On the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy, I can’t help but reflect on the fascination that I, like so many, have had with Camelot for as long as I can remember. I’m not sure if my fascination is rooted in my summers growing up in Newport going to church at St. Mary’s where the president (then senator) and Jackie were married in 1953, or in the countless times that I toured Hammersmith Farm, the former home of Jackie’s mother, and the spot where they spent many summer days (unfortunately, it’s now a private home). I loved it because it was the most liveable of all the mansions that were open for tours.

But I think that my fascination primarily stems from the fact that every time I went to my grandmother’s house, I slept under the watchful eye of a portrait (which I wish I had a picture to share at the moment) of JFK and my grandfather, two men I’d never met, sitting in the back of a convertible. My father was sitting in the front seat, but unfortunately didn’t make the cut when it came to portrait time. My grandfather worked for JFK during his senate campaign.

When he went on to become president, my grandparents attended the inauguration. I remember many times as a teenager (when I was actually attending the same prep school JFK went to) trying to squeeze myself into the gorgeous gold brocade dress my grandmother wore to the inaugural ball, but alas, I definitely got my maternal grandmother’s genes which were a far cry from my paternal grandmother’s petite build.

My family certainly didn’t run in the same circles as the Kennedy family, but there is no doubt in my mind that the generation before me was deeply impacted by the time they did spend engaging with them. My dad and his two sisters went on to careers in public service, and my siblings and I were strongly encouraged to do the same (although, I think much to their dismay and despite my degree in teaching, none of us did).

While his life may have been much too short, his impact will continue to affect many, many generations to come. And while his most powerful impact was certainly on the minds and hearts of people, as a design blog, I’d be remiss in not mentioning the everlasting style that became iconic of Newport and the New England coast largely due to the president and Mrs. Kennedy.

And the fascination continues…

Images: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum