10 weeks after their initial meeting, the couple was making wedding plans, choosing St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in downtown San Antonio as their venue.

A Wedding to Remember

In typically charming fashion, the wedding arrangements were a bit hasty. LBJ’s close friend and San Antonio postmaster, Dan Quill, even had to make a last-minute dash to buy a wedding ring from the downtown Sears, Roebuck & Co. Let’s just say LBJ realized he’d forgotten the most important detail of all! The ring, which had a price tag of around $2.98 (some reports even suggest it was as low as $2.50), would go on to become a priceless piece of history.

On the wedding day, a stylish 26-year-old LBJ placed that ring on 21-year-old Lady Bird’s finger, marking the beginning of their 39-year marital journey. That little piece of jewelry remained special to Lady Bird until her death in 2007.

Meanwhile, in San Antonio History

While this celebration of love is captivating enough, history has more in store for San Antonio this week! In a dramatic contrast, let’s not forget President John F. Kennedy’s visit to San Antonio 61 years ago where he dedicated the Aerospace Medical Health Center at Brooks Air Force Base. It was a jovial occasion where JFK addressed thousands about America’s pursuit of space glory.

Sadly, that day would turn from excitement to tragedy, as just a day later, Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. A stark reminder of the unpredictable twists of history.

Fast forward to November 22, 1996, when San Antonio saw a change in area codes, with the beloved 210 being split to create new area codes for surrounding regions. It might not sound like a big deal, but for locals, it was the start of yet another chapter in the city’s evolution.

Musical Memories

And let’s not forget the power of music! On November 21, 1992, the iconic band R.E.M. filmed the hauntingly beautiful music video for “Everybody Hurts” in the vibrant heart of San Antonio. The video played out on the as-yet-unopened lower level of the “Downtown Y” highway expansion project. It’s hard to forget lead singer Michael Stipe stepping out of his vehicle and connecting with the audience, and it later won several awards, including the coveted Breakthrough Video at the 1994 MTV Music Video Awards.

Love, History, and More!

As San Antonio remembers this day of love and so many moments from the past, there’s an undeniable sense of community and shared history. Whether you are lifting a toast to LBJ and Lady Bird or recalling the poignant moments of past leaders visiting the city, it’s a time where love stories intertwine seamlessly with the rich tapestry of history that shapes our community.

So here’s to love, history, and the memories of San Antonio—past, present, and future!