Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. TLS Probably Addressed to Son of Kennedy Family Tailor

1p typed letter signed by Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. (1888-1969) as "Joseph P Kennedy" at lower left. Written at the Kennedy compound at Hyannisport, Masschusetts on September 26, 1950. On watermarked paper with "Joseph P. Kennedy" embossed letterhead. Expected folds and some weathering including isolated chips and possible singe marks. 8vo. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope with "Joseph P. Kennedy" preprinted return address, postmarked and bearing a cancelled 3-cent purple Thomas Jefferson stamp. Letter-opened at the side, heavily soiled, and folded, else good.

Kennedy wrote, "Unfortunately I am leaving for Chicago today and I do not expect to be back for quite some time. I think you had better write me a letter regarding the business matter that you say you wish to discuss with me…"

The identity of Kennedy's correspondent cannot absolutely be confirmed, but we suspect that "Eddie" was related to Joseph Edward Rizzo (1893-1984), the longtime tailor of the Kennedy family, who fashioned bespoke garments for John, Robert, and Edward. Was "Eddie" one of Rizzo's eleven children, possibly his son Joseph Edward Rizzo (1926-1995)?

The elder Rizzo immigrated from Lazio, Italy in the early twentieth century, bringing his Old World haberdashery expertise first to Boston's old Scollay Square and eventually to Harvard Square in Cambridge. Rizzo made clothes for Brooks Brothers and other prestigious brands in addition to providing tailoring services to the Kennedys, the Rockefellers, and the family of Adlai Stevenson.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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