Typed letter, with several notations and corrections in Kennedy’s hand, one page, 6.25 x 8, no date, White House letterhead. Letter to an unknown governor reads: “The conservation trip which just ended gave me the distinct pleasure of meeting with you and seeing at first hand the tremendous strides that have been made in the field of conservation in your State. I was greatly impressed by the friendliness of the citizens and the welcome they gave me. I enjoyed seeing you and I want to thank you for your many courtesies to me and my staff during our stay there.” Kennedy strikes out two lines from the text adding “appreciated,” “the warm welcome given,” and “to us by your citizens.” Suede matted and framed with a portrait of Kennedy to an overall size of 22.5 x 17.5. In fine condition. Consignor notes that the JFK Library staff confirmed by phone that the original letter from Kennedy was mailed on October 4, 1963.
The referenced trek was suggested by former Wisconsin governor and newly elected US Senator Gaylord Nelson, who was devoted to preservation and conservation measures. JFK was duly impressed by the particular efforts initiated by this unidentified state, a place that had taken “tremendous strides...in the field of conservation.” Nelson had persuaded JFK to participate in a five-day, eleven-state conservation tour in September 1963 to draw attention to the ‘non-issue’ of environmental concerns by US politicians. The tour was unsuccessful in putting the issue on the national political agenda, but planted the seed that flowered into Earth Day. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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