Description:

JFK Birthday Dinner Menu -- Later that Night, Marilyn Serenaded him with "Happy Birthday, Mr. President"-- the Only We've Ever Seen!

An elegant menu from the exclusive 45th birthday dinner of 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), celebrated at the tony Four Seasons Restaurant in midtown Manhattan on May 19, 1962. The four-course dinner menu was printed on thick cream gilt-edged stock, with a gilt-embossed presidential seal and the headline "The President's Birthday Dinner" at top. Expected light surface wear, else near fine. Approximately 4.5" x 7".

President Kennedy's birthday dinner at the Four Seasons was an intimate affair compared with the spectacular Madison Square bash that would take place later that night. Dinner invitees paid $1,000 a plate to partake of crabmeat, chicken broth, beef medallions, assorted vegetables, and birthday cake at the swanky restaurant which had recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. According to food historian Paul Freedman in "Ten Restaurants that Changed America" (2016), President Kennedy spent so much time schmoozing with his dinner guests that he only had time to scarf down some off-menu items: beer and cream of asparagus soup!

Later that night, President Kennedy attended a birthday party/Democratic fundraising event held at Madison Square Garden, where approximately 15,000 people witnessed starlet Marilyn Monroe's breathless rendition of "Happy Birthday, Mr. President". The blonde bombshell (and rumored presidential lover) was clad in a nude-colored, rhinestone-studded, French-designed creation so tight she had to be sewn into it. President Kennedy's remarks about the future of the Democratic Party--and even the enormous, tiered birthday cake brought out to him on stretchers by two chefs--were overshadowed by Monroe's performance.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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June 10, 2020 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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