Unique collection of material from the collection of Ambassador Robert F. Woodward, highlighted by two flags used in Woodward’s embassy that were presented to him by President Kennedy after being recalled from his post in Chile in 1961. These include an American flag, measuring 48 x 27, and a flag featuring the Great Seal of the United States, measuring 46 x 27, both with yellow-gold fringe on the edges. These are both displayed on the original wooden flag poles with figural golden eagles at the top (the flag poles were not personally presented by JFK). Woodward’s son recalls going to the White House with his father in June 1961, where they met with the president in the Oval Office. Upon presenting them with these flags, President Kennedy said: ’It is my pleasure to give them to you and I regret disrupting your family by asking you back to help us restore our friendship with Latin America, but everyone says you are the best man for the job.’ The Woodward family had been in Chile for just a month when the ambassador was called back to the United States to become an Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs, a position in which he was supposed to deal with the aftermath of the Bay of Pigs invasion. Additional JFK items include a three-page secretarially signed letter concerning Woodward’s appointment to Chile, a press photo of Woodward meeting with JFK, and a carbon copy of the letter sent by Kennedy to Francisco Franco upon naming Woodward as ambassador to Spain later in 1962.
Other significant items from Woodward’s career are present, including three Dwight D. Eisenhower autographs. These include two TLSs on White House letterhead, one addressed to Ambassador Woodward and the other to his wife, both dated March 3, 1960, thanking them for their hospitality during a trip to Uruguay. The third is a mounted portrait of Eisenhower, signed and inscribed on the mount to Woodward. Other authentically signed pieces include mounted portraits of Lyndon B. Johnson and Adlai Stevenson, both signed and inscribed to Woodward. Assorted other letters and documents are also included. In overall fine condition. Please contact RR Auction for a shipping quote.
