JFK+50: Volume 7, No. 2132
JFK SPENDS LAST WEEKEND AT PALM BEACHWest Palm Beach, Florida (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy enjoyed his last restful weekend at the family home here in West Palm Beach 53 years ago today, November 17, 1963.
The President began his day by attending mass at St. Ann's Church. Later in the day, he signed a bill creating the Coastal Engineering Research Center.
The center would study near-shore oceanography as it relates to engineering issues and serve as a clearing house for water resources projects for the Army Corps of Engineers.
The residence once owned by Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. located at 1095 N. Ocean Boulevard was recently sold for 31 million dollars. The property, owned by John K. and Marianne Castle for 20 years, had been listed for $38.5 million.
In 1933, Joe Kennedy paid $120,000 for the estate which was built in 1923 for department store owner Rodman Wanamaker. The architect of the home was Addison Mizner. Mr. Wanamaker named the home La Guerida or "Bounty of War."
Mr. Kennedy had improvements made to the property including the addition of a new wing, tennis court and swimming pool. The home, which was listed as 15,000 square feet in size, has 11 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, 3 half-baths, and a 4 car garage. The property extends 204 feet along the ocean front and the home has expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean.
As President of the United States, John F. Kennedy made frequent visits to the home and held occasional press conferences and meetings there. The Castles restored the property and added an array of Kennedy family treasures.
SOURCES
"Former Kennedy compound in Palm Beach fetches $31 million," by Jeff Ostrowski, May 29, 2015, www.palmbeachpost.com/
"Kennedy Palm Beach Winter White House Sells for $31 Million," by Sean McCaughan, Presidential Sold Stuff.
"Photos: Inside the Kennedys' former $38.5M Palm Beach compound," www.ajc.com/
Former Winter White House
Palm Beach, Florida
