Description:

Kennedy John

Two hand-typed documents on official White House stationery detailing aspects about President Kennedy's pending trip to Hyannis to meet with the Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, 6.25" x 9.25", as well as a typed letter on White House stationery to Lieutenant Henry E. Hirschy after the meetings thanking him for his help. Signed by President John F. Kennedy, 6.75" x 9", and dated "May 13, 1963". Inclusive of the original official White House envelope made out to "Lieutenant Henry E Hirschy, Jr.", 7.25" x 4.25". Near fine with expected center fold, and small paper clip stain.

 

Accompanied by a magnificent nine page stapled document (10.5" x 8"), dated April 24, 1963, with four small original photographs of the Thun residence in the "before" state with all the recommendations and requirements needed to prepare the building for Presidential family. Titled "Visit to Hyannis Port 22-23 April 1963; … a reconnaissance of the proposed summer President residence.

The document is a complete assessment of the conditions and sustainability of the residence, surrounding grounds, utilities and facilities of the house that would be used for the President's visit with the Canadian Prime Minister by military personnel, and then as a summer home for the Presidential family. Included within the document is a signed Henry E. Hirschy hand written page, 8' x 5.25' and signed with his initials of "HH" noting  "…we have to take immediate action if the captain accepts my plan for the house … Time is of the essence".

 

As it would turn out, this would be the last summer of John Kennedy's life. Jack and Jackie did indeed rent the home formally known at the time as the Thun home on Squaw Island from Mr. Louis Thun in 1963. The home was referred to them as Brambletyde and is in close proximity to the Kennedy Compound. But due to the security measures needed to protect the President, and make the house inhabitable for a large number of support staff, the Thun home required a mind boggling effort to prepare house for the Presidential family. Below are some illuminating points:

 

"No electrical power, nearest source approximately 100 yards. Water, an open end pipe extends from the house but has not been sued as a tap source since 1948. For personal use air circulation would be a problem. Essentially this structure offers no "creature comforts".

 

"Helicopter Landing Site: Not available in the immediate vicinity with extensive construction, that is land fill on the property or soil stabilization (above high water mark)… The Marine Corps Development Center … is now experimenting with a large rubber mat for possible use of a helo pad in swampy/sandy areas."

 

"A trailer is required to provide office space for (1) the Aide of Mrs. Lincoln,  (2) the Secret Service shift leaders."

 

Even crazier is:

"Mrs Thun plans to occupy the house from May 30th to July 1. This may require all work be accomplished prior to 30 May."

 

However the house was ultimately well loved by both President Kennedy and Jacqueline, and numerous important meeting where held at that residence, in addition to a CBS Evening News interview with President Kennedy regarding his re-election campaign. And the two-day long meetings between President Kennedy and Prime Minister Pearson, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Canada, solidified an agreement that would allow for American nuclear weapons to be placed in Canada.

 

The fantastic thank you letter from Kennedy to Lieutenant Hirschy in preparing the house is shown in full below, dated "May 13, 1963":

"Dear Lieutenant Hirschy,

I want to commend you for your able handling of the administrative arrangements at the Hyannis Port residences during my meetings with the Prime Minister Pearson last Friday and Saturday. The service and conveniences which you and your men skillfully provided contributed toward the successful outcome of those meeting./Sincerely / John Kennedy"

 

With the intriguing food and drink preparations for Canadian Prime Minister on official White House stationery of:

 

" … Mr. Pearson takes Dubonnet or sometimes gin before lunch. Other times, rye whiskey and ginger ale (V.O. or Canadian club are normal brands); also Scotch and Soda … Food: No special things to avoid … no special tastes in meat. Not overly fond of steak …"

 

Lieutenant Hirschy was Supply and Logistics Officer for the Military Aides to the President and Officer-in-Charge of the Navy Mess in the White House during both the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. His duties also included taking care of the President's needs on overseas trips, aboard the presidential yachts and at Camp David. Lt. Hirschy served in the White House from May 1, 1961 through May 31, 1965.

 

This spectacular very personal inside look at the organization and every day running of the Kennedy Administration is a treasure in its own right! A unique one of a kind piece with impeccable provenance having from the Hirschy estate.

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