Exceptional archive from the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as president on January 20, 1961. Includes:
- an original "No Parking" street sign from the "Presidential Inauguration" of John F. Kennedy at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 1961. The patriotically colored metal sign measures 12 x 18, with bold red and blue text reading: "Presidential Inauguration, No Parking, Midnight January 19 to Midnight January 20, 1961."
- a ticket stub from the "1961 Inaugural Parade," for a reserved seat in "Stand 31," on the north side of Constitution Ave."
- a hardbound limited deluxe edition of the 1961 inaugural program (no. 855 of an unspecified edition), 8.5 x 11.5, signed on the limitation page by Inaugural Committee Chairman E. H. Foley.
- a 1.75˝-diameter button honoring Kennedy's inauguration, featuring an image of JFK and the US Capitol, with purple ribbon below: "I was at the Inauguration of President Kennedy, Jan. 20, 1961, Washington, D.C." A silver-tone 3D Democratic donkey pin is affixed to the ribbon.
- a small .75˝-diameter "Kennedy and Johnson" pinback button from the 1960 campaign.
- a "Kennedy/Johnson" campaign bumper sticker from the 1960 campaign distributed by "Citizens for Kennedy and Johnson."
In overall very good to fine condition, with a broken hinge to the hardcover inaugural program and the sign exhibiting some staining, soiling, and other expected wear.
Following Kennedy's swearing-in as president and iconic inaugural address—which featured the famous line, 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country'—a vast parade to the White House took place along Pennsylvania Avenue. The three-hour-long procession was watched by tens of thousands of spectators in person and millions on television.
