JACQUELINE KENNEDY, HISTORIC CONVERSATIONS: THE FOURTH CONVERSATION VIII
Knoxville, Tennessee (JFK+50) Today JFK+50 concludes our report on the fourth conversation from "Jacqueline Kennedy, Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy", published by Hyperion.
The fourth conversation was recorded on March 23, 1964.
Arthur Schlesinger asks "Had you always known Tish (Baldrige)? Is she an old friend?"
Mrs. Kennedy says that she knew her when she was in school in Paris.
"She was just such a mountain of energy (but) she really made me tireder than I'd had to be. She'd keep sending folders down until I stopped it."*
*Letitia Baldrige is an etiquette expert & graduate of Vassar college. She served as White House Chief of Staff to the First Lady, 1961-1963.
www.maryferrell.org
JFK Library Photo
Schlesinger says "Nancy (Tuckerman) was a much closer friend."**
Jacqueline Kennedy responds:
"(She) was my roommate (at Farmington) & ever since she came (to the White House)...there was more time.....to enjoy (life)."
**Nancy Tuckerman was called "Tucky" by the 1st Lady. Mrs. Kennedy knew her since they attended school together at the age of 9 in New York.
Mr. Schlesinger asks "How about Pam(ela) Turnure?***
Mrs. Kennedy says:
"She was fantastic because in the beginning I didn't think I'd need a press secretary.
Little Pam had been a friend of my sisters. She's just been ideal (as my press secretary)."
www.maryferrell.org
JFK Library Photo
Arthur Schlesinger asks about (J.B.) West.***
Mrs. Kennedy says:
"He came (to the White House) as an usher under FDR & became head usher under Truman. And, well, he runs that whole place, you know."
***James Bernard West (1912-1983) served as White House Chief Usher from 1957 to 1969. He was born in Afton, Iowa.
J. B. West (1959)
