The Farmer's Daughter in DC

Inger on location in D.C.
Source: TV Guide, December 1963

Though not published until December, the photos in TV Guide's "Talk About Backgrounds" pictorial were actually taken in late summer 1963 when the newly formed crew of The Farmer's Daughter filmed on location in Washington, D.C.. 

Inger may have expected the filming schedule to be routine work, but this particular trip to the nation's capitol would introduce her to the two politicians she would support in the 1968 presidential race. TFD director Don Taylor's dedication to the perfect shot would result in a fall at the Lincoln Memorial—his sprained ankle required crutches and a wheelchair (seen in front of Inger below). 

Following filming, William Windom and Inger were the guests of honor at a Screen Gems reception at the Statler Hilton Hotel. Senator Hubert Humphrey and Senator Thomas Kuchel served as honorary hosts. Margaret McManus, in her story on the party, wrote that the "hot summer's haze hung over Washington with the tenacity of a politician who refuses to concede the election...95 humid degrees...no evening for a party, but here there is always a party."

McManus noted that the three-room suite was crowded with people. Bill Windom stood in a corner talking while Inger "floated around the rooms in flowered chiffon, a study of graciousness. She put together a shade of Katy, a shade of the grande dame and a shade of the Hollywood actress and it all came out pretty good. She was equal to the time and place."

Inger chatted with Congresswoman Couya Knutson. Senator Humphrey arrived late but spent time talking and taking photographs with Inger and Bill.  Senator Thomas Kuchl was at the party, but reportedly difficult to find. Former ambassador and famous socialite Perle Mesta, a figure who would be integral to a party during the series' final season and will make another appearance on this blog this week, was also present.

Inger chats with Senator Hubert Humphrey
Source: News Tribune, 1963.

When asked what sealed her decision to play Katy on television, Inger said that the series was "the first one that seemed good enough to take" and that production chief Bill Dozier "fed my ego to the bursting point...How could I turn it down after that?"

Inger showed excitement to be honored at the party, but the greatest delight had occurred earlier that day when Inger and Bill met Robert Kennedy. Inger shared:

I don't know how it was arranged but we went up to his office, and it was so thrilling. Of course, I'd like to meet the President, too, but maybe the next time. Bobby Kennedy said he might come to the party, but I don't see him. He said he would watch the show.

Inger would prominently display a photo of that meeting in her home for the rest of her life. Later, Bobby Kennedy had a silver tray delivered to the set of the show as a thank you for the visit. 

Bill, Bobby, Inger.
Source: C. Wingate's scan from Windom's book.

Inger would keep this photo on display in her home.
Source: Scan from Patterson's book.

Inger would support Bobby's presidential bid and, although it is rarely reported, was present at Kennedy's address at the Ambassador Hotel when he was assassinated on June 5, 1968. After Kennedy's death, Inger would support Hubert Humphrey for presidency and campaign on his behalf in various cities across the United States. There is much to be said about the political campaigning and civic work that Inger completed in her lifetime. More on that in the future!

Sources: 

McManus, Margaret. "Inger Stevens Guest in Washington."  The News Tribune. July 28, 1963.

"Talk About Backgrounds: The Farmer's Daughter Uses a Most Impressive Set."  TV Guide. December 1963.

"Viewer Approval is Forecast for Inger Stevens TV Show." The Times Dispatch. September 18, 1963.

Windom, William. Journeyman Actor: A Memoir. iUniverse. 2009.Winter, Emery. Inger with a Flat Tire: A Peevish Vixen." The Charlotte News. October 26, 1963.