Description:

John Kennedy
New York, NY, May 19, 1962
JFK Group of Photos, Program & Ticket from the Infamous 1962 MSG Birthday Party
Archive

A scarce ticket and program for John F. Kennedy's legendary birthday celebration held at Madison Square Garden, together with seven candid photographs of the presidential motorcade. The event ticket measures 6.25" x 3.75", New York, dated May 19, 1962, and is for an End Arena Seat, Section 113, Row T, Seat 12. The ticket was awarded to those who made a contribution of $100 per person. The program, 4pp of a bifolium, measures 8.25" x 10.5", and provides a schedule for the night's events, including performances by Ella Fitzgerald, Jerome Robbins Ballets, Maria Callas, Peggy Lee, and of course, Marilyn Monroe. Danny Kaye's name has been crossed out and replaced with "Harry Bellefonte." The seven black and white photographs measure 4.75" x 3.5" each and show scenes of the presidential limousine with JFK inside, as well as shots of other cars, the crowd, and city. Photos and ticket are not adhered directly to paper but have been arranged on two photo album sheets with corner mounts. Minimal wear to all. Overall very fine.

President John F. Kennedy's birthday celebration was an All-Star gala held in New York's Madison Square Garden ten days before his actual birthday. The exclusive event at Madison Square Garden was held in conjunction with a dinner party at the Four Seasons Hotel, and featured Marilyn Monroe singing a sultry version of "Happy Birthday Mr. President" to JFK. Afterwards, as an enormous birthday cake was presented to him, President Kennedy came on stage and joked about Monroe's version of the song, saying, "I can now retire from politics after having had 'Happy Birthday' sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way," alluding to Marilyn's delivery and image as a sex symbol. The blonde bombshell (rumored presidential lover) was clad in a champagne-colored, rhinestone-studded, French-designed creation so tight she had to be sewn into it. President Kennedy's remarks about the future of the Democratic Party, and even the enormous, tiered birthday cake brought out to him on stretchers by two chefs, were (not surprisingly) overshadowed by Monroe's performance. This would also be only a few months before her untimely death.

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This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 11" x 13.5"
  • Medium: Archive

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June 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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