If you were a witness to history in February 1962, it’s likely that you caught a glimpse of the iconic first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, as she embarked on a tour of the newly-restored White House. These televised events captivated an estimated 80 million viewers across all three major networks. However, those who knew her intimately would argue that the real Jackie was far from the flawless figure portrayed on screen. Journalist Smith posed a thought-provoking question, “Was the most intriguing aspect of Jacqueline Bouvier her marriage to a Kennedy?” Author Carl Sferazza Anthony provided an interesting perspective, remarking, “Contrary to popular belief, her life became fascinating because she, herself, was an intriguing individual, which ultimately led to her marriage with him.” Anthony, an author renowned for his works on first ladies, recently released a new book titled “Camera Girl: The Coming of Age of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy” (published by Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, a subsidiary of Paramount Global). This book delves into the life of Jacqueline Bouvier before she became the iconic Jackie Kennedy – a young woman who once expressed her ambition to not become a mere housewife. “She held a rather cynical view of marriage,” Anthony explained. “Even as a young woman in the early 1950s, she firmly believed that she should establish herself before entering into matrimony.” Gallery Books Bouvier’s true aspiration was to become a writer, and she was willing to start from the bottom. In those days, the lowest rung on the professional ladder was a column in the Washington Times-Herald called the “Inquiring Photographer” (later renamed “Inquiring Camera Girl”). Her task was to snap pictures of passers-by and gather their opinions on a plethora of topics, such as women’s involvement in politics or the impact of a wolf whistle. “Here she was, approaching complete strangers on the streets of Washington, a decade before she became the world’s most famous woman,” remarked Anthony. Bouvier exuded fearlessness, charm, and independence. Some of Jackie’s friends, like newsman Charles Bartlett and his wife, Martha, believed she would be a perfect match for the most eligible bachelor in town – a congressman from Massachusetts. The Bartletts were close friends of both Jackie and JFK, and their bond with the couple endured for years to come. Charles and Martha even served as godparents to John Jr. However, in 1951, they simply wanted the two to meet, so they hosted a dinner party at their home in Georgetown. At this point, it is customary to declare that such events are ancient history, and everyone who remembers them has passed away. However, in this case, there is an individual who has retained vivid recollections of that night 72 years ago. Martha Bartlett, the hostess of the dinner party where Jackie and Jack encountered each other for the first time, is still alive and kicking at the age of 97. And her memories of that fateful evening in 1951 are as vivid as ever. What does she recall about that initial dinner where Jack laid eyes on Jackie? “Well, I wasn’t entirely certain whether he would find Jackie interesting, or vice versa,” she reminisced. “So, I invited my good friend Loretta Summers to join us. It was quite an odd arrangement to have an extra woman there, but we went ahead with it anyway! That way, if he wasn’t fond of one woman, at least he wouldn’t be bored – because he certainly did show signs of boredom.” Smith inquired, “Do you remember what was on the menu?” Bartlett chuckled and replied, “Probably my signature chicken casserole, as usual.” Smith was taken aback and said, “Chicken casserole? That’s what you served at these parties?” Bartlett laughed and said, “Unfortunately, yes. You could predict the menu before you even sat down!” Martha Bartlett. CBS News Years later, Jackie reflected on that night, and according to Carl Anthony, she was not immune to JFK’s charm. “She wrote about their first encounter and how she sensed that he would profoundly impact her life. She felt almost inclined to run away, but she knew that whatever heartache he would inevitably bring, it would be worth it.” Privately, according to Bartlett, Jackie was actively pursuing Jack. Smith questioned, “Jackie even claimed that the two of you shamelessly played matchmakers, attempting to bring her and Jack together. Did you feel that way?” To this, Bartlett responded, “I would say that if anyone was acting shamelessly, it was Jackie. She would goad me into action. She would spot an opportunity at a dance or some other event where we could invite Jack. And she even canceled plans with her European friend just to spend time with Jack instead. You know, if we hadn’t been such close friends, I might have accused her of using me. But the truth is, it was her idea as much as mine.” Jackie would stop at nothing to improve her chances, even paying a visit to Joseph Kennedy, the Kennedy family patriarch. Anthony noted, “It may be a coincidence, but shortly after her meeting with Joe Kennedy, the gossip columns began linking the names Jackie Bouvier and John F. Kennedy together, predicting their imminent wedding within the next year. She wasn’t exactly head-over-heels in love with him, like some may imagine. They did go on dates, but he was somewhat hesitant. And she felt a twinge of disappointment that he was taking so long.” Smith interjected, “Hold on a moment. Wait a second. Are you saying that Jackie was disappointed? The same woman who said she wasn’t interested in marriage?” Anthony clarified, “She did express a disinterest in marriage, but she never claimed she wasn’t open to an adventure that could potentially lead her to the White House.” Senator John F. Kennedy and his fiancée, Jacqueline Bouvier, go sailing in June 1953 in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. Hy Peskin Archive/Getty Images What followed is well-documented history: the Kennedy-Bouvier wedding in 1953 in Newport, Rhode Island, was the social event of the season, if not the century. Charles Bartlett served as an usher, and Martha Bartlett was among the more than a dozen bridesmaids. When asked about her memories leading up to the wedding, Martha Bartlett confessed, “I don’t entirely know why, but Jackie wasn’t the happiest of brides. I think it had something to do with the fact that her father couldn’t walk her down the aisle. He was present, but he had gotten excessively drunk the night before and couldn’t get out of bed the next morning.” Thus began a union that continues to captivate the public’s fascination. Martha Bartlett experienced much of the Kennedy saga alongside the couple, and like many of us, she has mixed emotions about this glamorous duo and their unfulfilled dreams. Smith pondered, “When you reflect on our matchmaking efforts, do you believe you did a good job?” Bartlett replied, “No, because I find it incredibly sad. It’s a tragic story. Don’t you agree?” Smith responded, “In the end, perhaps. But initially, I think we all liked to believe that it was a magical beginning.” Bartlett nodded sadly and concluded, “Yes, we all love fairy tales.” Martha’s husband, who passed away in 2017, summed it up more succinctly. When discussing his role in introducing JFK to his future bride, Charles remarked, “He needed a woman. And we found him one hell of a woman.” READ AN EXCERPT: “Camera Girl: The Coming of Age of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy” For more information: Story by John D’Amelio. Edited by Steven Tyler. See also: Watch: Jackie Kennedy, America’s Inspirational First Lady Jackie Kennedy: America’s Inspirational First Lady 05:19 More
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
