Memorabilia

Item Description

Unique and rare memorabilia, from the Inauguration of President John F. Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon Johnson, held on January 20, 1961.  The group of documents was donated by the heirs of the recipients, who were neighbors of Lawrence F. O'Brien, the Postmaster General of the United States during the Kennedy Administration and later, the Commissioner of the National Basketball Association.  These priceless items have never been out of the possession of the family and have been put away, in their original envelopes, for almost 50 years.

Included in this grouping are:

1)  The Invitation to the Inauguration - 8 1/2" x 11" with a 1" embossed edge.  Written in several different fonts, the invitation is in raised type with a gold seal at the top that reads: "Inauguration of President and Vice President." Condition is excellent; slightly discolored card stock.  Envelope is date stamped and opened with letter opener; some tape on it.  It came from Inaugural Committee, Washington, DC.  Ticket application form on thin, pink paper (condition is excellent.)  

2)  The Invitation to the January 19, 1961 pre-Inaugural Gala held at Constitution Hall - 7" x 10".  The invitation is written in raised script, with the gold seal, and includes the 3 1/2" x 5" response card and 3 1/2" x 5 " envelope.  Condition is excellent; on card stock.

3) Inaugural Activities: Calendar & Information - 7" x 10 1/2" paper, lighter weight - slightly aged with black border.  Condition is excellent

4)  The fourteen (14) page "A Conversation with the President" with a 5 1/4" x 7" photo of the President, Mrs. Kennedy, Caroline.  Condition of Brochure is good, but is aged/brown; Condition of photo is excellent.   

4)  A Limited-Edition Reproduction of the Inaugural Address, 12 1/2" x 16 1/2", on card stock.  The brochure includes a photo of the President on the left (inside) and the speech is on the right (inside.) The signature is printed by offset.  An additional photo, 11" x 14" on card stock, is included.  These documents are in excellent condition, slightly colored.  The envelope, in which it was received, is from the Democratic National Committee.

5)  Look Magazine (September 26, 1961) - 10 1/2" x 13," with a 10-page article, with photographs, about Caroline Kennedy.  Condition is good. 

6) Look Magazine Special Edition (1963), 10 1/2" x 13," "Kennedy and His Family in Pictures."  This special edition ends with photos of the President's funeral and the Eternal Flame at Arlington National Cemetery.    

7)  The front page and numerous sections of the Washington Post - January 19, 1961; January 20, 1961 (no front page); and January 21, 1961; Rare color images for the time.  Many sections include: A look back in time with articles about special events, personalities, family histories, the weather and wardrobes.  It is a very special experience to view these newspapers.  Condition - Fair; paper has browned and edges have aged.

Many of these compelling pieces are suitable for framing and are an amazing look back at the history of our country.

Item Special Note

The winning bidder will pay for professionally packing, shipping and insurance, to anywhere in the continental United States.  Cost will be $25 - $30.  

Please note that most paper is a light cream or beige; the newspapers have aged to a light brown but fascinating to read. 

Images captured by Muriel Silva Photography.