Reports have it that during the Kennedy administration, Palm Beach County officials had floated to Marjorie Merriweather Post the idea of turning Mar-a-Lago into a winter White House for President Kennedy and his successors. While subsequent events ensured that JFK would not have a part in determining its future, in early April 1968, Marjorie turned again to Washington, this time inviting Lady Bird Johnson down for a look at Mar-a-Lago.
Though the official reason given for the visit was “for rest,” the president’s wife was accompanied by U.S. Chief of Protocol Angier Biddle Duke and National Park Service director George B. Hartzog, Jr. Given that an important diplomatic officer and the director of the agency sure to be purposed with caring for Mar-a-Lago were along for the ride, Marjorie’s proposal was clearly being taken seriously.
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