Charming group lot of three ALSs from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, each sent to Meredeth Price, the house counselor of John F. Kennedy, Jr., during the latter’s tenure at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, from 1977 to 1980. The correspondence consists of three handwritten letters, two full and one partial (missing the first page), signed either as “Jacqueline Onassis” or “Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis,” penned in blue ink or ballpoint on her personal light blue “Hyannis Port” and “1040 Fifth Avenue” stationery; the partial letter’s stationery is headed with an embossed clam shell.
The earlier full letter, two pages, dated July 13, 1977, reads, in full: “I am really grateful to you for your long and understanding letter about John. I think that the year ended on a pretty good note. In looking back, it seems to me to have been a year of enormous growth for John. He has matured so much. It must be a wonderful feeling for him to know that he was able to measure up to the expectations of an institution he esteems and wants to remain a part of. I feel confident that things will go much more easily next year—that he will become more organized—and apply himself continually, not in spurts. You have been so helpful. I do want to tell you how much your efforts have been appreciated. You deserve a care free summer—and I pray that you will have it. Until the fall—all my thanks again.”
The second full letter, three pages, August 6, 1978, in full: “I was waiting until I had shown John your letter, before writing to you. But I have decided to give that idea up—because he is still driving fence posts in Wyoming in what I hope is a character building summer job. I can’t tell you how happy your letter made me. I read it over about once every week, to be reassured by it and to prepare myself for the apprehension of wondering if the miracle can be repeated next winter. He certainly has grown up so much—and is so much happier in his shaky semi maturity. I realize how much is owed to your patience, forbearance and good will. I know that you would not have become a teacher if the maturing of these young men was not your reward—but it must be the most draining and sometimes despairing endeavor. What pleases me most about John is that he no longer looks on figures of authority as his natural enemies, but now more as his allies. A House Master’s role is the most difficult. It was such a long road, one step forward two steps back—but at last, what wonderful results. Your letter will be a help in my helping John to keep it all together next winter—to stay organized as he tries for college. What a different boy will leave Andover then came to it. It gives such deep satisfaction to John, to me, and I think you should get a medal. Thank you for everything. I hope to see you when school opens this fall.”
The partial one-page letter, no date: “I hope that in his great relief, he won’t revert to his breezy ways. Please remind him for me, that though this makes life easier for him in one way, it makes it more difficult in another. Now that the way has been cleared for him to perform in the areas where he can perform, he must do so—and pull himself together fast. If he has to give up a cherished extra curricular activity to do so, that will be his own fault. I do so hope that things are going well this term. I hope to come up to school within the next 2 or 3 weeks and look forward to seeing you then. All my wishes for a good New Year to you and Mrs. Price, and all my thanks for your eternal vigilance and solicitude.” In overall fine condition, with some light creasing, and small smudges to two words on the last letter.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the son of the original recipient: “My father saved these letters and left them for me and my sister…In his first year at [Phillips, Kennedy] resided in Stearns West Dormitory, a dormitory of 20-plus boys that was led by my father. In my father’s role as House Counselor, he served as ‘in loco parentis’ for each boy, having frequent contact with students’ parents. The letters were examples of personal communication.”
An excellent 2008 article in the Andover Townsman that documents Price’s time with Jackie and JFK, Jr., can be read here:
https://www.andovertownsman.com/news/local_news/pa-teacher-remembers-life-with-jfk-jr/article_af1fb911-ea1a-55be-9f4f-718d9929de9f.html
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