Raynors HCA 2017-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2017
Monogrammed Brooks Brothers ‘Doorman’ umbrella presented by then Senator John F. Kennedy to Torbert Macdonald, a groomsman at JFK’s wedding to Jacqueline Lee Bouvier at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island. The umbrella measures 36.25” long, features a natural wood hook handle, a black polyester canopy, and a gold-toned tip cup engraved on opposing sides with the initials of the usher, “T. H. C.,” and those of the groom, “J. F. K., 9-12-53,” with the wedding date below. In very good condition, with scattered wear and discoloration to handle, end, and ferrule, numerous clean separations to ribbing in canopy, the tip cup loose, and some tearing and fraying to canopy near end tips and upper hub. On September 11, 1953, the eve of the wedding, a bridal dinner was held at Newport’s Seaside Clambake Club. Senator Kennedy presented each of his ushers with a Brooks Brothers umbrella engraved with initials and the wedding date. Senator John Kennedy’s best man was Robert F. Kennedy. His ushers were Edward M. Kennedy, Charles Bartlett, Michael Canfield, George Smathers, K. LeMoyne Billings, Torbert Macdonald, Charles Spalding, James Reed, Benjamin Smith, Joseph Gargan, R. Sargent Shriver, Paul B. Fay, Jr., and Hugh D. Auchincloss III. Macdonald was born in Everett, Massachusetts in 1917 and grew up in Malden, Massachusetts. Macdonald attended Harvard University, where he was captain of the football team and the roommate of John F. Kennedy. They remained close friends throughout their lives, with Macdonald serving as an usher at then Senator Kennedy's wedding and as an honorary pallbearer at President Kennedy's funeral.
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