"PREDICTS COLONIES WILL DECLARE SEPARATION"

GERRY SAYS COLONIES' PRINCIPLE OBJECTIVE SHOULD BE MANUFACTURE OF ARMS, LEAD & CLOTHING

Philadelphia (JFK+50) On May 31, 1776, Elbridge Gerry*, in a letter to Joseph Palmer, wrote...

"I think the Colonies cannot long remain an independent depending people but they will declare themselves...entirely separated from the prostituted Government of G Britain."

Gerry went on to say that "the principle objective of attention" should be the manufacture of arms, lead and clothing along with the obtaining of flints.

JFK+50 NOTE

The practice of gerrymandering, currently a topic of debate, is named after Elbridge Gerry. It is the practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries to the advantage of one political party over the other.

*Elbridge Thomas Gerry (1744-1814) was born in Marblehead, Massachusetts & earned his BA & MA at Harvard College.  ETG was a member of the 2nd Continental Congress, a signer of the Declaration of Independence & Articles of Confederation.  He served as VPOTUS 1813-1814.

SOURCE

"Second Continental Congress: May 31, 1776," Journal of the Continental Congress, www.americanfounding.org/

 

The Gerry Mander

by Elkanah Tisdale

Boston Centinel 1812 

PD

"WASHINGTON CAN BUILD FIRE RAFTS & ROW GALLEYS"

CONGRESS DEBATES HOW TO DEFEND NEW YORK AGAINST EXPECTED BRITISH ATTACK

Philadelphia (JFK+50) On May 30, 1776, General George Washington was here in Philadelphia as the Second Continental Congress debated on the issue of how to defend New York against an expected British attack.

The Congress granted General Washington "broad authority" to direct the construction of naval defenses.  He could direct the building of fire rafts* and row galleys**.

*Fire rafts--floating vessels packed with combustibles set adrift to burn enemy ships

**Row galleys--oar powered boats with cannon & floating batteries 

SOURCE

"May 30, 1776," Washington Day-to-Day, www.mountvernon.org/

 

 

The 'Luxborough Galley' on Fire

1727

www.picryl.com/

"IN THE BOSTON SUBURB OF BROOKLINE"

JFK WAS BORN 109 YEARS AGO TODAY

Boston, Massachusetts (JFK+50) On May 29, 2011, JFK+50 published its first post on the birthday of John Fitzgerald Kennedy.  It was the 94th anniversary of his birth in a suburb of Boston.

Today, May 29, 2026 marks the 109th anniversary of the birth of the 35th President of the United States.

JFK was born on the second floor of the family home located at 83 Beals Street in Brookline.  Joseph P. & Rose F. Kennedy, JFK's parents purchased the home for $6500 and had lived there since their marriage in 1914.

The house, built in 1909, was JFK's home for the first four years of his life.

SOURCES

"John F. Kennedy Born in Brookline," JFK+50, May 29, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

"The House Where JFK Was Born," JFK+50, May 29, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

 

 

JFK Birthplace

Collector's Piece

RR Creations Inc.

1995

"SOME COLONISTS DEMANDING AN EXTRAVAGANT PRICE"

CONGRESS CONSIDERS REGULATING PRICE OF SALT

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (JFK+50) On May 28, 1776, the Second Continental Congress considered a mode for regulation of the price of salt. 

 It seems that some colonists with large quantities of salt were taking "undue advantage of the recommendation of Congress to desist from any further regulation of the prices of merchandise by demanding an extravagant price for that necessary article."

The Congress also resolved that Colonel Turbutt Francis* attend the next conference with the Indians and assist in interpreting for them.

*Turbutt Francis (1740-1782 or 1797) was one of the 1st justices in Northumberland County, PA & was appointed a commissioner of Indian Affairs of the Northern Department in 1775.

SOURCE

"Second Continental Congress:  May 28, 1776," The American Founding, www.americanfunding.org/

 

 

Independence Hall Assembly Room

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Photo by Rdsmith4

"TO IMPRESS THE IROQUOIS WITH U.S. STRENGTH"

AMERICAN ARMY HOLDS PARADE IN PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia (JFK+50) On May 27, 1776, the American army held a parade of 2000 to 3000 soldiers here in Philadelphia in hopes of impressing the Iroquois with "the strength of the United States."

Four of the Six Nations viewed the parade.  The Native Americans were being lodged on the second floor of the Pennsylvania State House.

Richard Henry Lee*, who reported on the parade, hoped "to secure the friendship" of the Iroquois people.

JFK+50 NOTE

The government of Great Britain under King George III was also courting the Indians "to distress the Americans." 

*Richard Henry Lee (1732-1794) was best known for his resolution of June 1776 calling for independence from Great Britain.  RHL served in the Virginia House of Burgesses 1758-1776, in the Confederation Congress 1784-1787 & in the U.S. Senate 1789-1792.

SOURCE

"May 27, 1776:  Six Nations Meet with Continental Congress," Nations and Cannons, www.nationsandcannons.com/ 

 

 

Richard Henry Lee

by Charles Wilson Peale

National Portrait Gallery

"RAISES POSSIBILITY OF EXTENDING SUFFRAGE"

JOHN ADAMS ADVOCATES TRADITIONAL VOTING RIGHTS LIMITATIONS

Philadelphia (JFK+50) On May 26, 1776, John Adams, a Massachusetts delegate of the Second Continental Congress, wrote a letter to James Sullivan** defending "the traditional limitations on voting rights."

Judge Sullivan, recently appointed to the highest court in the Bay Colony, had made the suggestion that property qualifications for voting be reduced.

While Mr. Adams brought up the possibility of extending suffrage to women and other groups, he clearly is an advocate of the traditional voting rights limitations.  He writes...

"I would not advise to make any alteration in the laws...regarding the qualifications of voters.  It is dangerous to open so fruitful a source of controversy and altercation."

Adams suggests attempting to alter voter qualifications would lead to women demanding the right to vote, teenagers demanding their rights and impoverished men wanting an equal voice with the wealthy.

*James Sullivan (1744-1808) was born in Berwick, Massachusetts (Maine) & was involved in drafting the Massachusetts State Constitution & the Massachusetts Ratification Convention for the U.S. Constitution.  JS was AG of MA 1790-1807 & governor 1807-1808.  He wrote one of the 1st histories of Maine.

SOURCE

"Ch. 1.2. Primary Source:  There Will be No End of It," John Adams, 1776, University of Wisconsin Madison, American Legal History to the 1860s, www.wisc.pb.unizin.org/

 

 

James Sullivan

by Gilbert Stuart

Massachusetts Historical Society

PD

"EXPEDIENT TO ENGAGE INDIANS IN SERVICE OF COLONIES"

CONGRESS TO CONFER WITH WASHINGTON & OTHER GENERALS TO PLAN FOR ENSUING CAMPAIGN

Philadelphia (JFK+50) On May 25, 1776, the Second Continental Congress convened here in Philadelphia.  The following resolution was presented for consideration...

"Resolved, That a committee to consist of one member from each of the colonies be appointed...to confer with General Washington, Major General Gates and Brigadier General Mifflin to plan military operations for the ensuing campaign."

In addition, the Congress determined it "highly expedient to engage the Indians in the Service of the United Colonies."

A number of deputies from four of the Six Nations of Indians* requested an audience with the Congress.  This request was approved.

*The Six Nations (Haudenosaunee/Iroquois Confederacy) was a powerful, historic alliance of North American tribes.  It included Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca & Tuscarora. 

The confederacy played a major role in the colonial period & many of its principles influenced the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

SOURCE

"Second Continental Congress: May 25, 1776," Journals of the Continental Congress, The American Founding, www.americanfounding.org/

The Great Law of Peace

Haudenosaunee Confederacy

www.powwowtimes.ca/

"DIRECTED TO ATTEND AGAIN TOMORROW"

GENERAL WASHINGTON ARRIVES IN PHILADELPHIA TO MEET WITH 2ND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS

Philadelphia (JFK+50) On May 24, 1776, the Second Continental Congress in session at the Pennsylvania State House received and acted upon several committee reports concerning the war effort against Great Britain.  John Hancock wrote a letter to General Philip Schuyler* "about the importance of securing Canada for the preservation of American Liberty."

General George Washington, who arrived in good health, attended the Congress today and "was directed to attend again tomorrow."

JFK+50 NOTE

John Hancock served as president and presiding officer of the Second Continental Congress from May 1775 to October 1777.  He was the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.

*Philip John Schuyler (1733-1804) was born in Albany, NY & served as a captain & major in the French & Indian War, was elected to the provincial assembly & advocated for the constitutional rights of the colonies.  PJS commanded the Northern Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War & was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1798.

SOURCES

"Philip Schuyler," National Park Service, www.nps.gov/

"Second Continental Congress:  May 24, 1776," Journal of the Continental Congress, www.americanfounding.com/

Philip Schuyler

after 1792 portrait by John Trumbull

www.picryl.com

"ON SUPPORTING THE CAUSE IN CANADA"

CONTINENTAL CONGRESS APPOINTS COMMITTEE TO CONFER WITH GENERAL WASHINGTON 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (JFK+50) On May 23, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, meeting at the Pennsylvania State House here in Philadelphia, appointed a committee of five delegates to confer with General Washington, Major General Gates and Brig General Mifflin on supporting the cause in Canada.

The committee included Benjamin Harrison, Richard Henry Lee, John Adams, James Wilson and Edward Rutledge.

On the same day, the Virginia Convention voted unanimously to instruct its delegates in Congress to declare the colonies free and independent states.

JFK+50 NOTE

This begins a series of posts on this blog counting down to the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 2026).  These posts probably will not run daily depending on the information available on events of this time period.

My computer is having issues with x.com.  I have had to change my x.com account in order to post and now have lost the 2nd account.  If you have been accessing my blog on x, please try to access it now by other means, i.e. google www.jfk50.blogspot.com/ Thank you.

SOURCE

"Second Continental Congress:  May 23, 1776," Journals of the Continental Congress, www.americanfounding.org/

Independence Hall

(Pennsylvania State House)

Philadelphia, PA

Photo by Rdsmith4

"HIT HIM AGAIN!"

SENATOR SUMNER PHYSICALLY ATTACKED ON SENATE FLOOR BY CONGRESSMAN BROOKS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 22, 1856, Senator Charles Sumner (R-Massachusetts) was severely beaten as he sat at his desk on the floor of the United States Senate.

With a few bystanders looking on, Congressman Preston Brooks entered the Senate chamber carrying a wooden cane, walked up to Senator Sumner's desk and proceeded to beat him over the head and shoulders.

The Senator attempted to rise up from the desk, but could not because it was bolted to the floor.

Congressman Brooks, whose cousin, Senator Andrew Butler (D-South Carolina) had been verbally attacked a few days earlier by Senator Sumner, a staunch opponent of slavery, became an instant hero in the South with many of his supporters sending him new wooden canes with the inscription 'HIT HIM AGAIN!'

JFK+50 NOTE

Senator Sumner slowly recovered from his injuries but was unable to return to the Senate for three years.  According to witnesses, Brooks hit Sumner repeatedly with the 'massive gold knob' of his cane which is counter to the illustration below.

SOURCE

"Charles Sumner Beaten On Senate Floor," JFK+50, May 22, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

"Southern Chivalry"

Lithography by John L. Magee

1856

Boston Athenaeum

"NEVER OLD OR POOR BUT UNDERSTANDS THE SITUATION"

JFK LAUGHS WITH THE RICH, COMMISERATES WITH THE POOR

New York City (JFK+50) On May 21, 1962, Mary McGrory reported in The Evening Star that "Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, (President John F. Kennedy) laughed with the rich at a...show staged in honor of his 45th birthday" and on Sunday afternoon "in the same place he commiserated with the poor at a rally in aid of medical care for the aged."

At the first event, JFK told the audience that he could retire from politics having had Marilyn Monroe sing "Happy Birthday" to him while at the second, a gray-haired lady said the President "was never old...never poor but he still understands the situation."

SOURCE

"Kennedy Rallies Rich, Poor," by Mary McGrory, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 21, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Madison Square Garden

New York City (2014)

photo by Sailko

"SEGREGATION MUST BE STOPPED!"

FREEDOM RIDERS ATTACKED BY SEGREGATIONISTS IN MONTGOMERY

Montgomery, Alabama (JFK+50) On May 20, 1961, a bus load of Freedom Riders* were attacked by 300 segregationists at the Greyhound Bus Station here in Montgomery.

The attackers were armed with clubs and metal pipes.  Two of the bus riders who were most seriously injured were Jim Swerg and John Lewis.

From his hospital bed, Jim Swerg said...

"Segregation must be stopped."

*Freedom Riders were civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated South beginning in 1961 to challenge non-enforcement of USSC rulings that segregation on public buses is unconstitutional.

SOURCE

"Freedom Riders Welcomed By Violence in Montgomery, Alabama 52 Years Ago Today," JFK+50, May 20, 2013, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

John Lewis & Jim Swerg

May 20, 1961

"REASON: APPROACHING DULL SUMMER SEASON"

SHOREHAM TO CLOSE AT MONTH'S END; BUILDING GOES UP FOR SALE MAY 25

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 19, 1926, The Evening Star reports that the Shoreham Hotel* here in the Nation's Capital "will close its doors at the end of the...month."

The furniture and other contents of the hotel are to be sold.  The building itself is advertised to go up for sale as of May 25, 1926.  A reason given by The Star for the sale is "the approaching dull Summer season."

*The Shoreham Hotel, located at 15th & H Streets in Washington, D.C., was built in 1887 by Levi P. Morton who named the hotel for his birthplace, Shoreham, Vermont.  The hotel went bankrupt in 1927 & was sold to a developer who had it demolished in 1929.

JFK+50 NOTE

Levi Parsons Morton (1824-1920) served in the U.S. House of Representatives 1879-1881, as minister to France 1881-1885, VPOTUS 1889-1893 & governor of New York 1895-1896.

SOURCE

"Shoreham To Shut Down This Month," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 19, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

1st Shoreham Hotel

1916

National Photo Company

Library of Congress

"CIA WANTED TO HELP OVERTHROW FIDEL CASTRO"

CUBAN EXILES BITTER ABOUT U.S. HANDLING OF INVASION

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 18, 1961, George Sherman of The Evening Star reports that the Cuban exiles involved in last month's failed Bay of Pigs invasion "are admittedly bitter over handling of the invasion and its dismal failure."

Sherman says that the exiles are convinced the Central Intelligence Agency, "and, therefore, the United States government," wanted to help them overthrow Fidel Castro.

The American agents, in the view of the Cubans, while trained specialists in undercover activities, had little to no knowledge of the politics and geography of Cuba.

JFK+50 NOTE

Publicly JFK had taken full responsibility for the failed invasion ("Victory has a hundred fathers, defeat is an orphan").  Privately, however, he blamed the CIA & threatened to "splinter (it) into a thousand pieces & scatter it to the winds."  

SOURCE

"Cubans Complain U.S. 'Took Control'", by George Sherman, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 18, 1961, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Seal of the Central Intelligence Agency

1950

www.law.cornell.edu/

PD

"UNANIMOUS DECISION ANNOUNCED BY EARL WARREN"

HIGH COURT RULES RACIAL SEGREGATION IN PUBLIC EDUCATION UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 17, 1954, the United States Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public education is a violation of the Constitution of the United States.

The unanimous ruling, announced by Chief Justice Earl Warren*, overturns the 1896 'Plessy v Ferguson' decision which said that there was no constitutional violation as along a facilities were 'separate but equal'.

The case was initiated by the NAACP in behalf of Linda Brown, a third grader in Topeka, Kansas who had been denied admission to her local elementary school because of race.

*Earl Warren (1891-1974) was born in Los Angeles, CA & received his BA & LLB from the University of California, Berkely.  EW served as governor of California 1943-1953 & CJ of the USSC 1953-1969.  He was appointed by LBJ to chair the Commission to investigate the assassination of JFK.

SOURCE

"Supreme Court Rules Racial Segregation in Public Education Unconstitutional," JFK +50, May 17, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

President & Mrs. Kennedy with 

Chief Justice & Mrs. Warren

November 20, 1963

Photo by Robert LeRoy Knudsen

National Archives

"RALPH FIRED FOR CONNECTION WITH FINANCIER"

BILLIE SOL ESTES SUBPOENAED BY MCCLELLAN COMMITTEE FOR QUESTIONING

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 16, 1962, the United States Senate "pumped more juice into its investigation of the Billie Sol Estes* case as former Assistant Secretary of Agriculture James T. Ralph was fired for his connection with the free-wheeling financier."

President John F. Kennedy's Secretary of Agriculture, Orville Freeman**, dismissed Mr. Ralph yesterday citing an FBI investigation showing Estes had paid some of his telephone bills.

According to Associated Press, Estes .has been subpoenaed by the McClellan committee for questioning.

*Billie Sol Estes (1925-2013) was born in Abilene, Texas & became a businessman & financier best known for his involvement in an interstate fraud scandal,  BSE served 7 years in Ft. Leavenworth.

**Orville Lothrop Freeman (1918-2003) was born in Minneapolis, MN & educated at the University of Minnesota & UM Law School.    OLF was governor of Minnesota 1955-1961 & served as Secretary of Agriculture under both JFK & LBJ.  

SOURCE

"McClellan Subpoenas Estes; Freeman Dismisses Ralph," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 16, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Orville L. Freeman

Secretary of Agriculture

1961-1969

www.picryl.com/

"WE MUST KEEP OUR DIFFERENT PARTS IN HARMONY"

PRESIDENT APPEALS TO STATES TO MAINTAIN INDIVIDUAL SOVEREIGNTY

Williamsburg, Virginia (JFK+50) On May 15, 1926, President Calvin Coolidge, speaking here in the historic city of Williamsburg*, appealed to the States "to maintain their individual sovereignty and not surrender the management of their affairs to the Federal Government."

The President's address was in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Virginia convention.

President Coolidge said...

"We must keep all (our country's) different parts in harmony by refusing to adopt legislation which is not for the general welfare."

JFK+50 NOTE

Colonial Williamsburg holds a special place in my memory.  We took many field trips in the 1970s for my 8th grade history students at Doyle Middle School.   We also took our daughter for many memorable vacations there.

*Williamsburg was founded as Middle Plantation by English settlers in 1632 & served as the capital of Colonial Virginia 1699-1780.  It is home of the College of William & Mary which was attended by 3 U.S. presidents.  With the financial aid of John D. Rockefeller the city & historic area was restored beginning in 1926 & continuing into the 1930s.

SOURCE

"Coolidge Pleads For States' Rights At Williamsburg," by J. Russell Young, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 15, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

James Craig, Jeweller

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

July 15, 2003

Photo by John White

"DEMAND DESEGREGATION OF ALL PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS"

NEGRO STUDENTS CLASH WITH POLICE IN DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE

Nashville, Tennessee (JFK+50) On May 14, 1963, Associated Press reports that "negro students...clashed with police and rock-throwing whites in a...two hour demonstration" here in Nashville last night.

The negro students are demanding desegregation of all public accommodations.  

Nashville mayor Beverly Briley* "continued his efforts to reach a bi-racial accord and 'preserve the peace.'"

Police made six arrests and two people were hospitalized.

*Clifton Beverly Briley (1914-1980) was born in West Nashville, TN & graduated Cumberland University Law School in 1932.  CBB served in the US Navy in WWII & as the 1st major of the newly consolidated Nashville-Davidson County metropolitan government.

He was mayor, a Democrat, from 1963 to 1975. Briley Parkway, a major Nashville thoroughfare, is named in his honor. 

SOURCE

"Racial Fights Break Out In Downtown Nashville," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 14, 1963, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Mayor Beverly Briley

Photo by Jack Corn

1967

"BUT WILL PROVIDE EVERY POSSIBLE LUXURY & COMFORT"

COOLIDGE SUMMER HOME MAY LOOK ROUGH IN APPEARANCE 

White Pine Camp, New York (JFK+50) On May 13, 1926, The Evening Star reports the Coolidges' Summer Home in the Adirondack Mountains* here in New York State may look rough in appearance, but will provide the First Family "every possible luxury and comfort."

White Pine Camp, located on the bank of Lake Osgood, included 40 acres of land, mostly wooded.  The property, says The Star, has "picturesque" log cabins rather than a single building common with previous presidential summer homes.

*Adirondack Mountains are located in northeastern New York State & form a circular dome 160 miles wide covering 5000 sq. mi.  It includes Mount Marcy, the highest point in the state.

SOURCE

"President's Camp Has All Comforts," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 13, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains

Photo by Jonathanking (2012)

 

"KEPT A DISTANCE OF ABOUT FIVE MILES"

JFK'S PRESS SECRETARY'S PLANE 'SHADOWED' BY REDS OVER EAST GERMANY

Berlin, West Germany (JFK+50) On May 12, 1963, The Sunday Star reports that a jet airplane carrying President John F. Kennedy's press secretary, Pierre Salinger*, "was shadowed" last Thursday "by a Soviet jet fighter" as it flew over Communist East Germany.

The Boeing 707**, headed to West Berlin, "was under observation for twenty minutes."  According to U.S. tracking records, the Soviet fighter kept a distance of "about five miles" from the U.S. airplane.

Mr. Salinger "and a number of other White House and State Department officials" flew to West Berlin to prepare for President Kennedy's planned visit scheduled for June 28.

*Pierre Emil Salinger (1925-2004) was born in San Francisco, CA & served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.  PES earned his B.S. at the University of San Francisco in 1947. 

He was JFK's press secretary & continued in the position with LBJ.  PS was RFK's campaign manager in 1968.

**Boeing 707 was the 1st jetliner developed & produced by Boeing.  It made its 1st flight on Dec 20 1957 & began commercial service Oct 26 1958.

SOURCE

"Reds Shadow Kennedy Plane With Salinger Over Germany," The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., May 12, 1963, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Pierre Salinger

JFK's Press Secretary

May 10 1961

U.S. National Archives

Flickr Commons

"NEW CANADIAN P.M. IS 'THE LIFE OF THE PARTY'"

LESTER PEARSON EASES 'STRAIN ON U.S.-CANADIAN RELATIONS'

Hyannis Port, Massachusetts (JFK+50) On May 11, 1963, The Evening Star reports that new Canadian prime minister Lester Pearson* hosted a reception last evening for President John F. Kennedy and the press of both the United States and Canada.

David S. Broder describes the prime minister as "the life of the party in Bobby Kennedy's living room" and in the process eased "the strain on U.S.-Canadian relations."

Mr. Pearson then "flew off by helicopter to the President's summer home" here in Hyannis for lunch and "the start of their talks."

JFK+50 NOTE

Upon greeting PM Pearson's arrival to the United States again in May 1963, JFK said "We share a neighbor's pride in the prime minister's career" & welcomed him "as an old friend of the United States."  JFK & Pearson shared a "warm, productive relationship."

*Lester Bowles Pearson (1897-1972) was born in Newtonbrook, Ontario & educated at Victoria University.  LBP served as Canadian ambassador to the U.S. 1944-1946 & won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.  He served as PM of Canada 1963-1968 & initiated progressive policies.

SOURCES

"Pearson Thaws Ottawa Frost At Meeting With Kennedy," by David S. Broder, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 11, 1963, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Welcoming Remarks to Prime Minister of Canada At Otis AFB, Falmouth, MA, 10 May 1963," JFK Presidential Library and Museum, www.jfklibrary.org/

Lester Pearson Statue

Parliament Hill Grounds

Photo by D. Gordon E. Robertson

2010

"A GREAT DAY FOR U.S. IN THE ARCTIC"

RICHARD BYRD FLIES TO NORTH POLE & IS BACK SAFELY

King's Bay, Spitzbergen, Norway (JFK+50) On May 10, 1926, The Evening Star reports that "this is a great day for the United States in the Arctic" as it marks "the successful ending of (Richard E.) Byrd*'s dangerous flight to the North Pole and return."

Commander Byrd was welcomed back by Raold Amundsen who exclaimed, "That's magnificent! Wonderful."

JFK+50 NOTE

There is a controversy as to whether or not Richard E. Byrd was the first to reach the North Pole.  His diary seems to indicate he & his pilot, Floyd Bennett came up short of the North Pole by 150 miles having to turn around due to an oil leak.

Smithsonian Magazine states that "Byrd and Bennett made a good-faith effort and they thought they did it."

Ironically, Raold Amundsen was aboard the airship Norge which made the "first verified flight over the North Pole" on May 12, 1926.

*Richard Evelyn Byrd, Jr. (1888-1957) was born in Winchester, Virginia & served in the U.S. Navy in both world wars.  REB received the Congressional Medal of Honor & The Navy Cross.

SOURCES

"A Century Ago, an Explorer and His Pilot claimed to Be the First People to Fly Over the North Pole.  Here's why Experts Doubt That Achievement," by Alice George, Smithsonian Magazine, May 8, 2026, www.smithsonianmag.com/

"Byrd Flies To Pole:  Reports No Land Or Life Over 1,500 Miles," by William Bird, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 10, 1926, Chronicling America, www.loc.gov/

Richard E. Byrd, Jr.

Underwood & Underwood Photo

Library of Congress

"ONE OF JFK'S MOST VALUED LIEUTENANTS IN THE HOUSE"

PRESIDENT VISITS REP. WALTER AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 9, 1963, President John F. Kennedy "made an unannounced noon trip to Georgetown University Hospital...to visit ailing Representative Tad Walter* (D-Pennsylvania)" who is reportedly suffering from a respiratory ailment.

The President had given a morning speech at a ceremony held at the Labor Department sponsored by the National Committee on Employment of the Handicapped.

Mr. Walter, chairman of the House Committee on Un-American Activities, was co-author of the McCarran-Walter Immigration Act** of 1952.

JFK+50 NOTE

While Rep. Walter often disagreed with the Kennedy administration on immigration, security & loyalty, the NY Times describes him as one of JFK's "most valued lieutenants" on domestic & social legislation.

*Francis Eugene 'Tad' Walter (1894-1963) was born in Easton, PA & was educated at Lehigh, George Washington University & Georgetown University.  FEW served as chairman of the HCUA 1955-1963.  He died on May 31, 1963 of leukemia.

**McCarran-Walter Act (1952) was passed over President Truman's veto.  While it opened naturalization to Asian Americans it continued the quota system based on national origin & allowed the government to deport & deny re-entry to 'subversives.'

SOURCES

"President Visits Walter in Hospital," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 9, 1963, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Rep. Francis Walter, 69, Dies," The New York Times, June 1, 1963, www.nytimes.com/

Congressman Francis Eugene 'Tad' Walter

September 1, 1939

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

"A VICTORY ONLY HALF WON"

NATION & FREE WORLD CELEBRATE VICTORY IN EUROPE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 8, 1945, Victory in Europe was celebrated here in the Nation's Capital and in cities around the world.  President Harry S Truman, celebrating his 61st birthday, said he only wished "that Franklin D. Roosevelt had lived to witness this day." 

In London, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Winston Churchill appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in celebration.  After the celebrations, Princess Elizabeth described it as "one of the most memorable nights of my life."

In an evening radio address, however, President Truman described it as "a victory only half won" as the war against Japan continued.

JFK+50 NOTE

The official 1st signing of the surrender documents was by Col. Alfred Jodl in Reims, France on May 7, 1945.  A 2nd signing by Field Marshall Wilhelm Keitel took place the following day.  Some countries, including Russia, celebrate V-E Day on May 9th.

President Roosevelt, who led the nation during most of WWII, died on April 12, 1945.  JFK was in the United States on May 8, 1945 having been discharged from the United States Navy in March.  

SOURCES

"V-E Day Celebrated," JFK+50, May 8, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

"Victory In Europe Day," Royal British Legion, www.britishlegion.org.uk/

Celebration in London

May 8, 1945

Imperial War Museum Collection

"IN CONNECTION WITH AMERICAN METAL CO. CASE"

FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL INDICTED BY FEDERAL GRAND JURY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 7, 1926, former U.S. Attorney General Harry M. Daugherty* "was indicted by a Federal grand jury...for conspiracy in connection with the American Metal Company case."

The grand jury had been investigating "for several months" the transfer of American Metals stock to the alleged German owners.  $391,000 was allegedly paid to the Attorney General and others "for putting through the transfer deal."

JFK+50 NOTE

The case went to trial twice with the first jury deadlocked.  In the second trial, HMD was acquitted by virtue of one not guilty vote.

*Harry Micajah Daugherty (1860-1941) was born in Washington Court House, Ohio & earned his LLD at the University of Michigan.  HMD served as Attorney General under Warren G. Harding & Calvin Coolidge.

SOURCE

"Harry Daugherty Is Indicted With Thomas W. Miller," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 7, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Harry M. Daugherty

Bain News Service

Library of Congress Photo

"CHARGED WITH ADVANCING THEIR OWN INTERESTS"

RUSSIAN FINANCE MINISTRY OFFICIALS EXECUTED FOR SPECULATION

Moscow, Russia (JFK+50) On May 6, 1926, three important finance ministry officials were executed by order of the state political police.

The three officials, Volin, Chepeliovsky and Rabinowitch, according to Associated Press, had been charged "with abusing the trust imposed in them by the government to advance their own interests through speculation in the chervonetz*."

Reportedly, the trio were in league with professional speculators of Moscow and Leningrad who were recently imprisoned.

*chervonetz is the traditional Russian name for large gold coins.

SOURCE

"Russians Execute Three Officials For Speculation," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 6, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

1976 Remint of 1923 Soviet Russian Golden Chervonet

10 Roubles

PD