Image of the presidential limousine on Main Street, passing the Adolphus Hotel
Object number1989.100.0011.0009
Date11/22/1963
ClassificationsPhotographs
Photographer
Bill Beal
ObjectNegative (b&w)
Credit LineBill Beal, photographer, Dallas Times Herald Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
MediumFilm
Dimensions15/16 x 1 7/16 in. (2.4 x 3.6 cm)
DescriptionOriginal 35mm black and white negative by Dallas Times Herald photographer Bill Beal. This image shows the Kennedy limousine in Dallas on Main Street, shortly after passing the Adolphus Hotel balcony. President Kennedy sat in the right rear with his wife Jacqueline to his left; in front of them were Texas Governor John Connally on the right and his wife, Nellie, with Secret Service agents Bill Greer driving and Roy Kellerman to his right. Secret Service Agent Clint Hill rode on the rear bumper briefly at this location.
Curatorial CommentarySuch exposed journeys are unthinkable today, but in 1963 open motorcades were normal. In fact, Kennedy rode in several motorcades in the planned five-city tour of Texas and most of them were in an open limousine. Kennedy's people in the White House, who organized much of the Texas visit, made it clear that the car's removable hard top and clear plastic "bubble top" should be kept off except for bad weather. Their thinking was that the parades were opportunities for crowds to clearly see the President and First Lady. - Gary Mack, Curator
