Archive of Kennedy-related letters and ephemera from the collection of Kennedy friend and confidant Alida 'Binky' Van Lair, highlighted by a TLS by John F. Kennedy with lengthy handwritten postscript, and a TLS by Jacqueline Kennedy. These desirable items offer unique insight into the personal lives of John and Jacqueline Kennedy, as well as insight into the mid-century debutante mind at the highest echelon.
Highlights:
- TLS by John F. Kennedy, signed "John Kennedy," one page, 6 x 8, United States Senate letterhead, January 7, 1955. In part: "Many, many thanks for your kind message to me when I was in the hospital in New York. Hospitals are gloomy places, I am afraid; and it makes a tremendous difference when friends remember as you did. I am feeling much better and am looking forward to getting back to Washington around the first of March." He adds a handwritten postscript: "Many, many thanks for your letter Binky. Am looking forward to meeting you in the Snack Bar at Bailey's Beach next summer."
- TLS by Jacqueline Kennedy, signed "Affectionately, Jackie," one page, 5.25 x 7.5, personal letterhead, December 10, 1976, on the death of Hugh D. Auchincloss. In full: "I do want to thank you for your kind words of sympathy on the death of Uncle Hugh. You are so right, he will be missed by a great many people. It means so much to know I have been in your thoughts and I was so glad to hear from you again."
Other signed items include: an ALS by Nina "Nini" Auchincloss, Miss Porter's School letterhead, October 15, 1954, encouraging Binky to write to the hospitalized JFK, in part: "Jack as you know—maybe—is in the hospital. Jackie said that he was so depressed. He's had a terrible back operation. Anyway, Jackie told me that he'd love to get a letter or something silly from one of my friendsäó_Guess what—Teddy is on the Harvard football team. He's been playing all season"; a shorter handwritten note by Nini, in part: "Jack came up here to speak. He was terrific. Babies cried, women sighed, people fainted and I made mints selling smelling salts at the dooräó_Do you realize that he and I spent an hour talking about you, he was furious that he was not going to be able to kiss you this Xmas vacationäó_Jackie said you're the only woman she's jealous of"; a TLS on White House letterhead by Nancy Tuckerman, Jackie Kennedy's social secretary (August 23, 1963); and an autograph note signed by Janet Lee Auchincloss, Jackie Kennedy's mother (October 29, 1977).
Unsigned ephemera includes: a hard-to-find Jacqueline Lee Bouvier-John Fitzgerald Kennedy wedding invitation to Saint Mary's Church in Newport on September 12, 1953, and subsequent reception at Hammersmith Farm, with a Hammersmith Farm matchbook; an invitation to a dance at Hammersmith Farm honoring Janet Jennings Auchincloss to be held August 17, 1963; and a black-bordered mourning card from Jacqueline Kennedy, sending thanks for condolences after the assassination of JFK. Most items include their original mailing envelopes. In overall fine condition.