Items Similar to John F. Kennedy Typed Presidential Campaign Letter, October, 1960
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7
John F. Kennedy Typed Presidential Campaign Letter, October, 1960
About the Item
Presented is a typed letter from John F. Kennedy on official stationary from his presidential campaign. The letter is addressed to Mrs. Pearl Zeltzer, a campaign volunteer residing in Oak Park, Michigan. In the letter, written eight days before the election, Kennedy thanks her for her support and volunteer efforts during the Telephone Campaign. He writes, in part, “I consider it one of the most important activities we can engage in between now and November 8, and feel confident that a large vote will mean victory on election day.” The letter is dated October 31, 1960 and is secretary-signed “John Kennedy”in black ink at the bottom right.
Kennedy's presidential campaign began on January 2, 1960. His main opponents included Hubert Humphrey, Adlai Stevenson, and Lyndon B. Johnson, who would later become his Vice President. In the late afternoon of July 15, the young Senator of Massachusetts accepted the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States. Standing before an audience of 52,000 people—with an additional 35 million tuned in via television—Kennedy delivered his acceptance speech, which later became known as "The New Frontier." In his remarks, Senator Kennedy famously stated, "We stand today on the edge of a New Frontier--the frontier of the 1960's--a frontier of unknown opportunities and perils-- a frontier of unfulfilled hopes and threats ... [T]he New Frontier of which I speak is not a set of promises-- it is a set of challenges. It sums up not what I intend to offer the American people, but what I intend to ask of them.”
Once he had won the nomination of his party, Kennedy undertook the task of convincing American voters that he would make a better president than his Republican opponent Richard Nixon. Throughout the campaign, it was apparent that the election would be close. A Gallup poll in late August 1960 put Nixon and Kennedy tied at 47 percent each, with 6 percent undecided. To combat this, Kennedy challenged Nixon to a series of televised debates. Broadcast live on national television in late September and early October, the four debates provided the Kennedy campaign with a huge boost. But other efforts were also essential, like extensive campaign visits to key electoral states, fundraising events, and telephone campaigns like the one Mrs. Zeltzser took part on October 31st.
On November 8, 1960, Kennedy and Johnson defeated incumbent Vice President Nixon and Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. in the general election. Kennedy was sworn in as president on January 20, 1961 and served until his assassination on November 22, 1963.
Condition:
Very good condition. Typed letter to Mrs. Pearl Zeltzer on official Campaign letterhead. Letter dated October 31, 1960. Signed by Secretary “ John Kennedy” in black ink at bottom. 1 page. Signature is bold and legible. Paper is healthy, save three small circular stains along the right paper margin. Light folds, as issued. Letter Dimensions: 10” H x 8” W.
Letter is framed in a custom-built frame with acid-free mats and UV glass. Framed Dimensions: 15 1/4" H x 12 1/4" W x 1" D.
- Attributed to:John F. Kennedy (Author)
- Dimensions:Height: 15.25 in (38.74 cm)Width: 12.25 in (31.12 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960
- Condition:Additions or alterations made to the original: Archival framing by Archival Art Framing Company in Colorado Springs, CO in January of 2023. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Colorado Springs, CO
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
4.9
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2010
1stDibs seller since 2011
400 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Colorado Springs, CO
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 10 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- John F. Kennedy Signed Senate Menu CollageLocated in Colorado Springs, COPresented is a John F. Kennedy inscribed and autographed United States Senate Restaurant menu. Kennedy signed the menu on April 10, 1957, when he was a Senator representing the state of Massachusetts...Category
Vintage 1950s American Historical Memorabilia
MaterialsPaper
- Ulysses S. Grant Signed Presidential Appointment, Dated February 28, 1871By Ulysses S. GrantLocated in Colorado Springs, COPresented is an original Ulysses S. Grant signed Presidential Appointment, dating to February 28, 1871. Signed during the first term of Grant's presidency, the document appoints "Robert W. Healy" to the role of "Marshal of the United States in and for the Southern District of Alabama." The appointment is countersigned by "Hamilton Fish" as Secretary of State. The document is partially printed in formal script, and completed by hand in black ink. The document reads in full: “Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of America. To all who shall see these presents greeting: Know ye, That reposing special trust and confidence in the Integrity, Ability, and Diligence of Robert W. Healy, I have Nominated, and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, DO APPOINT HIM Marshal of the United States in & for the Southern District of Alabama; and do authorize & empower him to execute and fulfill the duties of that Office according to Law. And to hold and hold the said Office, with all the powers, privileges, and emoluments to the same of right appertaining, unto him, the said Robert W. Healy, for the term of four years from the day of the date hereof, subject to the conditions prescribed by law. In Testimony Whereof, I have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seat of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand, at the city of Washington, the Twenty eighth...Category
Antique 1870s American Historical Memorabilia
MaterialsPaper
- Thomas Dewey & Harry Truman 1948 Presidential Election Campaign CollageLocated in Colorado Springs, COPresented is a unique commemorative collage, celebrating the 1948 U.S. presidential election between Harry Truman and Thomas Dewey. This one-of-a-kind collage features a Harry Truman signed...Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Political and Patriotic Memora...
MaterialsMetal
- Fathers of the Air Service Authentic Signature Collage, circa 1926-1993Located in Colorado Springs, COPresented is a collage celebrating the men who made an early impact on the formation of America’s Air Service. Complete with signatures by Jimmy Doolittle, Tooey Spaatz, Hap Arnold, ...Category
Late 20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
MaterialsPaper
- Souvenir of the War 1914-15-16-17-18 BannerLocated in Colorado Springs, COPresented is a stunning textile banner from the first World War, dating to 1918. The square tan cotton cloth is embroidered with two crossed flags, the ...Category
Vintage 1910s Australian Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
MaterialsCotton
- 31-Star Printed American Flag, Celebrating California Statehood, Circa 1850Located in Colorado Springs, COThis is a rare 31-star medallion printed American flag, celebrating the addition of California to the Union. The flag is printed on silk and has a spectacular “Great Star” canton pat...Category
Antique 1850s American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
MaterialsSilk
You May Also Like
- Elongated Pennant Made for the 1912 Presidential Campaign of Roosevelt & JohnsonLocated in York County, PAELONGATED PENNANT MADE FOR THE 1912 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT & HIRAM JOHNSON, WHEN THEY RAN ON THE INDEPENDENT, BULL MOOSE / PROGRESSIVE PARTY TICKET: Elongated,...Category
Vintage 1910s American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
MaterialsCotton
- 1840 Campaign Kerchief of William Henry Harrison on HorsebackLocated in York County, PA1840 campaign kerchief featuring an image of William Henry Harrison on horseback in military garb, one of the first known campaign textiles in e...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
MaterialsCotton
- Franklin D. Roosevelt 1936 Campaign Poster: "The Man with a Heart..."Located in York County, PA“THE MAN WITH A HEART, THE PARTY WITH A SOUL”: FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT POSTER, MADE FOR HIS 1936 PRESIDENTIAL RUN, THE BEST OF ALL KNOWN EXAMPLES ACROS...Category
Vintage 1930s American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
MaterialsPaper
- Cast Iron Boot Jack Made for 1864 Presidential Campaign of George McClellanLocated in York County, PACAST IRON BOOT JACK, MADE FOR THE 1864 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL GEORGE B. MC CLELLAN, WITH A FANTASTIC SLOGAN THAT READS "THE UNION AT ALL HAZZARDS" Made for the 1864 presidential run of George B. McClellan, this cast iron bootjack is both rare and graphically exceptional. Displaying the original black-painted surface, with attractive and desirable patina, the stylized profile has a wonderful folk art quality. Molded block letters that wrap around the heel clasp read simply "Gen. Mc Clellan. These are accompanied by a prominent Civil War-associated slogan: "The Union at all Hazards." The text is intermingled with 34 stars, which was equivalent to the number of states during the opening two years of the war, but was one star short by mid-1863 and two stars short by the time of the actual election in 1864. It's not unusual to encounter this feature in civil war campaign parade flags as well as all manner of flag-related ephemera. The iron was reportedly cast by G. & D. Cross of Morrisville, New York, though it is unsigned and I have not yet verified the attribution. I have seen two other examples, one of which had a broken and repaired tine on the U-shaped horns and newly painted surface, while the other appeared to have broken lifters and inferior, rusted patina. This is, hands-down, the best of the identified examples. Brief History of the 1864 Campaign: President Abraham Lincoln had a checkered relationship with his 1864 opponent, who he had formerly chosen as General-in-Chief of the entire Union Army. The career officer repeatedly knocked heads with his Commander-in-Chief. Having raised a well-trained and organized military force, McClellan often seemed reluctant to use it. By 1862, after losses in Virginia during the Peninsula Campaign, Lincoln grew frustrated with McClellan and the progression of the war and removed him from command. By the early part of 1864 the American people shared some of the same frustrations and Lincoln was no longer the clear choice for the White House. The nation was tired of war and the remains of the Democratic Party...Category
Antique 1860s American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
MaterialsIron
- Dutch WWII Caricatures of Hitler, Göring, Stalin, Rooseveld, and ChurchillBy GuustLocated in Haarlem, NLA very remarkable collection of Folk Art caricatures made of Dutch ration 'food stamps.' First caricature portrays a fat Hermann Go¨ring holding a cerem...Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Historical Memorabilia
MaterialsPaper
- 19th c Wooden Ceremonial Fraternal Masonic Crook and Metal Spear on Metal BasesLocated in Savannah, GALarge size gold gilt wooden ceremonial fraternal Masonic Crook perched on a long painted wooden pole. Supported by a decorative three-footed metal base, the gilt wood crook itself me...Category
Antique 1890s American Folk Art Historical Memorabilia
MaterialsMetal
