JFK + 50

"AMERICAN FORCES TO PREPARE FOR ANY EVENTUALITIES"

2026-10-23T09:48:21.441-04:00

SOVIET SHIPS BOUND FOR CUBA; U.S. SETS UP NAVAL BLOCKADE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) More than twenty Soviet ships are "streaming toward Cuba" today, October 23, 1962, reports The Evening Star.

The Russian vessels may be heading toward "a possible clash with American warships deployed to block delivery of 'offensive military equipment' to the island."

President John F. Kennedy announced on national radio and television last evening that the United States was responding to the discovery of Soviet nuclear missile sites in Cuba with a naval quarantine, or blockade.

The intention of the quarantine is "to stop the buildup of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba."

President Kennedy has also ordered all American armed forces to "prepare for any eventualities."

The Star reports that the President "hinted" at the possibility of a U.S. military invasion of Cuba "if necessary."

The Kennedy administration calls upon the Soviet Union to withdraw their medium-range rockets from the island and "refrain from further action to widen or deepen the present crisis."

SOURCE

"20 Red Ships Head for Cuba; Kremlin Sees Threat of War," by Earl H. Voss, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 23, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

13 Days Calendar

Cuban Missile Crisis

October 1962

Image by Kuraplan

CC BY NC 4.0

"TOPIC IS BELIEVED TO BE CUBA"

2026-10-22T09:16:32.046-04:00

PRESIDENT TO SPEAK TO NATION TONIGHT ON 'SUBJECT OF HIGHEST NATIONAL URGENCY'

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 22, 1962, The Evening Star reports that President John F. Kennedy "will speak to the Nation by television and radio at 7 p.m. tonight...on 'a subject of the highest national urgency'."

The Star says that the topic of the President's speech is "believed to be Cuba."

Mr. Kennedy has been and will be meeting with his top military and diplomatic advisers including the National Security Council, the cabinet and congressional leaders of both parties.

The Star reports about 40 United States Navy ships, 20,000 men and carrier-based aircraft have been "assembled...near Puerto Rico."

JFK+50 NOTE

Havana Radio called the military buildup by the Kennedy administration in the Caribbean area "aggressive and provocative."

SOURCES

"Cuban Radio Hits Buildup, Charges U.S. Provocation," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 22, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Kennedy Will Speak Tonight; 'Matter of Highest Urgency'," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 22, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

JFK Meets With Military Advisers

The White House

www.picryl.com

Wikimedia Commons

"PRESIDENT RECOVERING FROM 'COLD'"

2026-10-21T07:28:15.790-04:00

JFK'S TEMPERATURE ALMOST BACK TO NORMAL BUT PLANS TO JOIN 1ST LADY IN VIRGINIA CANCELLED

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 21, 1962, The Sunday Star reports that President John F. Kennedy "called off a six-State aerial expedition around the country to fly back to the White House yesterday."

Today the President's physician reports that Mr. Kennedy's temperature has improved from one degree above normal to about two-tenths of a degree above normal.

President Kennedy's plans to join the First Lady at the family country estate Glen Ora*, near Middleburg, Virginia, have been cancelled.

*Glen Ora is a historic 400 acre estate near Middleburg, Virginia which served as a weekend retreat for President & Mrs. Kennedy from 1961-1963. Recently, the property sold for $6 million.

SOURCE

"Kennedy Ends 6-State Tour Due to Cold," by Douglas B. Cornell, The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., October 21, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Middleburg, Virginia Historic District

Photo by Strawser (2013)

www.wikimedia.com/

"JFK HAS A SLIGHT UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION"

2026-10-20T15:50:56.027-04:00

JFK CANCELS CAMPAIGN TRIP, RETURNS TO WASHINGTON

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 20, 1962, Associated Press reports that President John F. Kennedy has cancelled the rest of his campaign trip and is returning to the Nation's Capital because he has "a slight cold."

Press Secretary Pierre Salinger told the press that this was done on the advice of the President's personal physician, Dr. George Burkley.

Salinger said...

"(The President) has a slight upper respiratory infection."

As Mr. Kennedy departed his hotel in Chicago, he uncharacteristically wore "a hat on his head" and "carried a raincoat on his arm."

JFK+50 NOTE

Mr. Salinger's statement was really a "cover story" for the real reason for the cancellation of the campaign trip & return to the White House.

The real reason was the necessity to meet with the Executive Committee of the National Security Council to discuss measures to respond to the Soviets constructing nuclear missile sites in Cuba.

This was the beginning of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

SOURCE

"Kennedy Cold Forces End to Campaign Trip," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 20, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

JFK, Dean Rusk & Robert McNamara

EXCOMM Meeting

The White House

October 1962

NARA Photo

www.picryl.com/

"SEEMS TO BE SNIFFING VICTORY"

2026-10-19T06:58:31.442-04:00

KENNEDY HAS LEARNED TO TAKE "YOWLING WOMEN" WITH A GRIN

Tampa, Florida (JFK+50) On October 19, 1960, Mary McGrory* writes in The Evening Star that Senator John F. Kennedy's "communication with his public" has been "mostly shaky" to this point, but JFK has learned to take "yowling women and their companions"..."with a grin."

The Senator talks to the crowds of adoring would-be voters..."and they talk back." JFK, McGrory says, even "enjoys it a little bit."

Campaigning here in Tampa, the Senator exclaimed...

"If you think everything is all right, vote for Nixon."

The crowd responded in chorus..."NO!"

McGrory believes Senator Kennedy "seems to be sniffing victory."

JFK+50 NOTE

Mary McGrory, speaking to Daniel Patrick Moynihan shortly after JFK's death, said..."We will never laugh again." Mr. Moyniihan replied, "Mary, we will laugh again, but we will never be young again."

*Mary McGrory (1918-2004) was born in Boston, Massachusetts & educated at Emmanuel College. MM was a political journalist from 1947 to 2003 & won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary as well as the Four Freedoms Award.

SOURCE

"Kennedy Learns to Relax," by Mary McGrory, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 19, 1960, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

JFK Campaigning in Florida

October 18 1960

Wikimedia Commons

www.picryl.com/

"TO COUNTER BUILD-UP OF SOVIET-BUILT JETS IN CUBA"

2026-10-18T08:26:48.309-04:00

U.S. DEPLOYS A DOZEN NAVY FIGHTERS TO KEY WEST

Key West, Florida (JFK+50) On October 18, 1962, Associated Press reports that the Pentagon "has quietly shifted a squadron of 1,400 mile-an-hour Navy jet fighters to southernmost Florida."

Twelve F-4B Phantom 2* fighters are now "poised about 90 miles from Cuba."

The movement of U.S. Navy jets from Oceana Naval Air Station near Norfolk, Virginia is intended "to counter a build-up" of Soviet-built MIG fighters by Communist dictator Fidel Castro.

Three days earlier Under-secretary of State George W. Ball** reported to Congress that Castro would "eventually" have 25 to 30 of "the most modern Soviet-built jet fighters" which normally carry air-to-air missiles.

*F-4B Phantom was the USN's fastest, highest-flying & longest-range jet fighter in October 1962.

**George Wildman Ball (1909-1994) was born in Des Moines, Iowa & earned his BS & JD at Northwestern University. GWB served in the U.S. Department of State 1961-1966 & was U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. from June-Sept 1968. He was the only member of the cabinet during the JFK-LBJ years to oppose escalation of the Vietnam War.

SOURCE

"U.S. Sends Jets To Key West," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 18, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

George W. Ball

Photo by Yoichi Okamoto (1966)

LBJ Library

"JFK GAINING IN NY, PA, CA & MI"

2026-10-17T13:08:05.088-04:00

AP REPORTS KENNEDY PULLING 'ALMOST EVEN' WITH NIXON

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 17, 1960, Associated Press reports that Senator John F. Kennedy "has pulled almost even with Vice-President (Richard M.) Nixon as they sprint toward the finish in their hectic race for the presidency."

AP adds that neither candidate "has a clear advantage in 17 states" which make up almost half of the total 537 electoral votes available.

Evidence suggests that Mr. Kennedy "might be gaining" in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Michigan while support is "trending" in Mr. Nixon's favor in Minnesota, Utah and New Mexico.

JFK+50 NOTE

Predictions as of mid October 1960 that the November election would be "tight" proved true as it was one of the closest elections in U.S. history. While JFK did win NY, PA, MN & NM, Nixon took CA, MI & UT.

SOURCE

"Kennedy Pulls Closer to Nixon in Tight Race," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 17, 1960, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

JFK Campaigning in LaGrange, Georgia

October 11 1960

Ledger-Enquirer

"JFK ALWAYS SUPPORTED ADMINISTRATION'S POLICY"

2026-10-16T06:13:46.198-04:00

KENNEDY SAYS QUEMOY & MATSU SHOULD NOT BE A CAMPAIGN ISSUE

Johnstown, Pennsylvania (JFK+50) On October 16, 1960, The Sunday Star reports that Democratic presidential nominee Senator John F. Kennedy said last night that Vice-President Richard M. Nixon "has retreated to the administration's view" on defending Quemoy and Matsu.*

The Senator says that since this is the view he has "always" supported, there is no reason for this to be a campaign issue.

Mr. Kennedy's motorcade through seven western Pennsylvania towns was greeted by "militantly enthusiastic" crowds according to Governor David L. Lawrence**.

*Quemoy & Matsu are island groups in the Taiwan Strait just off the coast of mainland China but controlled by the Republic of China (Taiwan).

**David Leo Lawrence (1889-1966) was born in Pittsburgh, PA & served in the US Army in WWI. DLL was mayor of Pittsburgh 1946-1959 & governor of Pennsylvania 1959-1963.

SOURCE

"Kennedy Says Nixon Backed Down On Isles," by Cecil Holland, The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., October 16, 1960, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Quemoy & Matsu

Taiwan Republic of China

www.roc-taiwan.org/

"WANT SERVICES TO AGREE ON COMMON DESIGN"

2026-10-15T19:36:54.919-04:00

GAO SAYS LACK OF STANDARDIZATION IN U.S. MILITARY DRESS IS COSTING MILLIONS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 15, 1961, Associated Press reports "government accountants say failure of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines to agree on...the color of khaki*...is costing the Government millions of dollars."

The Government Accounting Office** estimates $2.8 million "is being wasted" each year "because of the lack of standardization in...apparel."

Orders have been issued, according to AP, "for the services to agree on a common design for dress shirts and wool trousers."

JFK+50 NOTE

British soldiers in India (19th century) adopted the color to blend into the dusty terrain.

*khaki is a light yellowish-brown or tan color, also a sturdy cotton or wool cloth.

*GAO, aka U.S. Government Accountability Office provides fact-based, non-partisan information, investigates federal spending & performance for the Congress.

SOURCE

"How Khaki Is Khaki? Skeptical GAO Asks," The Sunday Star, October 15, 1961, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Why Aren't You In Khaki?"

1914 Poster

Museum of New Zealand

www.picryl.com/

"TAKES MORE THAN 1 BULLET TO KILL A BULL MOOSE"

2026-10-14T20:27:39.013-04:00

FORMER PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT SHOT BUT NOT DETERRED FROM MAKING HIS SPEECH

Milwaukee, Wisconsin (JFK+50) At 8:10 p.m. on October 14, 1912, former President of the United States and current nominee of the Progressive Party in the Election of 1912 Theodore Roosevelt was shot while standing in his automobile outside the Gilpatrick Hotel here in Milwaukee.

A 32 caliber bullet was fired from a distance of four or five feet and went through Mr. Roosevelt's overcoat, glasses case and folded speech entering his chest.

The former Rough Rider in the Spanish-American War refused to be taken to a hospital and insisted he be driven to the auditorium where he was scheduled to speak.

TR asked the crowd to be very quiet while he spoke and at one point held up the bloody speech and said...

"It takes more than one bullet to kill a Bull Moose*."

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library says TR spoke for "about 80 minutes" before agreeing to be taken to hospital for treatment. Doctors decided to not attempt to remove the bullet since it did not penetrate the heart or lungs. He carried it in his body the rest of his life.

JFK+50 NOTE

The would-be assassin, John F. Schrank, had stalked TR during his whistle-stop campaign tour. JFS is described as "eccentric, prone to religious delusions and intense loneliness."

He claimed that as NY Police Commissioner, TR closed his family's liquor business. It is also believed that he was angered by TR's attempt to win a third term as POTUS.

Although TR did not believe Schrank a "madman," he was found to be insane & committed to a mental hospital.

*The Progressive Party of 1912 was commonly called "the Bull Moose" Party because its presidential nominee, TR, once said, "I am as strong as a Bull Moose!"

SOURCES

"TR Shot On Campaign in Milwaukee," JFK+50, October 14, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

"Why Was TR Shot?," Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, www.trlibrary.com/

John F. Schrank's Writings

Bain News Service

Library of Congress

www.trlibrary.com/

"WILL NOT SEEK 64 REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION"

2026-10-13T15:31:13.372-04:00

NIXON SAYS HE WILL KEEP HIS NAME OUT OF PRIMARIES

Hershey, Pennsylvania (JFK+50) On October 13, 1963, former Vice-President Richard M. Nixon said "he would keep his name out of any...presidential primary where the consent of the candidate is required."

Mr. Nixon has "often" said he would not seek the 1964 Republican presidential nomination.

The former Vice-President is in Hershey to attend an "informal" reunion of Eisenhower administration officials honoring Ike's approaching 73rd birthday.

JFK+50 NOTE

Nixon had been defeated in his bid for the governorship of California in 1962 & told the press, "just think, you won't have Nixon to kick around anymore." While he did not seek the Republican nomination in 1964, he did in 1968 & was elected the 36th POTUS.

SOURCE

"Nixon Vows No Primaries," by David S. Broder, October 13, 1963, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Richard M. Nixon

Presidential Portrait

1972

Dept of Defense, Dept of the Army

Audio Visual Center

"TRUMAN HAS HIS METHODS OF EXPRESSING THINGS"

2026-10-12T15:24:24.629-04:00

KENNEDY & NIXON DEBATE SEPARATED BY 3000 MILES

Hollywood, California & New York City (JFK+50) The third presidential debate between Vice-President Richard M. Nixon and Senator John F. Kennedy took place on the evening of October 13, 1960.

Despite the fact that the two candidates were 3000 miles apart, they could see and hear each other via television monitors in their respective studios.

Senator Kennedy was asked...

"Republican National Committee chairman Thruston Morton* declared earlier this week that you owe Vice-President Nixon...an apology for charges made by former President Truman who bluntly suggested where the Vice-President and Republican Party could go. Do you...owe the Vice-President an apology?

Senator Kennedy responded...

"Mr. Truman has his methods of expressing things...but I really don't think that there's anything that I can say to President Truman that's going to cause him, at the age of 76, to change his...speaking manner."

JFK+50 NOTE

My apologies, for some reason I researched the 13th instead of the 12th for today's post. Another senior moment, sorry.

At one point in the campaign JFK addressed the issue of Truman's salty language. JFK said that he had sent the former president this message...

'Dear Mr. President, I have noted with interest your statement of where you think the Republicans should go. While I sympathize with your deep motivation, I think it is important for our side to refrain from raising the religious issue.'

*Thruston Ballard Morton (1907-1982) was born in Louisville, Kentucky & graduated Yale University 1929. TBM served in the US House of Representatives 1947-1953 & US Senate 1957-1968 (R-KY).

SOURCES

"Kennedy-Nixon Debate Goes Coast to Coast, Hollywood & New York City," JFK+50, October 13, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

"Senator John F. Kennedy & Vice-President Richard M. Nixon, Third Joint Radio-Television Broadcast, October 13, 1960," John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum, www.jfklibrary.org/

Third Presidential Debate

New York City

October 13

"TIME FOR U.S. TO SEEK & CONQUER NEW FRONTIERS"

2026-10-11T15:51:26.314-04:00

NIXON ADOPTS KENNEDY CAMPAIGN THEMES; GETS ENDORSEMENT OF MORMON CHURCH

Denver, Colorado (JFK+50) On October 11, 1960, The Evening Star reports that yesterday Vice-President Richard M. Nixon spoke here in Denver playing upon Senator John F. Kennedy's campaign themes saying it is time for the United States...

"to move forward, time for it to seek and conquer new frontiers."

Today, Mr. Nixon is expected to return to California.

The Republican presidential nominee received a strong endorsement on a campaign stop yesterday in Utah by David O. McKay*, leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

JFK+50 NOTE

Nixon carried most of the Far West in the November 1960 election only losing to Kennedy in Nevada & New Mexico.

*David Oman McKay (1873-1970) was born in Huntsville, Utah & graduated from the University of Utah 1897. DOM served as president of the Mormon Church 1951-1970 & was the longest serving 'general authority' in the church (64 years).

SOURCE

"Nixon in California To Tackle Defense Issue," by David S. Broder, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 11, 1960, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

David Omar McKay

1977

by The Rixida of Ricks College

Cathy Tillack & Karen Still, eds.

"ESTABLISHED PRECEDENT FOR FUTURE ARMS CONTROL"

2026-10-10T10:35:14.008-04:00

LIMITED NUCLEAR TEST BAN TREATY GOES INTO EFFECT

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 10, 1963 at 1 p.m. Eastern time "the final procedural actions" on the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty* were taken in the Nation's Capital, in London and in Moscow.

President John F. Kennedy issued a proclamation at the White House which stated that the treaty...

"shall be observed and fulfilled with good faith by the United States of America and by the citizens of the United States of America and all other persons subject to the jurisdiction thereof."

JFK+50 NOTE

The Department of States says that while the treaty had little "practical effect" on the development and proliferation of nuclear weapons, it did establish "an important precedent" for future arms control.

*Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was signed in Moscow on Aug 5 1963 & went into effect on Oct 10 1963. The treaty prohibits the testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, outer space & under water. It was ratified by US, UK & USSR & included 126 parties plus 10 signed but not ratified.

SOURCES

"Test-Ban Pact Goes In Effect; Kennedy Pledges 'Good Faith'," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 10, 1963, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"The Limited Test Ban Treaty, 1963," Office of the Historian, United States Department of State, www.history.state.gov/

JFK Signs Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

Washington, D.C.

October 7 1963

Photo by Robert LeRoy Knudsen

JFK Presidential Library & Museum

Boston

"FARMER WOULD BECOME GOVERNMENT SERVANT"

2026-10-09T08:57:00.807-04:00

NIXON SAYS DEMS ASKING FARMERS TO SELL BIRTHRIGHT 'FOR A MESS OF POTTAGE'

La Crosse, Wisconsin (JFK+50) On October 9, 1960, Vice-President Richard Nixon addressed a "capacity crowd" at the auditorium here in La Crosse* saying that Senator John F. Kennedy's proposed farm program would cause liberty to disappear and...

"the farmer would be made into a Government servant."

The Vice-President added that the Democrats are asking farmers to sell their birthright "for a mess of pottage."

JFK+50 NOTE

The evening before Kennedy and Nixon had faced off in the second of four presidential debates. The Sunday Star reports that while the candidates thought they did a great job, the voters "weren't budged."

The Star says Nixon's airport crowd later on Oct 9th was smaller and "less enthusiastic" than expected.

*La Crosse is the most populous city on the western border of Wisconsin. LC borders the Mississippi River & today is a regional educational, medical, manufacturing & transportation hub.

SOURCE

"Nixon Blasts Kennedy Plan," by David S. Broder, The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., October 9, 1960, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

La Crosse, Wisconsin

July 4, 2024

Photo by Wikideas1

CC 1.0 Universal Public Domain

"STOP KENNEDY. HANDS OFF CUBA"

2026-10-08T19:43:35.714-04:00

CUBAN PRESIDENT CALLS ON U.N. TO CONDEMN U.S. THREAT OF NAVAL BLOCKADE

New York City (JFK+50) On October 8, 1962, Osvaldo Dorticos Torrado*, President of Cuba, spoke to the General Assembly of the United Nations here in New York. The president branded any move by the United States "to impose a naval blockade" as "an act of war."

He called upon the Assembly to condemn the United States and received "a prolonged burst of applause" from the Soviet delegation.

At the close of the hour and 45 minute long speech, a group in the public gallery held up a banner with the words...

"Stop Kennedy. Hands Off Cuba."

JFK+50 NOTE

Lee Harvey Oswald passed out yellow leaflets bearing the words 'Hands Off Cuba' in New Orleans in August 1963.

The 13 days of the Cuban Missile Crisis were October 16 to October 28, 1962 during which a naval blockade was set up by the United States to force the Soviets to remove their missiles.

*Osvaldo Dorticos Torrado (1919-1983) was born in Cienfuegus, Cuba & graduated from the University of Havana Law School in 1941. ODT served as president of Cuba 1959-1976.

SOURCE

"Cuba Demands U.N. Condemn U.S. Stand," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 8, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Osvaldo Dorticos Torrado

President of Cuba 1959-1976

Arquivo Nacional Collection

"MOST GLARING FAILURE OF U.S. FOREIGN POLICY TODAY"

2026-10-07T17:58:55.729-04:00

KENNEDY BLASTS NIXON 'FOR MUCH TROUBLE IN CUBA'

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 7, 1960, Senator John F. Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) was back here in the Nation's Capital after "blasting" Vice-President Richard M. Nixon in Cincinnati last night "for much of the trouble in Cuba."

The Democratic presidential standard bearer called the situation in Cuba "the most glaring failure of American foreign policy today."

The Senator spoke to an audience of 700 Democrats who paid $100 each for a plate at the fund-raising dinner.

Mr. Kennedy said...

"It is the party in power which must accept the responsibility for the disaster."

JFK+50 NOTE

To put pressure on Communist Cuba, President Eisenhower cut off sugar imports & exports to the island. In March 1960, Ike approved a CIA program to train Cuban exiles for a military attack on Cuba & in January 1961, formal diplomatic relations between the U.S. & Cuba were severed.

Upon becoming president on Jan 20, 1961, JFK inherited the Eisenhower policy regarding Cuba. He gave his approval to the 'Bay of Pigs' invasion of April 1961 which proved to be a disaster.

To his credit, JFK accepted full responsibility for the failure saying..."Victory has a thousand fathers, defeat is an orphan."

SOURCE

"Kennedy Here After Blasting Nixon on Cuba," by Robert K. Walsh, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 7, 1960, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Fidel Castro

Vector Portal

Image by <a href=" https://www.vectorportal.com" >Vectorportal.com</a>, <a class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" >CC BY</a>

"MUCH TO AMAZEMENT OF WASHINGTONIANS"

2026-10-06T06:49:44.804-04:00

SESQUI EXPO TURNS OUT TO BE A SHARED CELEBRATION BETWEEN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA & STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (JFK+50) On October 6, 1926, the District of Columbia "was forced to share honors...with the State of South Carolina at the Sesquicentennial Exposition*" held here in Philadelphia.

The Evening Star reports that this turn of events was "much to the amazement" of hundreds of Washingtonians who came on special trains "to take part in the ceremonies."

They did not learn about the shared celebration until after they "marched through the exposition gates" and "discovered the banners of South Carolina flying beside those of the District."

The Star reports that the South Carolina day program "did not interfere with the District day ceremonies."

JFK+50 NOTE

The fair attracted only 4.6 million paid visitors when 30 million were expected. One of the problems was the weather. It rained on 107 of the 184 days the fair was open.

According to Ghosts of D.C., "Philadelphia got the world's fair. Washington got something better...a party the city built for itself, block by block, from Petworth to Takoma Park."

*Philadelphia Sesquicentennial Exposition (May 31-Nov 30 1926) was a world's fair which celebrated the 150th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Variety magazine called the PSE "America's Greatest Flop." The fair had lost $20 million by August 1926.

SOURCES

"July 4, 1926: How Washington Celebrated America's 150th Birthday," Ghosts of D.C., www.ghostsofdc.org/

"Washingtonians Find South Carolina Shares District Day Honor at Sesqui," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 6, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Official Poster of The Sesquicentennial Exposition

by Dan Smith

Elliot Brewer/The Philadelphia Inquirer

March 28 1926

"JFK'S MATERNAL GRANDFATHER"

2026-10-05T15:50:43.502-04:00

FORMER BOSTON MAYOR, JOHN F. FITZGERALD, DIES

West Roxbury, Massachusetts (JFK+50) On October 5, 1950, John Francis Fitzgerald*, former mayor of Boston, was laid to rest at St. Joseph's Cemetery here in West Roxbury.

A mass, held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, was officiated by Richard J. Cushing.

JFK+50 NOTE

John Francis Fitzgerald was the father of Rose Fitzgerald (Kennedy) & maternal grandfather of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. He loved campaigning and was known for his singing of 'Sweet Adeline'.

*John Francis Fitzgerald (1863-1950) was born in Boston, Massachusetts and educated at Boston College & Harvard Medical School. JFF served as a member of the US House of Representatives 1895-1901 & mayor of Boston 1910-1914.

SOURCE

"JFK's Grandad Laid To Rest 63 Years Ago," JFK+50, October 5, 2013, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

John F. Fitzgerald

Library of Congress Photo

"TO PROVIDE DATA FOR MILITARY COMMUNICATION"

2026-10-04T20:35:32.455-04:00

COURIER IB COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE LAUNCHED FROM CAPE CANAVERAL

Cape Canaveral, Florida (JFK+50) On October 4, 1960, the United States Army and Air Force "launched a 500 pound earth satellite designed to provide data for advanced military communication in space."

Courier IB*, is 51 inches in diameter and loaded with 300 pounds of electronic equipment.

The goal is a circular orbit about 600 miles above the earth.

Two monitoring stations have been set up for Courier IB, one in New Jersey and the other in Puerto Rico.

JFK+50 NOTE

Courier IB quit working after 228 earth orbits over a period of 17 days.

*Courier IB was the 1st active repeater communication satellite. It was built by Western Development Labs, a division of Philco. CIB could transmit, receive & store 68,000 coded words per minute.

SOURCE

"U.S. Launches Courier Satellite," by William Hines, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 4, 1960, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Courier I Satellite

US Government-Military-Army

"ON YOUR FEET, HOUSEWIVES"

2026-10-03T15:16:24.007-04:00

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 3, 1961, Associated Press reports that the United States Department of Agriculture's home economists say "their tests show women burn more energy if they sit down to wash dishes, roll dough and...lift kitchen utensils."

Sitting on a stool while doing kitchen chores requires 4% more energy while rolling dough while sitting uses 9% more energy according to the DOA.

AP's advice is...

"On your feet, housewives!"

JFK+50 NOTE

In 1961, 32 to 38 per cent of American housewives did NOT work outside the home. It is probably true for the husbands or wives who do household chores that they would use less energy if standing while they work.

SOURCE

"Stand Up, Lady, To Save Energy in Housekeeping," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 3, 1961, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Up Housewives And At 'Em"

www.wikimedia.org/

"MRS. WILSON 'HAS NOTHING TO SAY'"

2026-10-02T21:05:53.624-04:00

RUMORS ABOUND THAT EDITH WILSON WILL BE ENGAGED TO WASHINGTON, D.C. PHYSICIAN

Paris, France (JFK+50) On October 2, 1925, Associated Press reports that Mrs. Woodrow Wilson*, widow of the 28th President of the United States, is subject to speculation that she will be engaged to Dr. Sterling Ruffin of Washington, D.C.

A 'close companion' of the former First Lady, however, issued the following statement...

"Mrs. Wilson...refuses to confirm or deny any newspaper reports concerning her. She has nothing to say...regarding her future plans or prospects."

*Edith Boling Wilson (1872-1961) was born in Wytheville, Virginia to a family of Virginia's slave aristocracy. She had little formal education & her 1st husband died at age 43. She married the recently widowed President Woodrow Wilson in 1915. EBW attended JFK's Inauguration in January 1961 & died in December of that year.

JFK+50 NOTE

I chose October 2, 1925 for today's post because my mother, Mavis Mary Green White, was born on this day in Sydney, NSW, Australia. She celebrated her 101st birthday today. She met my dad, Roy G. White, who was serving in the US Army Medical Corp during WWII & came to America after the war where they were wed.

SOURCE

"Mrs. Wilson Is Silent On Engagement Rumor," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 2, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

President and Mrs. Woodrow Wilson

June 1920

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

"WAIT UNTIL SENATOR KENNEDY GOES INTO BOSTON"

2026-10-01T14:41:51.512-04:00

JFK WILL TRY TO PICTURE NIXON AS A DEFEATIST ON ALL ISSUES

Hyannis Port, Massachusetts (JFK+50) On October 1, 1960, The Evening Star reports Democratic presidential nominee Senator John F. Kennedy "will try to defeat Vice-President (Richard M.) Nixon...by picturing him as a defeatist..." on both national and international issues.

The Vice-President, speaking in Boston, called the Senator "a monumental failure" in the post-convention session of Congress.

A large crowd, estimated to be at 250,000, came out to hear Mr. Nixon's remarks but Pierre Salinger, JFK's press secretary, says...

"Wait until Senator Kennedy goes into Boston."

JFK+50 NOTE

JFK won Suffolk County, which includes Boston, 75% to 25%. It was the first time a presidential candidate won more than 70% of the vote in that county. JFK also carried Massachusetts 60% to 40%.

SOURCE

"Kennedy to Paint Nixon As Defeatist on Issues," by Robert K. Walsh, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 1, 1960, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Boston, Massachusetts

Photo by Jennifer Mangone (2014)

"IDEA FROM SALVATION ARMY'S PALAIS DE LA FEMME"

2026-09-30T14:38:13.405-04:00

WORKING GIRLS IN PARIS OFFERED 11 CENT LUNCH AT THE AMERICAN CAFETERIA

Paris, France (JFK+50) On September 30, 1926, Associated Press reports that The American Cafeteria here in Paris is offering an 11 cent lunch to working girls of the city.

The idea for the "cheap lunch" came from The Salvation Army's working girls hotel, Palais de la Femme*.

The 11 cent lunch includes soup, hors d'ceruvre, meat, two veggies, dessert, bread and drink.

JFK+50 NOTE

If you were to buy this lunch in Paris today (2026), it would cost between 20 & 45 Euros ($22.78-$45^). So they say "there's no such thing as a free lunch," it seems a century later there's no such thing as an 11 cent lunch either.

^converting 2026 $s to 1926, however, would be ($1.10-$2.37).

*Palais de la Femme was a social hotel with 143 rooms. It was used as a hospital during WWI & acquired by the Salvation Army in 1926 which turned it into a shelter for single women.

SOURCE

"Paris Working Girls Get 11-Cent Lunches," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 30, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Palais de la femme

Photo by Mbzi

2011

"WEST BERLINERS CALL IT 'THE DEATH STRIP'"

2026-09-29T17:28:48.490-04:00

EAST GERMAN WOMEN PUT TO WORK TURNING BERLIN'S EAST-WEST BORDER INTO 'NO-MAN'S LAND'

Berlin, Germany (JFK+50) On September 29, 1961, Associated Press reports that "East Germany put girls and women to work today at turning Berlin's East-West border into a no-man's land."

West Berliners refer to the area as "the death strip."

East German women along with "thousands of laborers" cleared ground and razed houses along the 25-mile sector. They were under supervision of "armed guards."

JFK+50 NOTE

The Berlin Wall (1961-1989) was started on August 13, 1961 to stop the movement of Germans in Communist East Berlin into free West Berlin. JFK said, "A wall is a hell of a lot better than a (nuclear) war," but on his visit to Berlin in June 1963 he predicted the eventual reunification of the city.

The Berlin Wall was a series of concrete barriers accompanied by a wide area containing anti-tank vehicle trenches, beds of nails and other defenses.

SOURCES

"The Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall," The National Museum of American Diplomacy, www.diplomacy.state.gov/

"Women Toil to Tighten Berlin's 'Death Strip,'" The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 29, 1961, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

The Berlin Wall

1986

Attribution: Noir

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