Camp David Rocking Chair
Artifact IDMO 63.2140
Object Type
Chair, Rocking
Date
1926-1961
Maker
P & P Chair Company
(American, 1926 - 2008)
Medium
Wood; rattan; vinyl
DimensionsOverall H 46 in (116.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionWood and cane rocking chair with beige vinyl seat, back cushions and arm rest cushions, used by Presidnet Kennedy at Camp David. This chair has a North American oak frame with hand woven rattan seat and back. It is finished with a hand rubbed stain called Village Oak with a lacquer top coat.
Historical NotePresident Kennedy owned several of these 1920's style rocking chairs, which became identified with him in the collective American consciousness. This one was used at Camp David; Jacqueline Kennedy had the seat cushions custom-made to fit her husband's P&P rocker. While the image of the president in his rocking chair conveyed a sense of informality and relaxation, its use was tied to Kennedy's private chronic health issues, problems that contrasted with the image of health and vigor he projected in public.
Manufactured by P & P Chair Company of Asheboro, North Carolina, this rocking chair was marketed as style number 1000 by the company. It was dubbed the Carolina Rocker by Dr. Janet G. Travell, a New York physician who was a pioneer in the study of muscle pain. In the 1950s Dr. Travell recommended this particular model rocking chair to one of her patients, then-Senator John F. Kennedy, to help ease his chronic back pain. In recognition of her work, Kennedy appointed Dr. Travell to be the White House Physician in 1961. She was the first woman to hold the post.
Additional DetailsManufactured by P & P Chair Company of Asheboro, North Carolina, this rocking chair was marketed as style number 1000 by the company. It was dubbed the Carolina Rocker by Dr. Janet G. Travell, a New York physician who was a pioneer in the study of muscle pain. In the 1950s Dr. Travell recommended this particular model rocking chair to one of her patients, then-Senator John F. Kennedy, to help ease his chronic back pain. In recognition of her work, Kennedy appointed Dr. Travell to be the White House Physician in 1961. She was the first woman to hold the post.
Custodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
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)
On view