LAST WEEKEND AT PALM BEACH
West Palm Beach, Florida (JFK+50) On November 17, 1963, President John F. Kennedy enjoyed his last restful weekend at the family home here in West Palm Beach. The President began his day attending mass at St. Ann's Church. Later in the day, he signed a bill creating the Coastal Engineering Research Center*.
The Palm Beach residence was owned by Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. and located at 1095 N. Ocean Boulevard. 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 property extends 204 feet along the ocean front and the home has expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean.
As president, JFK made frequent visits to the home and held occasional news conferences and meetings there.
*The Coastal Engineering Research Center studied near-shore oceanography as it relates to engineering issues and served as a clearing house for water resources projects for the Army Corps of Engineers.
Former Winter White House
Palm Beach, Florida
