KENNEDY, John. F. (1917-1963). Photograph inscribed and signed ("your old pals"), n.p., n.d, but December 1934.

Real-photo postcard, 151 x 99mm. Inscribed on the verso.

An early example of Kennedy's wit on a 1934 Christmas card inscribed to one of his former Choate instructors. A comical photograph of a young Kennedy in costume with two of his schoolmates, Ralph "Rip" Horton and Lem "Leem" Billings above a printed greeting (channeling Irving Berlin): "We're puttin' on our Top hat, Tyin' up our white tie, Brushin' off our tails, In order to Wish you A Merry Christmas." On the verso, Kennedy adds: "Hi Miss Burns - How's Choate without us – I'll bet you don't hand out as may excuses – now that we're gone – How's our old pal S.O.P.? Our best to her – if you know what we mean – love to you Miss Burns – from your old pals". Kennedy attended Choate from 1931 to 1934. Kennedy, together with Horton, Billings and other students, formed the “Mucker’s Club,” whose antics nearly resulted in their expulsion from the prestigious Wallingford, Connecticut prep school.