Image of Senator Kennedy's private plane, the "Caroline"

Object number2004.054.0010

Date10/05/1960

ClassificationsPhotographs

ObjectPhotograph (color)

Credit LineGertrude Strohbeck Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

MediumPaper

Dimensions3 1/2 × 5 in. (8.9 × 12.7 cm)

Terms

Collections

DescriptionOne color photograph of Senator Kennedy's private airplane, the "Caroline", at the airport in Louisville, Kentucky, on October 5, 1960. Kennedy relied on this Convair 240 series private aircraft to visit many cities and states during his presidential campaign. This image was taken at night and shows the front of the plane, which was named for Kennedy's daughter, with the front door open and steps extended down. The plane is white with a maroon stripe and maroon and red triangle details. The name "Caroline" is written in script below the stripe. Handwritten in blue ink at the top of the back of the photograph: "Oct. 5, 1960 - John F. Kennedy's campaign."

Curatorial Commentary

John F. Kennedy's father, Joe Kennedy Sr., purchased this twin-engine Corvair 240 series aircraft for $385,000 in 1959. He then leased the plane to the Kennedy campaign for $1.75 per mile. - Stephen Fagin, Curator