Glass Bottom Tankard
Artifact IDMO 2013.1
Object Type
Cup
Date
1900-1963
Place MadeEngland, Europe
Medium
pewter, glass
DimensionsOverall H 5 1/4 in x Diam 3 1/4 in (13.3 cm x 8.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionTankard with glass bottom, given to Dave Powers on his birthday by President Kennedy. It is inscribed: "There are three things which are real, God, human folly, and laughter. The first two are beyond our comprehension so we must do what we can with the third…" April 25, 1913-April 25, 1963. "DFP" is inscribed on the back.
Historical NoteThis pewter tankard was given to Special Assistant David Powers by President Kennedy at the White House on April 25, 1963. The occasion was Power's birthday. The tankard is inscribed with one of JFK's favorite quotations (from Tales of the Ramayana as told by Aubrey Menen, Scribners, 1954, p. 276) : "There are three things which are real, God, human folly and laughter. The first two are beyond our comprehension so we must do what we can with the third."
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in by a private citizen in 2013.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of David
J. Powers
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view