Politics

Vintage photos show what life was like in the White House during John F. Kennedy's iconic presidency

James Pasley

2023-03-12T15:01:00Z

President John F. Kennedy clapping while watching his children dance in the Oval Office in 1963. Stanley Tretick LLC/Corbis/Getty Images

President John F. Kennedy lived with his family in the White House for less than three years.
His brief presidency was postmarked by increasing tensions with Russia, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Civil Rights movement.
His kids enjoyed making the most of the expansive White House grounds, while his wife famously restored the residence.

The Kennedys' time in the White House was brief but iconic.

For less than three years, President John F. Kennedy, his wife Jackie and their two children, Caroline and John Jr., lived in the White House.

During his tenure as the chief of the nation, Kennedy dealt with international nuclear tensions and domestic unrest during the Civil Rights movement. He was unable to get many of his laws through Congress and was assassinated before he could run for re-election.

But due to the iconic image their family created — that of a handsome, wealthy couple with two happy children who hosted glamorous state dinners and redecorated the White House — their legacy is still remembered and celebrated over half a century later.

Here's how the Kennedys' life in the White House left such a lasting impression.

In 1960, 43-year-old John F. Kennedy, a former senator from Massachusetts, was elected America's youngest president.

President Dwight Eisenhower welcomes then President-elect John F. Kennedy to the White House with a handshake in 1960. Corbis/Getty Images

Source: History.com

He moved into the White House with his 31-year-old wife Jackie and their two young children, Caroline and John Jr.

President John F. Kennedy, his wife Jackie and their daughter Caroline in 1960. Bill Chaplis/AP

Source: JFK Library

When he took office, Caroline was 3 years old.

Caroline Kennedy peers through the bars of a balcony as President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy host a garden party at the White House. Dirck Halstead/Getty Images

Source: PBS

And John Jr. was just 2 months old.

John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy pose at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington Dec. 8, 1960, with their son, John F. Kennedy Jr., following his baptism. AP

Kennedy's presidency only lasted 1,037 days, but he was kept busy dealing with the Cuban Missile Crisis, increasing tensions between the US and Russia, and growing unrest in the US during the Civil Rights movement.

John F. Kennedy, accompanied by Labor Secretary Arthur Goldberg, Commerce Secretary Luther Hodges, and Myer Feldman, Associate Counsel, scans some papers in the Oval Office. — John F. Kennedy scans some papers in the Oval Office. Bettmann/Getty Images

Source: History.com

Kennedy is remembered for his poetic speeches — in particular his inaugural address known for the famed line: "My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."

President John F. Kennedy, accompanied by First Lady Jackie Kennedy, speaks to delegates on the South Lawn of the White House. Bettmann/Getty Images

He is also remembered for his rumored extramarital relationships with women — including Marilyn Monroe and reportedly members of his staff, though the affairs have never been officially confirmed.

Sources: Time, The Times

Yet his presidency overall is still regarded highly by Americans, even though experts often judge it as fairly average, since he lasted less than a single term and struggled to make inroads with Congress to get his proposed legislation through.

A close-up of President John F. Kennedy at the White House on the eve of his 46th birthday. Bettmann/Getty Images

Michael Hogan, a professor of history at University of Illinois at Springfield, the Kennedy brand became "a sacred symbol of all that was good in American life, his virtues those of the nation itself."

Source: The Conversation

What the Kennedys did so well was crafting their image. They showed America their good side — how they were a handsome, wealthy couple with two happy children who hosted glamorous state dinners, stylishly redecorated the White House.

John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy sitting on the grass. — John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy. ullstein bild Dtl./Getty Images

Kennedy's foreign policy helped boost his ratings, too. Even though he was responsible for the disastrous Cuba invasion, he was also responsible for ending the Cuban Missile Crisis, showing a reluctance to escalate global affairs.

This meant that after his assassination, he was compared favorably to President Lyndon B. Johnson, who ramped up the war in Vietnam after taking over the presidency from Kennedy.

Sources: The Conversation, New York Magazine

Kennedy had learned early on in his political career that image was everything and that, in order to connect with people, his personal life had to mesh with his political persona.

President John F. Kennedy in the Oval Office signing copies of his official portrait in 1961. Henry Burroughs/AP

Source: Time

He understood working the media and the power of television — perhaps more than any other president before him.

President John F. Kennedy and his wife and others watch coverage of a space flight in 1961. Bettmann/Getty Images

Source: Cape Cod Times

It helped that he was good on camera.

President John F. Kennedy addressing the nation from the Oval Office in 1962. Bettmann/Getty Images

Especially since it was a daily part of the job.

President John F. Kennedy talks with Brazilian Ambassador Roberto de Oliveira Campos at the White House in 1961. HB/AP

He maintained a strong, often transparent relationship with the media led by his press secretary Pierre Salinger.

White House Press Secretary Pierre Salinger speaks on the phone surrounded by papers on a desk during his time with the Kennedy administration in 1961. Bettmann/Getty Images

Salinger told The Los Angeles Times that Kennedy had so many contacts he didn't actually need a press secretary and could have handled it himself.

Then-President-elect John F. Kennedy talks to reporters after leaving White House conference. Frank Hurley/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images

Kennedy didn't disagree, but he said he didn't have the time to handle it, which was where Salinger came in.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Salinger was kept on his toes throughout Kennedy's tenure as president.

White House Press Secretary Pierre Salinger announcing to reporters that President John F. Kennedy would make a televised report about Cuba in 1962. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

The job of president could be tough and lonely.

President John F. Kennedy walks along the circular walkway outside the White House after Sunday Mass in 1961. Bettmann/Getty Images

Sources: Washington Post, JFK Library

It involved long hours — he rose at 7 a.m. and didn't usually go to bed until midnight, although he took a daily nap after lunch, for up to 2 hours. No one was allowed to disturb him unless there was an emergency.

Presidential candidate John F. Kennedy relaxes in his Boston apartment. — John F. Kennedy relaxes in his Boston apartment. Historical/Getty Images

Sources: Washington Post, JFK Library

Kennedy always sat in his rocking chair in the White House. He had chronic back pain and had spinal surgery in 1954.

John F. Kennedy poses for photographers in his favorite rocking chair in the White House in 1963. Keystone/Getty Images

Following a doctor's recommendation, he used rocking chairs and installed several throughout the White House, including one Jackie had stained and upholstered with foam rubber.

Source: New York Times

During his time in office, Alan Price, director at the JFK Library and Museum, told PBS that Kennedy knew photos of his children would help humanize him.

President John F. Kennedy sits behind his desk, laughing as his children Caroline and John Jr. show him their Halloween costumes in the Oval Office of the White House. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Source: PBS

Despite his stacked presidential schedule, Kennedy made time for his children. He greeted Caroline's pony.

President John F. Kennedy greets his children and Caroline’s pony Macaroni in 1962. Photoquest/Getty Images

Source: PBS

The president let his son John Jr. explores his desk.

John Kennedy Jr. peers through an opening of the desk in the Oval Office in 1962. Bettmann/Getty Images

He watched them dance.

And he attended their birthday parties.

A birthday party for Caroline Kennedy hosted at the White House in 1962. Corbis/Getty Images

But the media attention on her children became too much for Jackie. She ended up restricting public access to basic details about them, like their height.

John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, and their two children and their two children, Caroline and John, Jr., watch from the balcony as the Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment performs on the White House lawn. Bettmann/Getty Images

Source: PBS

While Kennedy worked, his wife renovated the White House with the help of Henry Francis du Pont, an expert on furniture and interior decoration. When the renovations were completed, she took CBS around and showed the nation her work.

CBS films Jackie Kennedy in the Diplomatic Reception Room in 1962. CBS/Getty Images

Source: Wall Street Journal

She thought that the three State Parlors — colored red, blue and green — came across too strong. She began her redecoration with the Green Room, which was reimagined as an American Federal parlor with lighter paint colors.

The Green Room in the White House in 1962. Bettmann/Getty Images

Source: Wall Street Journal

The Red Room's redecoration was inspired by America and the French Empire. Again, the walls were lightened — this time to a pinky red. She also brought in some French furniture.

The Red Room in the White House in 1962. Bettmann/Getty Images

Source: Wall Street Journal

The Blue Room, located in between the other two, was again painted a lighter shade. This room was exclusively French-inspired.

The Blue Room in the White House in 1963. Bettmann/Getty Images

Source: Wall Street Journal

She renovated the second floor of the White House, which was where the First Family lived. She converted a guest bedroom called the "Prince of Wales" suite into a private kitchen and dining room.

Jackie Kennedy during a tour of the White House for CBS in 1962. Bettmann/Getty Images

Source: Reader's Digest

She converted the White House's sun parlor into a school room for the children.

Jackie Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy watch a student draw at the White House kindergarten. Corbis/Getty Images

Source: Reader's Digest

She also restored the White House's Treaty Room.

Jackie Kennedy in the Treaty Room in 1962. Bettmann/Getty Images

She had a portable stage set up in the White House so they could host parties and watch shows.

Composer Aaron Copeland and choreographer Eugene Loring with the American Ballet Theatre rehearse before a performance of "Billy the Kid" for the Kennedys in the White House in 1962. Jack Mitchell/Getty Images

Source: JFK Library

Outside the White House, the Kennedy children made the most of its grounds. They admired a five-foot snowman built by the White House gardener Robert Redman.

President John F. Kennedy and his three-year-old daughter Caroline pause to examine a five-foot snowman built by Robert Redman, Chief White House gardener, as they arrived at the White House. Bettmann/Getty Images

They had a sleigh ride through the snow in 1962.

Jackie Kennedy and her children enjoyed a sleigh ride on snow covered grounds in 1962. Stringer/AFP/Getty Images

They took walks with their pet dog Charlie, a Welsh Terrier.

John Kennedy Jr. in a stroller next to the Kennedys’ dog Charlie on the White House grounds in 1962. Bettmann/Getty Images

Caroline even had to chase after him when he got loose at the airport.

Caroline Kennedy with her dog Charlie on the tarmac in front of a plane after having caught him running away at the airport in 1963. — Caroline Kennedy with her dog Charlie after having caught him running away at the airport in 1963. Bettmann/Getty Images

The years passed quickly in the White House. The children grew older.

John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy pose with their family on Christmas Day at the White House in 1962. John F. Kennedy Library/Courtesy of Getty Images

In late 1963, though Kennedy's popularity had fallen somewhat since he had spoken publicly about civil rights, he announced his run for re-election.

President John F. Kennedy speaking to a crowd in 1963. Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone/Getty Images

Source: Sun Sentinel

One month before he was assassinated, he secretly invited photographer Stanley Tretick into the White House to take photos of him and John Jr. against his wife's wishes, waiting until Jackie had left the country so she couldn't stop them.

Stanley Tretick, UPI photographer on the Kennedy campaign, presents an album of pictures of the 1960 Kennedy campaign to President Kennedy at the White House. Bettmann/Getty Images

Source: Washington Post

On November 22, 1963, Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. His body was taken back to the White House before he was buried.

Black bunting hangs from chandelier in East Room of the White House, as the body of late President John F. Kennedy lies in state with military honor guard standing by. — Former President John F. Kennedy’s body was brought to the White house after his assassination. Bettmann/Getty Images

Source: JFK Library

After the assassination, Jackie said she was happy that he had disobeyed her to take those photos with John Jr. She told Tretick that her favorite photo of her and her husband was one from years earlier, where he reached over to remove the hair from her eyes.

John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie, ride in open car up Broadway, in New York, in 1960. AP

Source: Washington Post

She also said that their time in the White House was one of the best times of her life, because for those few years, they lived there close together as a family.

John F. Kennedy smiles as he stands with his wife Jacqueline Kennedy, who holds John Kennedy Jr. in her arms, and their daughter, Caroline, in front of a doorway at the White House in 1961. John F. Kennedy Library/John F. Kennedy Library/Getty Images

Source: PBS

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