Vivian Castleberry's reporter's notebook from November 22, 1963

Object number1991.002.0001

Date11/22/1963

ClassificationsDocuments

Author Vivian Castleberry

ObjectNotebook

Credit LineVivian Castleberry Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

MediumPaper, Cardboard, Metal

Dimensions9 1/4 x 4 3/4 x 5/8 in. (23.5 x 12.1 x 1.6 cm)

Terms

DescriptionEighteen page green Steno notebook used by Vivian Castleberry, who was a reporter and women's news editor at the Dallas Times Herald from 1956 to 1984. The notebook has a spiral binding at the top edge; most pages in the notebook are only written on one side, though some have writing on both sides of the page. On November 22, 1963, she was writing a story on Jacqueline Kennedy's day in Dallas and attended the Trade Mart luncheon where the Kennedys were scheduled to be in attendance. In the beginning Castleberry writes about Jacqueline Kennedy, her previous speeches, her appearance, and her voice. Castleberry then describes the décor at the Trade Mart ahead of the luncheon. Her notes describe the seating order, attendees, and their appearances. On page 6 of her notes, she writes "Press bursts through East door" and "Faces stark...drawn-" from the moment when news of the assassination first reached the Trade Mart. She writes that news of the assassination was shared to the crowd by Erik Jonsson, a leader in the local chamber of commerce. Next, she writes that a prayer was led by Luther Holcomb and details people’s reactions to the news. Castleberry drafted sentences for her upcoming articles and took people’s names and addresses. Pages 14 and 15 have notes from a briefing by pool reporter, Sid Davis, on the circumstances and people present on Air Force One when President Johnson took the oath of office. Her last few pages have notes and quotes about President Johnson and hopes for the country in the future.

Curatorial Commentary

A distinguished local journalist and award-winning women's news editor at The Dallas Times Herald, Castleberry always carried a reporter's notebook with her on assignment. Once a notebook was filled to capacity, it was typically discarded. This particular notebook from the weekend of the Kennedy assassination is the only one that Castleberry saved from her long career in journalism. - Stephen Fagin, Curator.