TLS as president, one page, 6.75 x 8.75, White House letterhead, July 23, 1962. Letter to Father Albert Pereira, in part: “My thanks for your recent generous letter and for the suggestion that I write a brief letter to Mr. Woodrow White. I am most happy to send such a letter, as both Mrs. Kennedy and myself have appreciated greatly the efforts which he and all those associated with the Community Center have made. I welcome your views, both on the Supreme Court decision and on the continuing problem we are having in attaining in Congress a sensible program of aid to colleges.” In fine condition, with some mild toning along top edge. Accompanied by two TLSs to Pereira from Press Secretary Pierre Salinger, and a third from Pereira to Kennedy’s assistant, Kenneth O’Donnell.
A week after moving his family to the White House at the start of his presidency, Kennedy signed a lease for the Glen Ora farm in Middleburg, Virginia, a charming country retreat about an hour west of Washington. On their first visit in early February of 1961, they attended mass at Middleburg Community Center, where they met the presiding Reverend Albert Pereira. Over the next three years, they grew very close with the reverend, joining forces to help transform the suddenly famous town from a segregated and insulated place to a more united and open-minded community. In the accompanying letter from Pereira, dated April 5, 1962, he writes, ‘One year ago the Kennedy’s [sic] were not so welcome in Middleburg. Not so today. Their dislike of Democrats, their jealousy of such socially prominent people has completely disappeared.’ A charming letter from the busy president to the small town priest who became a dear friend during his three years in office. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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