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Lot #81
John F. Kennedy Typed Letter Signed as President on the Construction of a Point Loma Fishing Pier

President Kennedy on a potential Point Loma fishing pier in San Diego: "When the pier is completed, the Navy will allow fishing from it on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays"

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Description

President Kennedy on a potential Point Loma fishing pier in San Diego: "When the pier is completed, the Navy will allow fishing from it on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays"

TLS as president signed “John Kennedy,” two pages, 6.5 x 9.5, White House letterhead, January 29, 1963. Letter to Pat Brown, the Governor of California, in full: “On January 18, the Under Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Paul B. Fay, Jr., met with Mr. William Elser, a member of the California Fish and Game Commission, to discuss the Point Loma fishing pier situation in San Diego. It is my understanding that the following points of agreement resulted from this meeting:

The Navy will create an electronics platform in the form of a large ship drawn from the Reserve Fleet. This platform will be anchored approximately 3,000 feet off Point Loma and several thousand feet north of the existing outfall sewer trestle. A rock breakwater will be constructed to seaward of this electronics platform. A pier will be constructed to connect the land with the electronics platform. This proposed pier will consist of a rock causeway for one-third of its length, and a floating pier the remainder of the distance.

When the pier is completed, the Navy will allow fishing from it on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. On occasions when the Naval Electronics Laboratory is conducting experimental work, this privilege will be denied.

The Department of Defense's proposed Budget, now before the Congress, includes approximately $5.5 million to cover the initial construction costs of this pier. Since this is a solid and well-justified requirement, we anticipate no problem in obtaining Congressional approval. It is recommended, however, that you retain your option to purchase the existing sewer trestle, or scaffold, until we can be assured of the final Congressional position. We should be able to inform you of this position no later than the end of August this year.” Archivally double-matted and framed with a portrait photo of JFK to an overall size of 31.25 x 18. In fine condition, with scattered stains to the second page, not at all affecting the signature. A proud Bay State native, John F. Kennedy had a passion for the sea and spent time fishing both before and during his presidency. He often vacationed at his family's estate in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, where he had access to the Atlantic Ocean and enjoyed fishing in the waters off Cape Cod. Presidentially signed letters related to one of his chief pastimes are scarce and highly sought after.

Point Loma is a prominent peninsula in San Diego, California, which is home to several military facilities that play a crucial role in the defense and security of the United States. These include Naval Base Point Loma, a major U.S. Navy base located on the southern tip of Point Loma, which is home to various Navy commands, including the Submarine Squadron 11, which manages the Pacific Fleet's submarine force; and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), which is responsible for developing and maintaining communication, information, and surveillance systems for the U.S. Navy.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring JFK 60th / Presidents
  • Dates: #678 - Ended November 08, 2023





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