Fantastic archive of unpublished Kennedy family candid photographs, ranging in size from 2.5 x 3.5 to 6 x 3.5, comprising a total of 31 photos. Many were taken on the grounds of the Kennedy family home in Palm Beach, Florida, in the early 1940s, with some dating to later on. Though not known, the photographer was evidently a close associate of the Kennedy family, given the private and relaxed nature of their poses. Additionally included are a postcard from Kennedy cousin Joseph Gargan to family chauffeur Dave Deignan, and an 'inside joke' photo-card lampooning Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.
Subject matter includes:
- Jack and Joe Jr. sitting poolside
- Jack and 'Kick' Kennedy lying down in a boat (stamp-dated Aug. 30, 1941 on the reverse)
- Blurry image of Jack and Joe Jr. relaxing in the pool
- Jack, Joe Jr., and Rose Kennedy together in the pool
- Joe Jr. standing on the diving board (two identical)
- Jack and Jean with their mother Rose, and grandparents Josie and John 'Honey Fitz' Fitzgerald
- Posed shot of Jack and Jean with their mother Rose, and grandparents Jose and John 'Honey Fitz' Fitzgerald (two identical)
- Jean Kennedy dancing with her grandmother, Josie Hannon Fitzgerald
- Jack, Joe Jr., and John 'Honey Fitz' Fitzgerald lounging with their dog in an oversized chair
- Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. and Eunice in their swimsuits
- Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel standing side-by-side
- Two different views of 'Kick' Kennedy reclining in a chaise lounge
- Ted, Jean, and Ethel Kennedy seated at a table with family friend Arthur J. Houghton
- 'Kick' Kennedy kneeling on the grass with two unidentified friends
- Family friend and former Boston Police Commissioner Joseph F. Timilty by the pool
- Two different views of the Kennedy family's Palm Beach compound
- Three views of the Kennedy family's Hyannis Port compound (two identical)
- Eight color photos, including a baby photo of Caroline Kennedy with "May 59" date, a photo of the Kennedy's Palm Beach poolhouse with "Aug 61" date, five photos of the Palm Beach home's interior, and a 1979 image of two unidentified people outside 'Whitehall,' Henry Flagler's estate
Additionally includes:
- an ALS by Joe Gargan, signed "Joe," on a postcard depicting the Canal Grande dalla Salute in Venice, postmarked 1950 and addressed to Kennedy chauffeur Dave Deignan, in full: "Ted and I are really enjoying ourselves over here. This Italian car we have is pretty good but nothing like the American cars. I think maybe Louisa should be our chaperone again but maybe next year." Gargan was the cousin and close friend of Ted Kennedy, who served as campaign chairman for Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 presidential campaign and became involved in the Chappaquiddick incident. Kennedy confided in Gargan immediately after the accident, and Gargan encouraged him to report it to the police. His interviews with journalist Leo Damore, in which he revealed Ted Kennedy's initial schemes for a cover-up, led to his falling out with the family.
- an unusual gag photo-card depicting family patriarch Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., with a cartoon speech bubble, saying: "I Don't Drink!" Inside, the card shows three of his children and several associates, with the punchline: "…but I drive people to it!"
In overall very good to fine condition, with heavy creases to the photo of Caroline. A unique and historic archive of unseen Kennedy family photographs.
