Ready for the gong. Washington, D.C., Nov. 12. Speaker of the House William B. Bankhead was in fine form today as he practiced banging his gavel for the benefit of news photographers preparatory to the opening of the special session November 15. 11/12/37

House Speaker ready for opening. Washington, D.C., Jan. 2. Speaker of the House William B. Bankhead took a few practice swings with his gavel today for the benefit of photographers. It is the same gavel he will use when calls the House to order tomorrow when the third session of the 76th Congress co

Speaker warms up for opening of Congress. Washington, D.C., Jan. 2. Speaker of the House William B. Bankhead appeared in rare form today as he took a few practice swings for photographers with the gavel he will open the House tomorrow when the third session of the 76th Congress convenes

William Bankhead with gavel; and unidentified

Ready for action. Washington, D.C., Dec. 30. With his favorite gavel primed for calling the 75th Senate session to order, Vice President Jon N. Garner posed for cameramen today at his usual spot on the Senate rostrum. The Vice President appears the picture of health after a long vacation at his home

Speaker of House holds first press conference. Washington, D.C., Dec. 22. Speaker of the House William B. Bankhead today held his first press conference since returning to the Capitol for the opening of Congress on January 3, 12/22/38

Speaker William Bankhead and gavel; and two unidentified

Sure sign of Congressional opening. Washington, D.C., Dec. 22. A sure sign that Congress is soon to open. E.S. Kenyon, Capitol Machinist, speeding up his production of gavels for the use of Vice President Garner and Speaker Bankhead, who break them by the dozens. David Lynn, right, Capitol Architect

Speaker of the house. Washington, D.C., Nov. 7. A new informal picture of Speaker of the House William B. Bankhead