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June 18, 1929. "Stimson goat 'Billy the Kid,' National Zoo." An angora from Texas, Billy was a junior member of the goat menagerie belonging to Secretary of State Henry Stimson. National Photo Co. Collection glass negative. View full size.
I had no idea James Dean tended goats.
Among my fondest memories are those of my mother spinning goat yarn so that she could knit me a cozy sweater.
I do not know the root of Stimson's penchant for goats, but his fondness was apparently well known. While old W.H. Bones was being delayed negotiating with customs officials in San Francisco, the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association quickly seized the opportunity to ingratiate themselves with Secretary Stimson. It would appear that when W.H. Bones finally did arrive in Washington, he displaced "Billie the Kid" to the National Zoo.
Note, there seems to be a mismatch in regard to date of the A.P. article and the data from National Photo Co.
Goat, Gift to Stimson,
To Leave Texas Today.San Angelo, Tex., Aug 8 (A.P.) -- "Billie the Kid," one of Texas' 3,000,000 Angora goats, leaves here today for Washington, where he will become the pet of Secretary of State H.L. Stimson.
The goat, named after one of the Southwest's most notorious bad men, will replace, "Captain Bones," Stimson's pet goat, which was lost when the Secretary moved to Washington from the Philippines. "Billie the Kid," is a gift to the Secretary from the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association.
It was raised 65 miles from the nearest railroad on the ranch of G.W. Stephenson, 75-year-old stockman.
Washington Post, Aug 9, 1929
Stimson could get your goat, they say.
Can someone please explain why the Secretary of State would need a menagerie of goats?
[He was really into sweaters and snuggly throws! - Dave]
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