IMPORTANT "VOTE KENNEDY CONGRESS" BUTTON FROM JFK'S FIRST POLITICAL CAMPAIGN IN 1946.
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Winning Bid:
$10,384.01
(Includes 18% Buyer's Premium)
Bidding Ended:
Tuesday, November 13, 2018 10:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Tuesday, November 13, 2018 10:00:00 PM)
Item Description
2-1/8" w/"Boston 35" union bug in field at 6 o'clock. At 10 o'clock a tiny crimping error on reverse edge and scattered light brown/gray spotting in the cream background. VF. This button is from the 1946 Mass. 11th District Congressional campaign, JFK's first political campaign.
Having served in the Navy during WWII and worked in Europe as an aspiring journalist- JFK was relatively unknown to the voters of Massachusetts's 11th Congressional district when he began campaigning. Though his family had an active history in local politics and his candidacy was backed by his father's fortune, these weren't always assets as the shy 29-year-old approached the voting base in the blue collar working class Boston neighborhoods. However, Kennedy was determined and would appear anywhere. He conversed with everyone including a marathon campaign day when he delivered 34 speeches.
In another telling attempt to connect with voters, Kennedy applied to join the influential Bunker Hill Knights of Columbus chapter. The induction ceremony was a three mile parade and each inductee was required to carry a meaningful object with them as they completed the route. Kennedy was assigned to lead a live billy goat on the parade. While the goat did more of the leading than Kennedy, the effort was a success in demonstrating Kennedy's humility. On election night Kennedy won handily taking the first step on his road to the Presidency.
Most of the material produced for this campaign was ephemera including pamphlets, handbills and letter heads- all of which are notoriously rare. This button is a true standout and among the most highly coveted artifacts of Kennedy's political campaign career. We are aware of less than ten surviving examples, several of which are in institutions and the remainder held in advanced private collections. This example was recently discovered at the grass roots level and represents a paramount opportunity to obtain a key artifact from the iconic President's first foray into public life.
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