Textual folder
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-065-001
This scrapbook, compiled by Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, documents news and events in the lives of the Kennedy family following Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.’s appointment as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom in 1938. The gold stamped title on the cover reads, “Scrap Book.” The handwritten inscription on the cover, written in green ink and pencil, reads, “Dave. v.g. I think / Mrs. / Kennedy / Children’s letters ? + cards.” The majority of the materials relate to Rose’s illness and surgery in January 1938. These materials include numerous newspaper clippings, as well as calling cards, greeting cards, telegrams, letters, and notes that Rose received during her recovery. Those who sent well-wishes include Rose’s husband, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.; her children, Joseph P. “Joe” Kennedy, Jr., John F. “Jack” Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy, Eunice Kennedy, Patricia “Pat” Kennedy, Robert F. “Bob” Kennedy, Jean Kennedy, and Edward M. “Teddy” Kennedy; her father, John F. “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald; President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt; James Roosevelt, son of President Roosevelt, and Betsey Cushing Roosevelt; Massachusetts politician, Leverett Saltonstall; Governor of Massachusetts, Charles F. Hurley; Kennedy family friends, Edward E. Moore and Mary Moore; radio commentator, Boake Carter; Chairman of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Will H. Hays, and Jessie Hays; and other family members, friends, and political and business acquaintances. Also of note are newspaper clippings related to Rose’s involvement with the Ace of Clubs organization, which she founded; the Kennedy family’s residence at 14 Prince’s Gate, the home of the United States Ambassador to Great Britain, in London, England; and Honey Fitz's 75th birthday. Many items include Rose’s original handwritten notations in black ink and pencil. This scrapbook contains 58 calling cards, with many containing handwritten messages; 37 newspaper and magazine clippings; 24 greeting cards; 16 telegrams; 16 typed and handwritten letters; and several typed and printed notes featuring poems and song lyrics.