This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/10/2021
Grace Burke was John F. Kennedy's trusty Boston-based secretary for almost 20 years, from 1946 until his tragic assassination in 1963. She served him from the time he was a Representative of Massachusetts, through his Senate-hood, and as President. It's no surprise, then, that they shared a lot with each other, including some inside jokes. These years also served as some of the most tumultuous years in civil and African American rights. Even some of the most seemingly-honorable men were hesitant on equal rights and succumbed to the temptation of racial innuendos and slurs, as depicted here in this dark-humored postcard from Then-Senator John F. Kennedy. Offered here is a postcard from Florida dated March 7, 1955 depicting "A Darky's Prayer", with a black man being seemingly chased by a group of "'gaters" in a Florida swamp. Kennedy has written on the reverse of the postcard to "Miss Grace Burke", "This fellow looks ready for a good cry like you know, Grace. Love, Jack". Who is "you know who?" Perhaps Kennedy's wife or one of his family members? We will never know, but it certainly must have meant something to Grace back in Boston! In overall fine condition with typical postage stamping and handling wear, and some light water damage, likely from mailing. Authenticated & encapsulated by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).