II.

White House Years

John Kennedy, at 43, was the youngest man ever elected to the U.S. presidency, and Jackie Kennedy was only 31 when she became First Lady. The couple brought youth and glamour to the White House. Jacqueline Kennedy impressed her own style on state occasions, to which she frequently invited writers, scientists, artists, and musicians, thereby raising the status of the arts and sciences in the United States. Her stylish wardrobe also drew much publicity.

Caroline and John, Jr., were the first youngsters to live in the White House in nearly 50 years. Magazines and newspapers often published pictures of the photogenic family, and television took Americans on a White House tour with Jacqueline Kennedy as their host. Many people became enamored of this vibrant young family. Such was Jackie’s own popularity that her husband quipped, on a state visit to France, that he was the man who had accompanied Jackie Kennedy to Paris.

While living at the White House, Kennedy devoted herself to restoring the building and turning it into the national treasure she believed it should be. Over the years, many of its historic furnishings had been dispersed or put into storage. She searched through basements for stored or discarded items, encouraged donations of American and European period furniture, and oversaw publication of a tour guide for White House visitors.

In 1963 Kennedy was at her husband’s side as his presidential motorcade wound through Dallas, Texas, and an assassin’s bullet pierced his skull. Millions mourned with her as television broadcast the state funeral that she planned.