I
n 1959 or 1960, leaving the Parker House hotel in Boston,
a man rushed over to greet Dad. He clearly liked my father
and exuded an effervescent charm. Introduced, we talked
of Cape Cod and sailboats: Wianno Seniors and Lightnings,
the former his favorite, the latter ours.
He asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. Without
hesitation, I replied "President", remembering that US House
Speaker Sam Rayburn asked me the same question and
when I said, "A Congressman like you", he replied, "you want
to be President!"
I pointed out, during our conversation, that my father's friend
had the same tie as those at Brooks Brothers.
Shortly after our meeting, three Brooks Brothers ties arrived
at our house, two of which I still have. The one pictured
here has my name sewn on, guarding against loss, having
accompanied me throughout school. It's condition is
excellent, unlike other ties from the same period, a very small
memento of Camelot. I have judiciously safeguarded the ties
President Kennedy sent, wearing them rarely. A memorable
exception was when I sat next to Jackie Onassis and Maurice
Templesman for a luncheon in honor of Congressman Dick
Gephardt, then a Presidential hopeful.
Throughout his campaign President Kennedy wore a tie
identical to the one he gave me.
It is a Tie in Time lost, yet still worn and very much cherished.
Camelot remembered and Wianno Seniors now very much
admired. H
HYLAND
HYLAND
