DescriptionVideotaped oral history interview with John Stemmons. A prominent community leader and member of the Dallas Citizens Council, Mr. Stemmons was the co-owner of the Dallas Trade Mart and helped plan the presidential luncheon.
Stemmons Freeway in Dallas, the route by which the mortally wounded John F. Kennedy was rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital, was named for John Stemmons' father, local businessman Leslie Stemmons.
Interview conducted at Mr. Stemmons' office on August 11, 1992 by Wes Wise with Bob Porter. The interview is one hour and one minute long.
Curatorial Commentary
Mr. Stemmons passed away on July 20, 2001. - Stephen Fagin, Curator
Stemmons Freeway is more often known today as, simply, I-35 or, more accurately, I-35E. Interstate 35, which runs north and south, splits into a western and eastern segment north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area and then combines again south of the cities.
Dallas Police, at the request of the Secret Service, blocked traffic on Stemmons to prevent northbound traffic from interfering with the Kennedy motorcade as it left Dealey Plaza and traveled to the president's luncheon and speaking engagement at the Dallas Trade Mart. Because the presidential limousine raced at speeds of 80mph and faster following the lead car, driven by police chief Jesse Curry, the motorcade caught up to existing traffic and had to drive around a few vehicles. - Gary Mack, Curator
