Mr. Jelly Bean

Mrs. Johnson at a Minnesota Head Start program, 1967.

LBJ Library photo / Robert Knudsen

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Beyond the Pedernales River is a small, gray building that housed Stonewall's Project Head Start program from 1967 to 1999—a symbol of one of President Johnson's enduring legacies to the American people. President Johnson initiated the Head Start program in 1965; it was one of many programs that transformed the American educational system during the 1960s. Mrs. Johnson was national chairperson for this initiative. After his retirement, the former president occasionally visited the Head Start program here in Stonewall. He often gave candy to the children, who in turn came to know him as "Mr. Jelly Bean." Each Christmas, the children would visit the LBJ Ranch to sing Christmas carols to the Johnsons, a tradition that continues today as the children sing to the park rangers and visitors.

The spire to the left of the Head Start building marks Trinity Lutheran Church, one of several churches where the Johnson family worshipped.