Explore Palm Springs: President Lyndon Johnson

City asks residents to leave lights on as special salute to presidents

Renee Brown History

 

On Feb. 21, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson and Presidente Adolfo Lopez-Mateos arrived at the Palm Springs Municipal Airport aboard Air Force One after attending a conference at UCLA in Los Angeles.

Both Presidents discussed a wide array of policy issues reaffirming the solidarity between the United States and Mexico. As the presidential jet touched down, more than 4,000 spectators cheered wildly.

American and Mexican musicians entertained the crowds that had waited at the airport for hours just to get a glimpse of the presidents. Throughout the city, many events were planned featuring and celebrating the commonality and unity between the neighboring countries.

Citizens in Palm Springs were asked to leave their lights on throughout the night – especially the outside ones in pools and patio areas – as a special salute to the visitors. City Manager Dan Wagner came up with the idea declaring that a fully lighted Palm Springs would give the presidents a sight of beauty to remember as they dined at the home of Louis Taubman located at the top of West Stevens Road overlooking the city.

There is a multitude of ways to learn more about Palm Springs, which turned 75 in 2013.

One of the more intriguing methods is by exploring the city’s history.

The Palm Springs Historical Society will share a weekly story whose time and place corresponds with today.

The Palm Springs Historical Society is located at 221 S. Palm Canyon Drive. Visit www.pshistoricalsociety.org for more information.

 

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