Our February newsletter is packed with fascinating content, kicking off with a gripping account from club secretary Vince Middeldorp, who delivered a talk on the controversial rise of Lyndon B. Johnson — dubbed “Landslide Lyndon” after a scandalous 1948 Senate race in which fraudulent ballot boxes, manufactured votes, and shadowy political alliances secured him victory by just 87 votes. Vince’s research traces Johnson’s alleged involvement in electoral fraud, suspicious deaths, and media empire-building that ultimately left him worth an estimated $100 million upon leaving the presidency.
Trevor Pollard — wonderful to see him back and well after his recent hospital stay — contributes a beautifully written local history piece on Frederick “Apple Jack” Fuller, a Henderson pioneer who juggled railway work, orchard farming, and community service to carve out a life for his family of eight on seven and three-quarter acres of rough Auckland land. It’s a deeply human story of grit, and a reminder of the remarkable people who shaped our own backyard.
The newsletter also brings updates from President Bill Mutch, who has recently recovered from a heart attack, and has the club’s perennial good humour corner featuring a selection of jokes from Bill’s granddaughter, Claudia.
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