Details:

Evelyn Lincoln’s personally owned JFK assassination-day teletype bulletin, dated November 23, 1963, reporting a deadly fire at the Golden Ages Home in Fitchville, Ohio. The bulletin, marked “URGENT,” was transmitted during the extraordinary news cycle that followed the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and reads in part:

“Norwalk, Ohio, Nov. 23… scores of elderly persons were believed to be trapped inside a flaming home for the aged in Fitchville…”

The teletype further reports that between forty and sixty residents were believed trapped as flames rapidly spread throughout the facility.

This historic news-service transmission originated from the personal collection of Evelyn Lincoln, President Kennedy’s longtime personal secretary and one of the individuals closest to JFK throughout his political career. Lincoln carefully preserved a remarkable archive of documents and memorabilia relating to the Kennedy presidency and its tragic aftermath. Following the assassination on November 22, 1963, teletypes such as the present example would have streamed continuously into newsrooms, government offices, and communications centers across the country as Americans attempted to process both the national tragedy and unfolding world events.

While not directly related to the assassination itself, the document is particularly compelling because it captures a moment in time during one of the most consequential weekends in American history. News organizations were operating around the clock, and every significant event was transmitted against the backdrop of national mourning for the fallen president. Surviving teletypes from November 22–25, 1963, especially those retained by individuals within Kennedy’s inner circle, provide a tangible connection to those extraordinary days.

Accompanying the lot is a certificate of authenticity identifying the piece as originating from The Robert L. White Collection of John F. Kennedy and noting that the teletype was personally owned by Evelyn Lincoln.

Overall condition is fine.

Evelyn Lincoln (1909-2005) served as John F. Kennedy’s personal secretary from his years in the United States Senate through his presidency. One of Kennedy’s most trusted aides, Lincoln maintained an office immediately adjacent to the president and was responsible for managing his schedules, correspondence, and countless daily affairs. Following Kennedy’s assassination, she became one of the principal custodians of his personal papers and memorabilia. Her books, interviews, and preserved archives remain important resources for historians studying the Kennedy administration and the events surrounding November 1963.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11693 1416257-1