Thousands turned out in Austin on June 13, 1955 to celebrate the 80th birthday of Miriam A. Ferguson, half of the most politically powerful one-two punch in twentieth century Texas.

After husband “Farmer Jim” was impeached, removed from office and banned for life from the ballot, “Ma” ran for governor and won in 1924.  She missed being the first female governor in U.S. history by just 15 days.  Eight years later, Miriam came out of retirement to win a second term in the early years of the Great Depression.