West Virginia and Regional History Center
1549 University Ave.P.O. Box 6069
Morgantown, WV 26506-6069
Business Number: 304-293-3536
wvrhcref@westvirginia.libanswers.com
URL: https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu
Administrative Information
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.
Conditions Governing Access
No special access restriction applies.
Researchers may access digitized and born digital materials by visiting the link attached to each item or by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.
Preferred Citation
[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Louis A. Johnson Papers, A&M 4311, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Scope and Contents
Papers of Louis Arthur Johnson, (1891-1966), Clarksburg lawyer, and Washington, D.C. politician who co-founded the law office of Steptoe & Johnson. Johnson studied law at the University of Virginia and upon graduation immediately took up residence in the booming oil and gas town of Clarksburg, W. Va. and began the firm with Philip P. Steptoe. He served in France and Germany during and immediately after the First World War, and upon his return married Ruth Maxwell from Clarksburg. From 1937-1940 Johnson was the Assistant Secretary of War under President Roosevelt and later served as the second United States Secretary of Defense under President Truman from March 1949 to September 1950. Asked to resign by President Truman, Johnson returned to his law practice in Clarksburg until his death in 1966. This collection is minimally processed.
The collection includes correspondence, photographs, publications, news clippings, artifacts, etc. regarding Johnson's service in World War I, his political career, his social network, and his family life, among other topics. The collection also includes material related to other family members, especially his wife Ruth Maxwell Johnson, the Maxwell family, and Johnson's daughters, Lillian and Ruth Katherine (Kay) Johnson.
Series 1. Biographical Information; boxes 13-15, 31, 45, 52, 54-55; ca. 1910-2005.
Series 2. Diaries; boxes 19 and 23; 1916-1964.
Series 3. World War I Letters; boxes 1-4; 1917-1918.
Series 4. Correspondence; boxes 5a-7, 14, 21; 1917-1966.
Series 5. Scrapbooks; boxes 35, 40, 47, and 57; ca. 1920-1950.
Series 6. Publications; boxes 7, 9-12b, 15-18, 53, 57; 1913-1983.
Series 7. Miscellaneous Papers; boxes 8, 12a-12b, 14, 18-20, 23; 1917-1966, undated.
Series 8. News Clippings; boxes 12a-12b, 14, 18, 21-22, 53; 1913-1966.
Series 9. Photo Albums; boxes 29-32, 38, 41, 50; ca. 1910-1970.
Series 10. Photographs; boxes 3, 7, 12b-14, 18-21, 23-28, 31, 33-34, 36-41, 42-49, 51-52, 54, 58-60, 62, 69; ca. 1870-1970.
Series 11. Artifacts; boxes 16, 50-51, 53-54, 56a-56b, 60-61, 63-68, 84; 1917-1960, undated.
Series 12. Oversize; boxes 70-84, map cabinet 10, unboxed; ca. 1915-2013, undated.
Separated Material
Group photo signed by Harry Truman moved to A&M 435, Rare Signatures.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- Johnson, Louis Arthur, 1891-1966
- United States -- Politics and government -- 20th century
- World War, 1914-1918
- World War, 1914-1918 -- Soldiers' letters
Significant Places Associated With the Collection
- United States -- Politics and government -- 20th century
Container List
This series includes material related to Louis Johnson's life and death, including his Last Will and Testament, obituaries, honors, and degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
- Mixed Materials Box: 13
Biographical Material1966-2005Scope and Contents
Includes Last Will and Testament of Louis Johnson, obituaries and other clippings. Also includes correspondence and promotional material relating to a biography by Keith McFarland and David Roll.
- Mixed Materials Box: 13
Clarksburg Exponent Issues1966Scope and Contents
Includes one copy of the April 26, 1966 issue with headline announcing death of Johnson, and five copies of the October 22, 1965 issue (does not seem to contain any information about Johnson or his career).
- Mixed Materials Box: 14
Honors and Degrees (awarded to Johnson)1913-1961Scope and Contents
Includes certificate admitting Johnson as an attorney in Clarksburg (1913), citation to accompany Medal for Merit (1947), citation accompaning the award of the Distinguished Service Medal of West Virginia (1961), and honorary doctor of law degrees from Salem College (1938), and Creighton University (1949).
- Mixed Materials Box: 15
Daybook of Louis Johnson1939Scope and Contents
Includes sparse entries for appointments from September through December.
- Mixed Materials Box: 31
Diplomas1882-1937Scope and Contents
Includes diplomas awarded to Lillian Maxwell Johnson (Louis Johnson's daughter) from Harrison County Public Schools (1934) and the Emma Willard School (1938), Lillie B. Jarvis (mother of Ruth Maxwell Johnson) from Broaddus Female College (1882), Ruth K. Johnson from Zaner-Blopser Handwriting (1934), and Katherine Johnson (daughter of Louis Johnson) from Harrison County Public Schools (1937) and Elementary Shakespearean Dramatic Arts (1932).
- Mixed Materials Box: 45
Certificatesca. 1910-1950Scope and Contents
Includes certificates awarded to Louis Johnson from the University of Virginia Thomas Jefferson Society of Alumni, the Bar Association of Washington D.C., the National Sojourners, and the University of Virginia Club of Washington Outstanding Alumni.
- Mixed Materials Box: 52
Certificatesca. 1930-1950Scope and Contents
Includes three certificates for reappointment as Civilian Aide to Secretary of War for West Virginia (1931, 1935, 1946) and an honorary membership certificate from the International Printing Pressmen and Assistant's Union of North America (1933).
- Mixed Materials Box: 54
Johnson Biographical Posterca. 1930Scope and Contents
Card-mounted poster featuring sketches of Johnson and text outlining his biography and key achievements.
- Mixed Materials Box: 55
Johnson Diplomas and Certificates1911-1953Scope and Contents
Diplomas include: Bachelor of Law - University of Virginia (1912), Doctor of Law - Marietta College (1949), Doctor of Law - Villanova College (1949), Doctor of International Law - Pennsylvania Military College (1950). Also includes Virginia Attorney License (1912) and several humorous or honorary degrees from The Silver Tongue, American Airlines, College of Hunting and Fishing, Conference of National Organizations, Citizens Committee of the Hoover Report, Veterans of the Spanish American War, The Raven Society, and the Permanent American Aeronautical Commission.
This series contains two diaries, one written by Ruth Maxwell Johnson documenting her daily life, and another by a woman named Emily that records a trip taken by ship from San Franciscsisco to Naples.
- Mixed Materials Box: 19
Ruth Maxwell Diary1916-1917, 1953Scope and Contents
Contains approximately twenty entries relating day-to-day events and family occurences (no mention of Johnson). Also includes one later entry, when Ruth found the diary many years later.
- Mixed Materials Box: 23
Travel Journal1964Scope and Contents
"Voyage 25, S.S. President Adams, San Francisco to Naples, Feb. 2, 1964-Apr. 14, 1964." Inscribed "For Aunt Ruth with my love, Emily." Typewritten. Contains entries regarding an ocean voyage.
This series contains mostly letters from Johnson to his future wife, Ruth Maxwell, though there are other correspondents as well, including Johnson's mother and other family members. Some letters were mailed during Johnson's time in training at Camp Lee, VA and others are from the front in France.
- Mixed Materials Box: 01
Louis Johnson to Ruth Maxwell and Others1917-1918
- Mixed Materials Box: 02
Louis Johnson to Ruth Maxwell and Others1917-1918
- Mixed Materials Box: 03
Louis Johnson to Ruth Maxwell and Others1917-1918
- Mixed Materials Box: 04
Louis Johnson to Ruth Maxwell and Others1917-1918Scope and Contents
Includes letter from Johnson to Ruth Maxwell written moments after the Armistice was signed, among other letters.
This series includes mostly correspondence between Louis and Ruth Johnson discussing family matters. There are also letters from Ruth's daughters and her mother.
- Mixed Materials Box: 05a
Louis Johnson to Ruth Johnson1919-1945Scope and Contents
Includes mostly letters from Louis Johnson to his wife Ruth when traveling or while Johnson was in Washington on business relating to his political career.
- Mixed Materials Box: 05b
Louis Johnson to Ruth Johnson1919-1945Scope and Contents
Includes mostly letters from Louis Johnson to his wife Ruth when traveling or while Johnson was in Washington on business relating to his political career.
- Mixed Materials Box: 06
Post-World War I Letters1918-1919Scope and Contents
Includes mostly letters from Louis Johnson to his future wife, Ruth Maxwell, while Johnson was touring Germany and Italy with the occupational forces immediately following World War I.
- Mixed Materials Box: 07
Family Correspondence1919-1964Scope and Contents
Includes correspondence between Ruth Johnson and her mother, and between Ruth and her daughter Kay, among others.
- Mixed Materials Box: 14
Letters of Condolence1966Scope and Contents
Letters sent to Ruth Johnson on the death of Louis Johnson.
- Mixed Materials Box: 21
Louis Johnson to Ruth Johnson1937-1944Scope and Contents
Mostly correspondence between Ruth and Louis Johnson discussing family news.
This series includes mostly scrapbooks documenting political events or Johnson's career.
- Mixed Materials Box: 35
Louis Johnson Scrapbookca. 1920-1950Scope and Contents
Contains official photographs of Johnson, some portraits and some with others. Photos are unidentified.
- Mixed Materials Box: 40
Two Scrapbooks Regarding Johnson1930-1940Scope and Contents
Includes one scrapbook that documents the Johnson's social life, containing invitations to the White House, news clippings about those events, concert programs, etc. (1938-1940), and one scrapbook containing news clippings about Johnson and the American Legion (1931).
- Mixed Materials Box: 47
Pittsburgh Scrapbook1940Scope and Contents
Documents Louis Johnson's visit to Pittsburgh in 1940.
- Mixed Materials Box: 57
Family Scrapbookca. 1940Scope and Contents
Includes only a few film proofs depicting golf scenes and the graduation of one of Johnson's daughters.
- Mixed Materials Box: 57
Lindbergh Field Runway Expansion Scrapbook1943Scope and Contents
Project proposal for runway expansion at Lindbergh Field airport in San Diego, California (now SAN International Airport), containing maps, drawings, photographs, and text.
This series includes magazines, books and other publications, most of which contain material by or about Louis Johnson.
- Mixed Materials Box: 07
Time Magazine1938Scope and Contents
August 1938 issue, features Johnson on cover.
- Mixed Materials Box: 09
Magazines and Other Publications1937-1960Scope and Contents
Includes issues of Time, Newsweek, Kiwanis, Foreign Service, and the American Legion magazine. Most contain articles by or about Johnson.
- Mixed Materials Box: 10
Congressional Record1950
- Mixed Materials Box: 11
Magazines and Other Publications1938-1966Scope and Contents
Includes issues of Time, Newsweek, Kiwanis, Foreign Service, and the American Legion magazine. Most contain articles by or about Johnson.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12a
Articles by or about Johnson1913-1983Scope and Contents
Articles are in manuscript or pamphlet form.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12b
Kiwanis Magazines1938Scope and Contents
Three copies of The Kiwanis Magazine, Novmeber 1938, featuring an article by Johnson titled "Industrial Mobilization."
- Mixed Materials Box: 15
Howitzer Yearbook1949Scope and Contents
Yearbook of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
- Mixed Materials Box: 15
Pictorial New York1937Scope and Contents
Picture book assembled by the America Legion for the 1937 National Convention in New York City, containing postcard images of notable sights.
- Mixed Materials Box: 16
Books1912-1975Scope and Contents
Includes: "Corks and Curls", University of Virginia Yearbook, 1912; "Louis Johnson, the Assistant Secrretary of War, Addresses, Vol. 1-4, 1937-1939"; "Eminent Judges and Lawyers of the American Bar, 1951"; "Industrial Mobilization for War, Vol. 1"; "Louis A. Johnson Papers in the University of Virginia Library" for Mrs. Johnson.
- Mixed Materials Box: 17
Books1939, 1949-1950Scope and Contents
Includes: "Louis Johnson, the Secretary of Defense, Addresses, 1949-1950, Vol. 1-4"; "Democratic National Convention Official Proceedings, 1952"; "Louis Johnson, the Assistant Secretary of War, Addresses, Vol. 1-2, 1937-1939".
- Mixed Materials Box: 18
Guide to Paris1918Scope and Contents
Guidebook for soldiers stationed in Paris during and just after World War I.
- Mixed Materials Box: 18
Magazines1938-1950Scope and Contents
Most contain articles by or about Johnson.
- Mixed Materials Box: 53
Time Magazine1938-1949Scope and Contents
August 1938 and June 1949 issues, both feature Johnson on cover.
- Mixed Materials Box: 57
"Year 1949" Book1949Scope and Contents
"Today's history in pictures… The annual permanent record of important national and world events." Features photo of Johnson in section on American politics.
This series includes programs, invitations, pamphlets, and other types of papers.
- Mixed Materials Box: 08
Papers1917-1966Scope and Contents
Includes World War I telegrams, condolence letters, and Thank You card signed by President Truman.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12a
Architectural Drawings1950Scope and Contents
Plans for a garden gate for home in Clarksburg and floor plan for a house in Florida, with some correspondence from the architect.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12b
Programs and Other Ephemera1938-1963Scope and Contents
Includes programs from the White House Correspondents' Seventeenth Annual Dinner (March 12, 1938) and The National Press Club Annual Dinner with President Franklin D. Roosevelt as guest of honor (November 19, 1938). Also includes invitation from the Under Secretary of State to Louis Johnson for dinner in honor of the Sultan of Muscat and Oman (1938), a menu from the Gridiron Club of Washington, D.C. (1938), mailings and account information from the Union National Bank addressed to Mrs. Ruth Johnson (1963), and receipts from Raleigh Haberdasher and Lord and Taylor.
- Mixed Materials Box: 14
American Legion Minutes1921, 1933
- Mixed Materials Box: 18
Announcement of the Wedding of President Truman's Daughter1956
- Mixed Materials Box: 19
Army Paperwork1917-1919Scope and Contents
Various military forms for Louis Johnson related to his service during World War I.
- Mixed Materials Box: 19
Programs and Itinerary1920-1940Scope and Contents
Includes mostly programs from conventions and banquets at which Johnson was a speaker or honored guest. Also includes itinerary for "Trip of the President to Gainsville and Warm Springs, GA," March 22, 1938.
- Mixed Materials Box: 20
Binder of Political Papers1947-1949Scope and Contents
Includes guide books related to military procurement/planning/ purchasing, and several addresses by Morris Sayre, president of Corn Products Refining Company.
- Mixed Materials Box: 23
Steptoe and Johnson Stationeryundated
This series includes several folders of news clippings, some of which are about Johnson, while others pertain to his career interests or specific projects.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12a
Clippings1913-1950
- Mixed Materials Box: 12b
Clippings1913-1950
- Mixed Materials Box: 14
Clippings1916-1952
- Mixed Materials Box: 18
Clippings1938-1966
- Mixed Materials Box: 21
Newspapers and Clippingsca. 1949-1951
- Mixed Materials Box: 22
Clippingsca. 1949-1951
- Mixed Materials Box: 53
Newspaper1951Scope and Contents
Headline: "Truman Wars on Inflation, Louis A. Johnson Raps Acheson Policies".
This series includes both official photo albums from specific events and family photo albums documenting the Johnson family.
- Mixed Materials Box: 29
Photo Albumsca. 1910-1983Scope and Contents
There are seven albums: 1. Album inscribed "Shots '37 - Ann Johnson Sage," photos mostly unidentified. 2. Album of vacation photos, none identified (ca. 1950). 3. Album of vacation photos, some featuring Louis and Ruth Johnson (ca. 1960). 4. Album featuring Ruth Maxwell and family/friends, photos unidentified (ca. 1915). 5. Album of vacation photos, not identified (includes some from Mount Vernon) (ca. 1965-1970). 6. "Camp Alleghany 1930," summer camp for girls, some subjects identified. 7. In Memoriam album for Ruth Johnson (1983).
- Mixed Materials Box: 30
Photo Albumsca. 1930-1950Scope and Contents
There are four albums: 1. Album labeled "Lillian's," subjects not identified. 2. Album from California, almost all photos identified (1937). 3. Factual data and photos of Tuscon, Arizona compiled for Johnson as Secretary of Defense. 4. Louis Johnson Scrapbook, featuring photos from travels and official events, most captioned.
- Mixed Materials Box: 31
Photo Album1965-1970Scope and Contents
Includes mostly candid family snapshots and outdoor scenery. Approximately one-third are identified.
- Mixed Materials Box: 32
Truman Inauguration Photo Album1949Scope and Contents
Official assembled photo album from the inauguration of President Truman. Includes images of the inaugural parade, candid shots of social gatherings with Truman and others, and other material.
- Mixed Materials Box: 38
Three Photograph Albums1910-1925Scope and Contents
Albums belonged to Ruth Maxwell or the Maxwell family and document family and friends. None of the photographs are identified.
- Mixed Materials Box: 41
Far East Album1950Scope and Contents
"Presented to The Honorable Louis Johnson, Secretary of Defense, on the Occasion of his visit to the Far East, June 1950." All photos are captioned. Includes images of Guam, Japan (Tokyo), and Okinawa.
- Mixed Materials Box: 50
World War I Photo Album1917-1918Scope and Contents
Includes photographs taken by Johnson documenting scenery in France, fellow officers, and destruction caused by the war. Also includes some family photos from after Johnson's return from Europe, depicting Johnson's wife Ruth and possibly his daughter, Lillian. Some business cards from Steptoe and Johnson are also included. Some of the photographs seem to have identification on the back.
This series includes many photographs, some of which relate to Johnson's career and others to his personal life. Subjects include the Johnson family, the Maxwell family (Johnson's inlaws), Johnson's service in World War I, trips taken by Johnson to Egypt, India, and other locations, Johnson's affiliation with the American Legion, and Johnson's political career, including official portraits of Johnson for press releases and public relations. There are also portraits of others individuals given to Johnson. Most photos are unidentified, though some bear inscriptions.
- Mixed Materials Box: 20
Christ Church Episcopalian Church Interior Photoca. 1910
- Mixed Materials Box: 62
Damaged Photographsca. 1930-1960
- Mixed Materials Box: 13
Framed Photographs1942-1955
- Mixed Materials Box: 25
Framed Items -- Photographs and Citationsca. 1920-1950Scope and Contents
Includes framed photographs, citation to accompany the award of Medal for Merit (signed by Truman, 1947), and letter from John W. Davis (in a frame) to Johnson regarding his loss in the presidential election of 1924.
- Mixed Materials Box: 31
Framed Photographsca. 1910-1940
- Mixed Materials Box: 60
Framed Photograph of Johnsonca. 1915
- Mixed Materials Box: 33
Large Photographsca. 1910-1960
- Mixed Materials Box: 38
Large Photographs1920-1960
- Mixed Materials Box: 42
Large Photographsca. 1920-1950
- Mixed Materials Box: 43
Large Photographsca. 1910-1960
- Mixed Materials Box: 44
Large Photographsca. 1910-1940
- Mixed Materials Box: 45
Large Photographsca. 1910-1950
- Mixed Materials Box: 48
Large Photographs1920-1960
- Mixed Materials Box: 58
Large Photographsca. 1920-1965Scope and Contents
Includes crayon sketch of political cartoon and conference panorama.
- Mixed Materials Box: 47
Large Photographs (portraits)1917-1960
- Mixed Materials Box: 51
Panoramic Photographs, rolled (unidentified group portraits)1938-1960
- Mixed Materials Box: 54
Panoramic Photograph (unidentified group of ladies)ca. 1920
- Mixed Materials Box: 03
Photographsca. 1905Scope and Contents
Two framed portraits of Ruth Maxwell Johnson's parents, one card mounted photo of Louis Johnson as a child, and one card-mounted photo inscribed "Arthur age 2."
- Mixed Materials Box: 07
Photographsca. 1930-1950
- Mixed Materials Box: 14
Photographsca. 1905-1960
- Mixed Materials Box: 18
Photographs1910-1940
- Mixed Materials Box: 21
Photographs1910-1960
- Mixed Materials Box: 23
Photographsca. 1910-1965
- Mixed Materials Box: 24
Photographsca. 1890-1930
- Mixed Materials Box: 26
Photographsca. 1930-1960
- Mixed Materials Box: 27
Photographsca. 1930-1960Scope and Contents
Includes photos of Johnson being sworn in as Secretary of Defense.
- Mixed Materials Box: 28
Photographsca. 1930-1970
- Mixed Materials Box: 36
Photographsca. 1910-1940Scope and Contents
Includes photos of Ruth Johnson, other acquaintances and politicians, and a photo of President Roosevelt, John Pershing, and Clement Attlee with printed signatures.
- Mixed Materials Box: 37
Photographsca. 1910-1950Scope and Contents
Includes photos of Ruth Johnson, Kay Johnson, WB Maxwell, and a post-World War I parade in France.
- Mixed Materials Box: 39
Photographsca. 1870-1950
- Mixed Materials Box: 52
Photographsca. 1930-1950
- Mixed Materials Box: 49
Photographs -- Group Shotsca. 1900-1949
- Mixed Materials Box: 19
Photographs -- India and Egypt1930-1948
- Mixed Materials Box: 59
Portraits, Johnsonca. 1930-1960
- Mixed Materials Box: 34
Portraits, Johnson, Official (duplicates)ca. 1950
- Mixed Materials Box: 20
Portraits, Official (copies)ca. 1950
- Mixed Materials Box: 12b
Portraits, Official (copies)ca.1950
- Mixed Materials Box: 46
Portraits, Official (duplicates)ca. 1949-1950
- Mixed Materials Box: 59
Portraits, Otherca. 1930-1960Scope and Contents
Includes portraits of Ray Murphy, Major General Frank Lowe, and Paul H. Griffith (National Commander of the American Legion), among others.
- Mixed Materials Box: 69
Portraits, Pencil Sketch1949Scope and Contents
Image used on the cover of Time magazine in 1949.
- Mixed Materials Box: 69
President Roosevelt and Mrs. Roosevelt (in a car waving to a crowd)ca. 1940
- Mixed Materials Box: 60
Rolled Photo and Certificate1936-1957Scope and Contents
Certificate admits Johnson as attorney in Washington, D.C. (1953).
- Mixed Materials Box: 41
Rolled Photographs (three items)ca. 1920-1960
- Mixed Materials Box: 40
Rolled Photographs (two items)1949-1950
- Mixed Materials Box: 38
Slidesca. 1960
- Mixed Materials Box: 69
TWA (Trans World Airlines) Color-fotosca. 1960Scope and Contents
Two collectible prints of TWA airplanes.
This series includes flags, medals, dog tags, academic hoods, and other items belonging to Johnson.
- Mixed Materials Box: 16
Coaxial Cable Plaqueundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 50
World War I Dog Tags (belonging to Johnson)1917-1918
- Mixed Materials Box: 50
Mayflower Hotel Keysca. 1935-1950Scope and Contents
Three keys for rooms in the Mayflower Hotel, located in New York City.
- Mixed Materials Box: 51
Medal of Merit and American Legion West Virginia Capundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 53
Handkerchiefundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 54
Blue Eagle Flagundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 56a
Three Desk Flagsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 56b
Awards -- American Legion, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 1933; Post-Mortem Club, 1960undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 60
Gavelundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 60
Tasselsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 60
Wooden Boxundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 61
Bronze HeadundatedScope and Contents
Bronze head of Franklin D. Roosevelt, by J. Davidson.
- Mixed Materials Box: 61
MedalsundatedScope and Contents
Medal of Liberated France and Order of the Compassionate Heart Medal.
- Mixed Materials Box: 61
Two Decorative Wooden Boxesundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 63
Tasselsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 64
Desk Artifactsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 65
Whale [sculpture]1933
- Mixed Materials Box: 66
Medals and Ribbons1912-1956Scope and Contents
1. American Legion New York State Convention Ribbon, 1933;
2. American Legion New York State Convention Ribbon, 1933;
3. Order of the Crown of Italy; American Legion 14th Annual Promenade Nationale, Chicago Ribbon, 1933;
4. Louis A. Johnson, National Commander, American Legion National Convention, Janesville, WI, 1933 Ribbon;
5. American Legion Philadelphia, PA Ribbon, 1933;
6. American Legion 38th National Convention, Los Angeles, Distinguished Guest Ribbon, 1956;
7. Distinguished Service Award presented to Colonel Louis A. Johnson by the National Guard of Honor American Legion;
8. American Legion, Grand Rapids, MI Ribbon, 1933;
9. American Legion, 12th National Convention, Portland, OR Ribbon, 1932;
10. GAA, University of Virginia, Virginia-Hopkins Dual Meet, Heavyweight Boxing Medal, Louis A. Johnson, 1912;
11. GAA, University of Virginia, Heavyweight Wrestling Medal, Louis A. Johnson, 1912;
12. Democratic National Convention, Philadelphia, 1948, Honored Guest Ribbon. - Mixed Materials Box: 67
Medals and Ribbons1928-1956Scope and Contents
1. American Legion 15th Annual Convention, New London, CT, 1933, Louis Johnson, National Commander Ribbon;
2. Grand Cross of Military Honor;
3. American Legion Service Committee Pin, Los Angeles, 1956; American Legion Distinguished Guests Committee Pin, Los Angeles, 1956; American Legion Life Member Pin; American Legion First National Aerial Roundup Pin, 1933;
4. Democratic National Convention, 1940, Chicago, Assistant to the Chairman Ribbon;
5. American Legion Department of Iowa, Dubuque 1933 Ribbon; American Legion National Executive Committee Ribbon;
6. Democratic National Convention, Delegate, Honorary Vice President Ribbon;
7. Louis A. Johnson, American Legion Department of West Virginia Annual Convention Ribbon, Clarksburg, 1938;
8. National Distinguished Guest Committee Pin, San Antonio Convention, American Legion, 1928;
9. Louis Johnson, Delegate, American Legion Department of West Virginia, 14th Annual Convention Ribbon, 1932;
10. Medal for Merit;
11. American Legion Pilgrimage for Peace Ribbon;
12. Democratic National Convention, Assistant to Chairman Ribbon, Philadelphia, 1948. - Mixed Materials Box: 68
Leather Box and Contentsca. 1930-1955Scope and Contents
Leather desk box containing items probably of sentimental value, including photos of Johnson's daughter's graduation, a book of poems handmade by his daughter, etc.
- Mixed Materials Box: 68
Dishes (with Johnson family crest)undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 84
Lamp from portrait of JohnsonundataedScope and Contents
Small metal lamp originally mounted to Johnson portrait.
This series contains large photographs, framed artwork, and artifacts, including flags, academic hoods, panoramic photographs, signed portraits, transcription discs with recordings of Johnson's speeches, and a World War I trunk with equipment, among other items.
- Mixed Materials Box: 70
Rolled Photographsca. 1930-1950Scope and Contents
Enlarged group photos, one labeled "Corps Area Commanders and Bureau Chiefs," one depicting several generals and their printed signatures, one of Johnson and others at a desk, and one unidentified group of pilots and military men in front of a plane.
- Mixed Materials Box: 70
West Virginia House of Delegates Framed Photograph1917
- Mixed Materials Box: 71
Artifacts -- Two Clarksburg Flagsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 71
Two Large Photographsca. 1920-1950Scope and Contents
One mounted aerial photo and one group of men, both unidentified.
- Mixed Materials Box: 72
Artifacts -- Four Academic Hoodsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 72
Artifacts -- Sashundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 72
Artifacts -- Three Small Flagsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 73
Artifacts -- Altar Clothundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 73
Artifacts -- American Flagundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 74
Artifacts -- White Eagle Flagundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 75
Oversize Photographsca. 1915-1950Scope and Contents
Includes crayon sketch of Johnson by Jean Eason, a poster of boxing photos, and several unidentified group photos that include Johnson.
- Mixed Materials Box: 76
Large Photographsca. 1920-1950Scope and Contents
Includes family and political portraits, some group photos, a framed telegram from President Roosevelt to the American Legion, and an award to Johnson from the state of West Virginia.
- Mixed Materials Box: 77
Framed Portraitsca. 1930-1950Scope and Contents
Includes portraits given to Johnson by friends, acquaintances, and admirers. Many are signed and inscribed by the person pictured.
- Mixed Materials Box: 78
Framed Portraitsca. 1930-1950Scope and Contents
Includes portraits given to Johnson by friends, acquaintances, and admirers. Many are signed and inscribed by the person pictured.
- Mixed Materials Box: 79
Framed Photographsca. 1920-1960Scope and Contents
Includes portraits given to Johnson by friends, acquaintances, and admirers. Many are signed and inscribed by the person pictured.
- Mixed Materials Box: 80
Artifacts -- Wooden Plaquesundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 80
Framed Photographsca. 1920-2013Scope and Contents
Includes portraits given to Johnson by friends, acquaintances, and admirers. Many are signed and inscribed by the person pictured.
- Mixed Materials Box: 81
Artifacts -- American Legion Bannerundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 82
Artifacts -- Department of Defense Sealsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 83
Artifacts -- Two Folded American Flagsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 84
Oversize Photographsca. 1915-1946Scope and Contents
Includes group photograph of Steptoe and Johnson staff (1946), framed letter from Frank L. Polk (1924), rolled photos of Johnson at desk, American Legion poster (1942), and photo of plane flying over Wright Memorial signed by Major C. Haynes.
- Mixed Materials Box: 85
Transcription Discs1940Scope and Contents
1. Secretary of State Hull and Assistant Secretary of War Johnson Speeches;
2. Honorable Louis Johnson, B'nai B'rith - George Washington Celebration, Feb. 25, 1940. - Mixed Materials Box: 86
Transcription Discs1938-1940Scope and Contents
3. Johnson, Army Day Banquet, Apr. 8, 1938 (4 discs);
4. Food and War Speech, June 18, 1940. - Mixed Materials Box: 87
Transcription Discs1940-1945Scope and Contents
5. Address by Louis Johnson, May 26, 1940;
6. Col. Johnson - Part 2;
7. Louis Johnson Talk, May 28, 1940 - Part II;
8. Louis A. Johnson American Legion, Oct. 6, 1945, parts 2 and 3 (2 discs). - Mixed Materials Box: 88
Johnson Political Cartoons1949-1950Scope and Contents
1. "Speaking of 'Unification'", F.O. Alexander (signed), 11/3/1949
2. "The Old, Old Story", Alexander, 8/26/1949
3. "Operation Handsaw", Paul R. Carmack (signed), 3/32/1949
4. "Louis Johnson, Psychiatrist, Armed Forces", William Wolfe (signed), undated
5. "Unification - Oh Brother!", Herc. Ficklen (signed), undated
6. "Assembly", Herc. Ficklen (signed), undated
7. "Better Leave the Bag Outside", Gib Crockett (signed), undated
8. "Secretary of (Self) Defense", Sean Allen (signed), undated
9. "'100% for Unification Laws' Vice Admiral Sherman", John Stampone (signed), undated
10. "Good Luck, Louis!", Keith Temple, 3/30/1949
11. "But It's Not Big Enough to Hold All of Them", Cliff Berryman (signed), 10/27/1949
12. "Mutiny on the Bounty", Richard Yardley, 10/4/1949
13. "A Very Unusual Situation to Say the Least", Tom Carlisle (signed), undated
14. "Don't Fret, Now, Under Unification We Are Going to Put Wings On It", Cliff Berryman (signed), 4/20/1949
15. "Louis A. Johnson First Man in History to Cut Goverment Costs", Gib Crockett (signed), 8/29/1949
16. "Three into One", Hal Coffman, 6/22/1949
17. "Always the Other Fellow Should Economize", Hal Coffman (signed), 9/8/1949
18. "A Note of Confidence, For a Change", John Knott, 2/4/1950
19. "Ah'm Feeling a Bit Scot'ish", John Stampone (signed), 9/1949
20. "A Direct Hit", Cy Hungerford (signed), 08/25/1949
21. "Offensive in the Defense Department", Philip "Flip" Uzanas (signed), undated
22. "Cheese it, There's Pop!", Hal Coffman (signed), undated
23. "Too Bad", Kendall Vintroux (signed), undated
24. "Seizing the Reins", Vaughn Shoemaker (signed), undated
25. "Ouch! You're Hurting the Little Guy Yow!", Glenn Brett (signed), undated
26. "And Let the Chips Fall Where They May!", Leo Joseph Roche, 7/21/1949
27. "See Here, Private Johnson!", Richard Yardley, 10/13/1949?
28. "Taking Capitol Hill", Shoemaker (signed?), undated
29. "An Omen?", Dorman H. Smith (signed), undated
30. "National Defense", Canfield, undated
31. "Stop It!", Lute Pease (signed?), undated
32. "Two Big Flops", Daniel R. Fitzpatrick (signed), 08/25/1949
33. "Who Says the Navy's Been Gagged?", Jim Berryman (signed), undated
34. "Jack the Giant Killer", Dowling (signed), 08/26/1949
35. "Now We'll Have A Little Peace and Quiet", Yardley (signed), 08/13/????
36. "Forecast: Stormy Weather in Pentagonia", Jim Berryman (signed), undated - Mixed Materials Box: 89
Artifacts -- SwordundatedScope and Contents
Masonic Knights Templar sword inscribed with Johnson's name on blade.
- Mixed Materials map cabinet 10
Oversize Print of Truman Portraitca. 1950Scope and Contents
Signed, though signature is damaged.
- Mixed Materials unboxed
Artifacts -- Submarine Nameplateundated
- Mixed Materials unboxed
Artifacts -- Two Flag Standsundated
- Mixed Materials unboxed
Artifacts -- Wooden Boxundated
- Mixed Materials unboxed
Artifacts -- World War I Trunk and Contents1917-1918
- Mixed Materials unboxed
Artifact -- Portrait Painting of Johnsonca. 1960Scope and Contents
This portrait originally had a lamp attached to it.