By Spenser Bailey.
John F. Kennedy is immortalized in history as a young, dynamic president, cut down by an assassin’s bullet long before his time. His short yet eventful presidency, along with speculation on what he might have accomplished had he lived, has provided sufficient material for analysis, scholarship, and debate. As such, it seems difficult to imagine him as anything but the 35th President of the United States. However, of course, there was a time when he was “just” Senator Kennedy (D-MA), one of the many hopefuls seeking to lead the country.
College campuses can be hotspots for political action – what else would come from places where idealistic young people, newly making their own way in the world, can gather, collaborate, and share ideas? In the fall of 1960, Senator Kennedy capitalized on that enthusiasm when he visited the University of Illinois and addressed a crowd of thousands on the Main Quad.
His speech, and the excitement of his listeners, were recorded in 13 photographs, found in the University Archives’ Record Series 26/2/6, the Alumni Association Photograph and Negative File. Reproduced online for the first time, these images were taken by Bob McCandless for what was then the Urbana Daily Courier.*
Backing for then-candidate Kennedy arose early on campus – “Illini for Kennedy” was “probably the first group” at the University to support a 1960 presidential candidate. The organization, which had formed by March 1960, supported the senator as they believed he “best [represented] the aspirations of the nation’s youth and especially [personified] the hopes of college people.”[1] By September, they reported steady growth, with a membership of over 500 by the 23rd.[2]
Befitting Illinois’ status as a swing state, the Democratic candidate campaigned here in the final days before the election. Originally, he was supposed to speak in downtown Champaign, which was changed to an airport rally, and finally became a speech on the Quad.[3] On October 24th, Kennedy and his entourage were greeted by a crowd of 500 at Willard Airport.[4] After traveling to campus, he addressed a crowd of more than “10,000 frenzied Illini,” speaking on foreign policy as students grappled to get a better view. Some resorted to climbing trees, roofs, and gathering around windows in nearby Lincoln Hall.[5][6]
Kennedy forcefully cast himself and the Democratic Party as “those who wish to move ahead,” in contrast to Richard Nixon and the Republicans, content, as JFK said, with “standing still.” He highlighted foreign policy and diplomacy, particularly to newly-independent African countries, and also echoed the importance of the Space Race with the Soviet Union. His speech, which he closed by urging those present to “join in rebuilding the strength and image of the United States as a progressive society,” was well-received, with frequent pauses for applause and laughter.[7]
Just two weeks after visiting the University of Illinois, John Kennedy was elected President of the United States on November 8th, 1960. And as most know, his story came to an end three years later, on November 22nd, 1963. These photos remain as a remarkable example of the optimism and excitement that characterized his candidacy and subsequent presidency.
View the full gallery of images below!
Citations
[1] “Illini for Kennedy Begin Campaign,” Daily Illini, March 2nd, 1960, page 2.
[2] “Illini for Kennedy Gains Support; More Than 500 Join in 2 Weeks,” Daily Illini, September 23rd, 1960, page 5.
[3] “Jack To Give Monday Talk In Quadrangle,” Daily Illini, October 21st, 1960, page 1.
[4] “500 Welcome Sen. Kennedy at UI Airport,” Daily Illini, October 25th, 1960, page 1.
[5] “Jack Hits Foreign Policy,” Daily Illini, October 25th, 1960, page 1.
[6] “Kennedy Hearers Push, Shove,” Daily Illini, October 25th, 1960, page 9.
[7] Papers of John F. Kennedy. Pre-Presidential Papers. Senate Files. Speeches and the Press. Speech Files, 1953-1960. University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, 24 October 1960. JFKSEN-0914-006. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
*Please note: copyright of these images is not owned by the University of Illinois, and they are published here under the doctrine of fair use. If you would like to view them in-person, or consult any other archival material, contact illiarch@illinois.edu.
