Staff Auction Kennedy Memorabilia--Fascinating Items But Should They Have Done It?

* After I posted this, I decided to pose a question: Do you feel it's right or wrong for people like Jackie's former assistant and personal attendant to auction off things like Jackie's nightwear, JFK's private notebooks, letters from Caroline, John and Carolyn to others? Did John and Caroline open the doors, so to speak, with their auction? Do these things belong with Caroline to give to the Library or dispose of as she sees fit? Would love to hear feedback as I felt a bit guilty after posting the descriptions of the items available.

Hantman's Auction House

JOHN F. KENNEDY and JACQUELINE BOUVIER KENNEDY ONASSIS

19th July 2003

Personal, Political, White House Artifacts and Documents

Consigned by Mary Gallagher and Providencia Paredes, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’sPrivate Secretary and Personal Attendant

This is one auction I wish I'd known about beforehand......

I've attached the catalog listing all the items: Some provide fascinating insights into the lives of the Kennedys, such as a letter written to Provi by Carolyn saying John would soon be done with his flight training and "This summer we can all go for a ride in Hyannis! XOXO" I have to note that I find it amazing how much Kennedy memorabilia these two women held onto all these years--everything from Jackie's lipsticks and nightgowns to personal notes and even President Kennedy's official black notebook from the campaign.

LINK TO CATALOG:

http://www.hantmans.com/pages/kennedy/kennedycat.html


Some examples of items auctioned:

42. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s HosieryTwo pairs of “Sparkle” hosiery, size 2, beige with chartreuse trim finish at top, from Lerner Shops, folded in original outer paper wrapping, never worn, Pristine. Property of M.B. Gallagher.$ 200 - 300



45. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s NightgownSheer blue nylon over sheer pink nylon, size 32, pale blue binding around the “U” neck and straps, embroidered crisscross bodice with pink and blue floral design and narrow blue binding detail, labeled “Best & Co., Fifth Avenue, NY”, apx. 51”l, two small holes front and back, hole at side and slit at bottom front, residue on lower skirt back, one shoulder strap torn. Property of M.B. Gallagher$ 300 - 400



46. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s Sleep BonnetWhite nylon, trimmed in white lace and bright pink velveteen band and bow, apx. 10” dia., pink from ribbon rubbed onto lace.Property of M.B. Gallagher.$ 200 - 300



100. John F. Kennedy’s Black Notebook in AutographUsed by John F. Kennedy in his Georgetown home during the 1960 Presidential Campaign, this notebook contains 22 pages of writing including: lists, campaign matters, and speech ideas. One speech fragment begins “We live in an age where the probabilities of protracted conflict... if we are defeated a New Dark age will descend...”.27 p. total, 22 written, 5 blank, 4 1/2” x 7 3/8”, black leatherette, Trussell, 408SP, six-hole ring notebook. Property of M.B. Gallagher.This notebook was used by both John F. Kennedy and Mary Gallagher in the Kennedy’s Georgetown home. Mary Gallagher’s secretarial note sheets have been removed. FURTHER INFORMATION ON REQUEST. $ 15,000 - 25,000



142. John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Autograph Note SignedJFK letterhead notepaper inscribed in silver ink: “To Provi (underlined) Merry Christmas + Happy New Year Love John + Carolyn”, hand addressed envelope “Provi” with stars decorating envelope and flap printed: 20-26 N. Moore St. NYC, 6 1/4” x 4 1/4”.Property of P. Paredes.$ 400 - 500



143. John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Autograph Note SignedJFK note card inscribed: “Provi (underlined) Seeing you in the summer is such a treat. So here’ a little something to go buy yourself a little treat! Much love, John K.”, 6 1/4” x 4 1/4”.Property of P. Paredes.$ 400 - 500



144. John F. Kennedy’s Autograph Letter SignedOne page blue edged stationery, inscribed: “October 26, 1985. Dear Provi—Thank you so much for Daddy’s library and most of all your kind and thoughtful letter. It’s such a great feeling after dealing with so many unfamiliar faces with the library—to know that it means something to those who he knew and loved, Im [sic] keeping a close watch over Gustavo here Provi so were [sic] doing okay. Take care Love John”, 5 1/2” x 7 3/8”, with autograph addressed envelope, John Kennedy written on back flap. Property of P. Paredes.$ 800 - 1000



145. John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Autograph Note Signed“George” embossed card, the top printed: “John Kennedy Co-Founder/Editor in Chief”, inscribed: “Dear Provi, It was such a pleasure to see you this summer. We loved hanging around with you and Gustavo and hope to see you again soon. This is just a token of our gratitude and to even up any expenditures you may have made. Love, John”, with hand-addressed envelope and “George” address on back flap, 7 1/2” x 5”. Property of P. Paredes.$ 750 - 1000



147. Carolyn and John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Autograph Card SignedColor postcard from Florida written by Carolyn Kennedy: “March 18, 1998 Dear Provi + Gustavo, Greetings from lovely Vero Beach Fla.! John is only three or four days away from getting his private pilot’s license. He has been flying solo all this week! This summer in Hyannis we can all go for a ride. Lots of love and kisses. XOXOXO Carolyn + John”, 5” x 4 1/4”.Property of P. Paredes.$ 1500 - 2000



199. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s Lipstick and Personal White House StationeryAn 18K yellow gold plated tube of Elizabeth Arden’s “Arden Pink” lipstick, and four sheets and two envelopes of Jacqueline Kennedy’s best personal pale blue stationery made by Tiffany & Co, with “The White House” embossed in white at top, Crane watermark, 5 1/4” x 7 3/4”, envelope: 5 1/2” x 4”.Property of M.B. Gallagher.$ 200 - 300



205. John F. Kennedy Prayer Card Three prayer cards with original somber three-quarter view of President Kennedy on front bordered in black, with printing on verso, 3 1/4” x 4 1/2”, together with a March 3, 1964 National Geographic magazine, vol. 125, no 1, which reproduced this three-quarter view in their tribute “John F. Kennedy the Last Full Measure”, VG+. Property of M.B. Gallagher.This is the photograph originally approved by Mrs. Kennedy in the rushed preparations for memorial cards and later changed after only a small number were produced. Rare.$ 100 - 200

Jackie's "Affair" with Marlon Brando Detailed in New Book

C. David Heymann is at it again--another "Kennedy" book, entitled "Bobby and Jackie: A Love Story" will be in stores on July 14, 2009. But what's getting the most attention, so far, is the two day "affair" Jackie purportedly had with actor Marlon Brando. From the NY Post:

June 25, 2009 --

MARLON Brando enjoyed two nights of passionate sex with Jacqueline Kennedy and wanted to bare the intimate details to the world, a new book reveals.

In "Bobby and Jackie: A Love Story," which details a purported post-JFK assassination affair between Jackie and Robert F. Kennedy, C. David Heymann has obtained passages from Brando's account of how he hooked up with Jackie in 1964. They were in the first draft of the Oscar winner's 1994 memoir, "Songs My Mother Taught Me," until an editor friend of Jackie (by then also the widow of Aristotle Onassis) at Random House insisted they be cut, Heymann writes.

The first time, "according to Brando, [their] three-hour meal included a good deal of drinking . . . Jackie and the actor danced and drank. During their dance, Jackie, deeply attracted to Brando, 'pressed her thighs' suggestively into his. They danced again, then sat down and began to 'make out,' " according to Heymann.

He relates: "In Brando's words, 'From all I'd read and heard about her, Jacqueline Kennedy seemed coquettish and sensual but not particularly sexual. If anything, I pictured her as more voyeur than player. But that wasn't the case. She kept waiting for me to try to get her into bed. When I failed to make a move, she took matters into her own hands and popped the magic question. 'Would you like to spend the night?' And I said, 'I thought you'd never ask.' "

A week later, Jackie again hooked up with Brando at a Sutton Place apartment he borrowed from a friend. Commenting on Jackie's "boyish hips" and "muscular frame," Brando said, "I'm not sure she knew what she was doing sexually, but she did it well."

But Jackie then ended it. Heymann writes: "Having twice consummated her relationship with Brando, Jackie showed no interest in pursuing him further."
The book from Atria is due next month.

"Remembering Jackie"--A Reporter's Memories of Private Moments with Mrs. Kennedy

I have always loved reading the first-hand accounts of people who spent time with and saw the private side of Jacqueline Kennedy--and this remains one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy it, as well:

Article on Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis from Commemorative “People” Issue - May 1994
“Remembering Jackie”
By Gail Wescott

"I first met Jacqueline Kennedy at her house in Hyannis Port the night her husband was being nominated for President at the 1960 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, 3,000 miles away. Jackie, who had miscarried after the 1956 Convention, was now pregnant with John and determined to stay put to make sure nothing went wrong. She was wearing a sleeveless summer shift and sandals and her skin actually seemed to glow. 'Come in,' she said softly. 'Let me introduce you to my family.' With her were Janet and Hugh Auchincloss and her half siblings, Jamie and Janet."

"The house was in ordinary people disarray. In the large living room, Jackie had set up an easel near the television. She was working on a painting for Jack’s homecoming. It showed his triumphant arrival at the dock and was cluttered with kids and dogs and a banner which read 'Welcome Back, Mr. Jack.' She had gotten to the beach area. 'There are too many Kennedys,' she said in mock exasperation. 'How can I fit them all in?' She was drinking a glass of rose wine and smoking cigarettes, and she requested not to be photographed doing either."

"Everyone began shouting “Jackie!” when it looked as if Kennedy would make it on the first ballot. She said 'I’m still only 30 years old, and I’ve just lost my anonymity for good. It’s a little scary.'"

"In September I returned with photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt. The air was grey and a storm was brewing that would later turn into a full-fledged hurricane. At lunch, I sat down and Caroline came at me shrieking, 'No, no, no, that’s Daddy’s chair and he’s going to get you with a big stick'—a thought which sent her into a seizure of wild giggles. Jackie, however, was concerned. 'I worry,' she said. 'All those books on child psychology and I’m the type who reads those books talk about how things affect children Caroline’s age. I get this terrible feeling that when we leave, she might think it’s because we don’t want to be with her.'"

"By mid-afternoon, hurricane-force winds were blowing and the power abruptly failed. Jackie and I began to bop around the house lighting candles. By nightfall, an atmosphere of wacky festivity had taken over. Jackie, whose voice in private lost much of its hushed, little girl quality, got out a scrapbook. 'I’ve got to show you this picture,' she said, pulling out a snapshot of an enormous female rear-end bent over so the owner could peer through the Kennedy fence. 'One of our neighbors took it and it’s my favorite picture of the campaign so far.'"

"Late that evening, Senator Kennedy called. When she returned to the living room, she said 'Today’s our wedding anniversary and Jack never mentioned it.' Oddly, I responded 'Well, tomorrow’s my birthday.' It was so off the wall and off the subject that we started laughing and then sat there till all hours talking and drinking wine by candlelight."

"A few days after President Kennedy’s body was flown back to Washington in November 1963, I asked Jackie’s press secretary if I could have one of the prayer cards that Jackie had written out for publication; her secretary called back to say 'yes.' I rushed to the East Wing of the White House, and suddenly there was Jackie holding out the envelope. 'Thank you,' she said, 'for thinking of this.' I was stunned. Every reporter in the world would have given anything at that moment for a private moment with Mrs. Kennedy. I, however, was speechless. I must have looked as stricken as I felt because Jackie smiled and said, consoling me in words that are etched forever in my head. 'Oh, Gail—think back on the good times. Remember the hurricane?'

Somehow, I managed to stumble out on the street, where, for the first time during those momentous days, I started to cry."

How Alike Were Jacqueline Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette?

Many books and articles have made much of the theory that JFK Jr. married a woman who reminded him of his mother. But how alike were Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and do you think this theory is accurate?

The NY Times crafted its own piece on it: http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/29/nyregion/enter-smiling-the-stylish-carolyn-bessette.html

Would love to hear your perspectives on this.

Reproduction Jewels

Camrose & Kross were given the task of creating EXACT replicas of some of Jackie's most prized jewelry pieces. They also do a FANTASTIC job of giving the background story behind the pieces. When sold on QVC, there is a Kennedy Historian who gives a little background information on what is being sold. It is TRULY interesting to watch - I highly recommend checking it out - just for the fun Jackie tidbits!

CAMROSE & KROSS JACKIE GALLERY

Photo Gallery

Introducing the Ultimate Jackie Photo Gallery!

CLICK HERE

Obviously - there are a TON more photos of Jackie that need to be added. This is just a beginning!

Self-Portrait Essay Submitted by Jacqueline Bouvier 1951

Vogue “Prix de Paris” Contest
Self-Portrait Essay Submitted by Jacqueline Bouvier 1951

A self portrait written from the author’s viewpoint is liable to be a little biased. Written from the viewpoint of others it would probably be so derogatory that I would not care to send it in. I have no idea how to go about describing myself but perhaps with much sifting of wheat from chaff I can produce something fairly accurate.

As to physical appearance, I am tall, 5’7”, with brown hair, a square face and eyes so unfortunately far apart that it takes three weeks to have a pair of glasses made with a bridge wide enough to fit over my nose. I do not have a sensational figure but can look slim if I pick the right clothes. I flatter myself on being able at times to walk out of the house looking like the poor man’s Paris copy, but often my mother will run up to inform me that my left stocking seam is crooked or the right-hand topcoat button about to fall off. This, I realize, is the Unforgiveable Sin.

I lived in New York City until I was thirteen and spent summers in the country. I hated dolls, loved horses and dogs and had skinned knees and braces on my teeth for what must have seemed an interminable length of time to my family.

I read a lot when I was little, much of which was too old for me. There were Chekov and Shaw in the room where I had to take naps and I never slept but sat on the window sill reading, then scrubbed the soles of my feet so the nurse would not see I had been out of bed. My heroes were Byron, Mowgli, Robin Hood, Little Lord Fauntleroy’s grandfather, and Scarlett O’Hara.
Growing up was not too painful a process. It happened gradually over the three years I spent at boarding school trying to imitate the girls who had callers every Saturday. I passed the finish line when I learned to smoke, in the balcony of the Normandie theatre in New York from a girl who pressed a Longfellow upon me then led me from the theatre when the usher told her that other people could not hear the film with so much coughing going on.

I spent two years at Vassar and still cannot quite decide whether I liked it or not. I wish I had worked harder and gone away less on weekends. Last winter I took my Junior Year in Paris and spent the vacations in Austria and Spain. I loved it more than any other year of my life. Being away from home gave me a chance to look at myself with a jaundiced eye. I learned not to be ashamed of a real hunger for knowledge, something I had always tried to hide, and I came home glad to start in here again but with a love for Europe that I am afraid will never leave me.
I suppose one should mention one’s hobbies in a profile. I really don’t have any that I work at constantly. I have studied art, here and in Paris, and I love to go to Art Exhibits and paint things that my mother doesn’t put in the closet until a month after I have given them to her at Christmas. I have written a children’s book for my younger brother and sister, as it amuses me to make up fairy tales and illustrate them. I love to ride and fox hunt. I will drop everything any time to read a book on ballet. This winter I am trying to catch up on things I should have learned before. I am taking typing and Interior Decorating outside of college and learning to play bridge and trying to cook things from recipes I found in France. I am afraid I will never be very successful over a hot stove.

One of my most annoying faults is getting very enthusiastic over something at the beginning and then tiring of it half way through. I am trying to counteract this by not getting too enthusiastic over too many things at once.

Jackie the Artist

This was a painting Jackie did for Jack to welcome him home from a trip. Look at all the things she included - the dog, Hyannisport, etc. This must have provided her with such a wonderful escape!

Oleg Cassini Portrait

This was a portrait of Jackie done by Oleg Cassini - I just love it!

WWJD about decorating?