Choate physics laboratory worksheet filled out by Kennedy and signed in pencil at the top, "John F. Kennedy," one page both sides, 7.25 x 10.25, no date but circa 1935. Kennedy answers twelve questions for a laboratory experiment involving a lead-acid battery, recording his observations: at the conclusion of the experiment an electric "bell rings," showing that the battery had "electrical energy stored up." Additionally includes a similar physics lab worksheet filled out and signed by Kennedy's Choate roommate and lifelong best friend Lem Billings, "K. LeMoyne Billings," answering four questions about an experiment to determine the specific gravity of bodies heavier than water. In overall fine condition.
This unique worksheet reveals JFK's understanding and grasp of a difficult subject in the physical sciences. Kennedy attended Choate from 1931 to 1935, and was elected as 'most likely to succeed' from his graduating class.
John F. Kennedy and Kirk LeMoyne Billings met at Wallingford, Connecticut's prestigious Choate Preparatory School in 1933 and formed an instant connection. Consummate pranksters, the boys found comfort away from home in their similar senses of humor-during their senior year, they formed a secret society known as 'The Muckers Club.' The bane of their Choate headmaster's existence, Jack and Lem were known as Public Enemy Number 1 and Number 2 and were nearly expelled on several occasions.
Jack spent much of his time at Choate very ill, and it was Billings who gave him the unwavering support he needed to persevere. In pain most of his life, JFK hardly ever complained—Lem was the first and virtually only person with whom he shared his physical suffering. He lifted Jack's spirits at such a formative time when the future president could have easily sunk into despair. It has been reported that Lem, a closeted gay man, secretly loved Jack and made an unrequited pass at him early in their relationship. The resulting awkwardness didn't put a damper on their friendship, and upon their 1935 Choate graduation they exchanged senior portraits.
At all the difficult turns in Kennedy's presidency, Lem was there—he talked him through the Cuban Missile Crisis and even had his own room at the White House. Their inseparable 30-year friendship lasted right up to that fateful day on November 22, 1963.
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