The Kennedy New Frontier

As we endure the heat of a contentious presidential campaign this summer, a serene portrait of President John F. Kennedy gazes over the newsroom of the Storm Lake Times Pilot, a reminder of simpler times in America.

It’s a special portrait, one that’s been in the Cullen family for six decades, and it’s special because it contains messages to the Cullens from President Kennedy himself, as well as from his daughter Caroline.

Its history dates back to 1960, when Democrat JFK was running for president against Republican Richard Nixon. Our father, Pat Cullen, was also a Democratic candidate that year, running for state representative from Buena Vista and Sac counties against Republican incumbent Fred Jarvis of Alta.

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Kennedy was campaigning in Iowa during the tight election, and on Sept. 22 he held a rally at Fort Dodge. Dad was invited to appear with Kennedy along with other area Democratic candidates.

During their meeting, Kennedy signed an autograph for Dad: “To the Cullen Children, Best Wishes, John Kennedy.” Kennedy scrawled the barely legible note in pencil.

Although Kennedy went on to win his election, Dad wasn’t as fortunate. Buena Vista County was even more red in 1960 than it is today and Dad was defeated in his only attempt at public office.

The note was attached to a framed 18x24 inch portrait of Kennedy that hung in a place of honor in the Cullen family home on Geneseo Street. Dad passed away in 1974, but the picture remained there until late 1980, when Mom moved to Dubuque with the cherished photo.

After Mom passed away in 1989, the picture passed on to the Dubuque home of our brother Bill and his wife Teresa, where it was revered as well for many more years.

Bill worked at Vocational Services Center in Dubuque, helping people with intellectual disabilities. In October 2004 Caroline Kennedy came to Dubuque to campaign for Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry. Bill was told that Caroline Kennedy would also visit the center because of the Kennedy family’s long interest in helping people with disabilities. Thrilled, Bill brought JFK’s picture to Kennedy and explained its importance to our family. Bill suggested that she sign her note, “Continue the New Frontier! Caroline Kennedy,” as our parents were avid New Frontier members. Kennedy agreed. She also visited John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Dubuque, in memory of her father.

In 2007 Bill decided that the best place for the portrait was in our Times Square office, where more people could enjoy it. Plus, it’s just four blocks from our former family home — and the picture’s original home — on Geneseo Street.

Dad wasn’t the only family member to meet JFK. Mom’s brother, Donald Murray of Bancroft, ran for Congress as a Democrat in 1961 and met President Kennedy at the White House. Uncle Don didn’t have any better electoral luck as he lost to incumbent Republican Charles Hoeven. Don later was elected to the Iowa Senate representing Kossuth and Humboldt counties.