- Kennedy Compound
Infobox_nrhp | name =Kennedy Compound
nrhp_type = nhld
caption =
location=Hyannisport, Massachusetts
lat_degrees = 41
lat_minutes = 37
lat_seconds = 49
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 70
long_minutes = 18
long_seconds = 12
long_direction = W
locmapin = Massachusetts
area =
built =1904
architect= Unknown
architecture= No Style Listed
designated=November 28 ,1972
added =November 28 ,1972
governing_body = Private
refnum=72001302cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/|title=National Register Information System|date=2007-01-23|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service]The Kennedy Compound or Hyannis Port Historic District is the name given to six
acre s (24,000 m²) of waterfront property alongNantucket Sound in Hyannis,Massachusetts . It contains the homes of Joseph P. Kennedy and two of his sons, Robert F. and John F. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, the latter utilized the compound as a base for hisPresidential campaign and as a summerWhite House and Presidential retreat until his assassination in 1963.History
In 1926 Joseph P. Kennedy rented a
summer cottage on Marchant Avenue in Hyannisport. Two years later, he purchased the structure, which had been erected in 1904, and enlarged and remodeled it to suit his family's needs. In and around this house, the children spent their summers, acquiring a lifelong interest insailing and other competitive activities. In 1956, or three years after his marriage, John F. bought a smaller home of his own on Irving Avenue, not far from that of his father. Subsequently, Robert F. acquired a residence adjacent to the other two.The compound consisting of houses occupied by Kennedy family members also contains houses of non-Kennedy members who enjoy the same amenities in Hyannisport.
Layout
All three buildings, none of which are accessible to the public, are white frame clapboarded structures typical of vacation residences on
Cape Cod . The Joseph P. Kennedy home, the largest and most impressive of the three, is surrounded by well-tendedlawn s andgarden s and commands sweeping views of theocean from its longporch es. On the main floor are aliving room ,dining room , sun room, television room, thebedroom that President Kennedy used before he purchased his own house in the compound, thekitchen , and various pantries andutility room s. On the second floor are six bedrooms, a sewing room, packing room, and four servants' bedrooms. Theattic is a full one. Thebasement contains a motion-picture theater andsauna . On the grounds are an enclosedswimming pool ,tennis court , and four-car garage. The house has changed little, either structurally or in furnishings, since John F. Kennedy's association with it.Several other amenities are also on the property. Two circular driveways, in the middle of which
flagpole s stand, aboathouse , two guest houses, and several large stretches of lawn area where the famous Kennedy familytouch football games took place. Other parcels of land which assorted members of the Kennedy Family have purchased remain as well-tended as those of the more prominent homes.References
ource
* [http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/presidents/site30.htm The National Park Service's entry on the Kennedy Compound]
External links
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