Sam Rayburn (1882-1961) was a distinguishment Speaker of the House as a Texas Congressman. When the Democrats lost power, he wondered about the Republicans and how they’d treat the programs that Democrats like Rayburn had put in place. “Any jackass can kick a barn down,” Rayburn colorfully said in 1953, “but it took a carpenter to build it.”
Wikipedia: Sam Rayburn
Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn (January 6, 1882 – November 16, 1961) was a Democratic politician from Bonham, Texas. “Mr. Sam”, as he was widely known, served as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives for 17 years, and is widely regarded as the most effective Speaker of the House in American history.
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The phrase, “a jackass can kick a barn down, but it takes a carpenter to build one,” is attributed to Rayburn.
8 January 1953, Northwest Arkansas Times (Fayetteville, AR), “The Washington Merry-Go-Round” by Drew Pearson, pg. 4:
Sam Rayburn, the redoubtable Texan who celebrated his 71st birthday this week, was heartbroken when the Democrats lost last November.
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Republicans will have a tough time finding a better program to replace the Democratic reforms for the welfare of farm and city people, continued Rayburn.
“They are going to learn the difference between construction and obstruction,” he added. “Any jackass can kick a barn down, but it took a carpenter to build it.”
Rayburn emphasized, however, that “the Republicans are entitled to their chance at the helm of government and I hope for the welfare of the country that they do a good job.”
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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