John F. Kennedy, White House Administration Employee, Lucille Tutt, Archive of Documents and Photographs
Lot of approx. 100 items related to the Kennedy administration, featuring over 50 photographs, both original silver gelatin prints and photographic reproductions, of John F. Kennedy, his family, and his administration, ranging in size from 7 x 5 in. to 9 x 13.25 in., with the majority measuring 8 x 10 in. Highlights include: 9 photographs produced by renowned White House photographer, Cecil W. Stoughton, each with his backstamp, 7 of which show Kennedy in meetings and while attending special events between 1962-1963, such as his surprise birthday party thrown by Jackie Kennedy on May 29, 1963, plus a few views capturing his staff gathered together, including Lucille Tutt; 2 press photos of Kennedy speaking to a joint session of the Irish Parliament in Dublin on June 29, 1963, with Lensmen, Dublin backstamp, 7 x 5 in.; 2 unmarked photos of Kennedy at a gathering with his staff, 7 x 5 in.; 2 unmarked photographic portraits of Kennedy, each approx. 7.5 x 9.5 in. on 11 x 14 in. mount; 2 unmarked photos of the president that appear to have been retouched, possibly for publication purposes, the first, 9 x 13.5 in., the second, 10.5 x 13.5 in., each on 13.5 x 17 in. mounts. A typed letter signed by Evelyn Lincoln, as "Personal Secretary to the Late President Kennedy," and addressed to Lucille (Tutt), with the note stating "It is a pleasure for me to send you the enclosed," was found with these large portraits, although we cannot confirm their connection.
Accompanied by 10 photographs of Kennedy's staff, including 6 showing Lucille Tutt, 4 with backstamps from R.L. Knudsen (3) and Abbie Rowe (1); 20+ photographic reproductions of Kennedy, Jackie, their children, and the White House; 3 photographs signed and inscribed to Tutt by Larry O’Brien, Postmaster General in the cabinet of President Lyndon Johnson, Robert Hampton, Special Assistant in the White House under Kennedy and Commissioner of the United States Civil Service, dated Jan. 19, 1961, and Richard Donahue, an aide to Kennedy; 2 photos of Kennedy and Johnson with autopen signatures; 2 photos with Kennedy's printed signature, and a single view of the president and first lady with printed signatures.
Other autographed items include 3 TLsS and 4 signed cards from Robert Hampton; and an ALS from William J. Hopkins, who worked in the correspondence section in the White House, 1960.
In addition, the lot features: 2 invitations to the 1961 Inaugural events including the concert and ceremony for Kennedy; 4 invitations/passes to White House events; tri-fold program for the Inaugural Anniversary Salute; approx. 19 press releases spanning from Kennedy's inauguration to his funeral services; miscellaneous paperwork and newspaper articles, including 2 clippings from
The Washington Post, Thursday, August 24, 1865, quoting Lucille Tutt; 2 JFK bumper stickers; and a guidebook to the White House.
Lucille Tutt, White House Administration Employee, Collection of Presidential MemorabiliaLots 194-207Under stacks of papers and the sound of mummers over spurious typing in the bustling back offices of the White House, Lucille Tutt (1921-2013) happily sat at her desk. One crisp August morning John F. Kennedy wandered into the depths of the White House and surprised Tutt.
“Oh! Good morning, Mr. President,” she gasped (
The Washington Post, August 24, 1961). She shook the hands and served some of the most iconic presidents of the 20th century including: John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Harry S. Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. She attended inaugural balls, receptions, and even a surprise party thrown by Jackie Kennedy for the President’s birthday. One can only imagine what she experienced during her career. Her collection of political memorabilia, press and personal photographs, press releases, invitations, and more accumulated during each administration documents the celebrations and a great time of mourning at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. from 1945 until 1965.
Provenance: From the Private Collection of Lucille Tutt
Condition
Very good