Original window poster, ticket, program and handbill from John F. Kennedy's birthday party at Madison Square Garden, held 19 May 1962. The event has since been known as "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" because of Marilyn Monroe's breathless serenade to Kennedy wearing her famous sheer dress. Lot is exceptionally rare with only a handful of posters coming to auction, with even fewer sales including the additional items offered here. Nate D. Sanders Auctions sold the poster by itself for $34,375 in our October, 2023 sale. Lot includes:
1) Letterpress poster on board advertising "The Most Exciting Program Ever Staged!" with performances by Marilyn and other artists. Rendered in red, white and blue with a photo of Kennedy at top, poster on board measures 13.875" x 20", with union bug at lower right, as called for. This is the only advertising poster from the event aside from the handbill. Very minor edgewear and discoloration, overall in near fine, unused condition.
2) Original ticket to the event, PSA encapsulated. Colorful red, white and blue ticket shows the same portrait of Kennedy as the poster with the title of "President Kennedy's Birthday Party". Ticket is essentially a full ticket, but missing a triangular section at upper right and therefore deemed a stub by PSA. Measures 8" x 3.75", encapsulated to a size of 12.5" x 5.5". With faint typing to verso, inviting an individual to the event. Moderate rubbing and creasing, overall in good condition; also in need of reholdering. Full tickets from the event are extraordinarily rare, with Sotheby's selling the last full ticket for $94,500 in its 27 January 2023 sale.
3) Original program from the event, a graphic red, white and blue design showing a candid shot of JFK. Four-page program lists the event organizers and performers, including Marilyn, Ella Fitzgerald, Henry Fonda, Maria Callas and many more. John F. Kennedy is listed as the final speaker. Measures 8.25" x 10.5". With union bug on last page, lower right. Very minor discoloration, overall in very good to near fine condition.
4) Original handbill promoting the event, including intact portion at bottom for ordering tickets. Sepia toned paper handbill measures 6" x 9", with union bug at lower right. Near fine.
5) Two reprint photos for framing, showing Marilyn with both Kennedys in the waiting room of the event (the only photo known of JFK with Marilyn), and another classic image of Marilyn on stage performing. Each measures 8" x 10". Near fine condition.
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