Lot 595
Kennedy, John F. Signed Photo ("John Kennedy"). Black and white, 9 x 7", Washington D.C., May 5, 1961. Inscribed in black ink, "For James Roosevelt -- labor made this important advance possible -- with esteem and regards, John F. Kennedy." Mounted in clear lucite frame with "The President -- The White House" signing pen and typed letter from the President's Special Assistant. Framed to 20 x 9½". The letter shows toning and there are some small creases and toning in the photograph. Overall, condition is very good to fine.
Pictured signing the Minimum Wage Bill (as indicated in the accompanying letter), Kennedy sits at his desk surrounded by Senator Pat McNamara, Congressmen Adam Clayton Powell, John McCormack, Alvin E. O'Konski, James Roosevelt, George Meany and Secretary Arthur Goldberg. The accompanying letter reads: "I am very happy to be able to send you herewith one of the pens used by the President this morning when he approved H.R. 3935, the Minimum Wage Bill. With best wishes and kind regards, I am Sincerely, Lawrence F. O'Brien Special Assistant to the President." The 1961 bill increased the minimum for previously covered workers to $1.15 an hour effective September 1961 and to $1.25 an hour in September 1963. Coverage was extended in the retail industry from 250,000 workers to 2.2 million. Kennedy and the Democrats fought hard to raise the minimum wage and James Roosevelt, in a key position in the Congress, played a major part -- this is not only a memento from one of our great Presidents, it is also a nice link between the two great political families of the 20th century.
Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500.
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| Realized $6,670 |
