JFK Doodles Made Night Before Assassination Sold for $34K
On Nov. 21, 1963, President John F. Kennedy sat in the Rice Hotel in Houston, Texas, scribbling on a piece of paper. Almost 61 years later, the relic of the last evening of JFK’s life fetched $34,504 in a recent…
On Nov. 21, 1963, President John F. Kennedy sat in the Rice Hotel in Houston, Texas, scribbling on a piece of paper.
Almost 61 years later, the relic of the last evening of JFK’s life fetched $34,504 in a recent auction, according to the Washington Examiner.
“Kennedy’s handwriting remains highly coveted by presidential collectors, with examples deriving from his last night alive being part of an elusive and ever-shrinking group,” Bobby Livingston, executive vice president of RR Auction, which sold the item in a recent auction held to commemorate JFK’s legacy and 107th birthday, said.
“The document, written in pencil on an off-white sheet, contains various notations likely made during a telephone conversation,” RR Auction said in its description of the item.
“It includes references to the year ‘1963,’ numerical notes like ‘10 thousand tons’ and ‘50 or 60%,’ a noted time of ‘11:45,’ and the surname ‘Smith’ mentioned twice — possibly referring to Stephen E. Smith, Kennedy’s brother-in-law and campaign strategist,” the description of the item said.
“The page also showcases Kennedy’s familiar doodles, including underlines, boxes, and an arrow,” the description said.
The Fine Book and Magazines website said that JFK spent about three-and-a-half hours at Houston’s Rice Hotel, where he attended a League of United Latin American Citizens Councils event.