News spread in an instant via radio, television, telegram and word of mouth on Nov. 22, 1963, that President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. The day was a Friday, and then as now, the Vineyard was a place apart where world events still reverberated at home. One week later the Gazette headlines told the story of the day as it was felt on the Island. The paper recounted the Island’s reaction to the assassination of President Kennedy, plans to erect a memorial in Edgartown harbor, where the president and his family had often visited; a series of memorial services that transpired at places of worship; the reaction when the news was announced at the regional high school. Letters to the editor told of the fear and uncertainty of the day, made all the more palpable by the death of the nation’s leader.

Closer to home, headlines in the Gazette told of life as usual: the death of a prominent police chief by natural causes, the impending start of deer hunting season, a decision by the Army Engineers to survey the Lagoon Pond opening and the upper portion of Vineyard Haven harbor.

Here, the Gazette presents a selection of those stories that recount the day, 50 years ago, when the country was forever changed. 

 

A Stunned Vineyard Mourns for Dead President During Hushed Weekend of Prayer, Contemplation

Like the rest of the world, the Vineyard was stunned by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy last Friday afternoon. In disbelief and then in fear and dismay, they heard the news over the radio in homes and in cars. It seemed as if the world had stopped in the period between the first news broadcast and the subsequent one announcing the President’s death.

The tributes paid on the Vineyard to the late President had a special distinction, since the Island’s relationship to him was closer than that of many other parts of the country. President Kennedy was a neighbor, with a home just across the Sound at Hyannis Port, and he and his family often visited Edgartown harbor to swim and waterski. During the last three seasons, Vineyarders came to expect the President’s boat in the harbor from time to time as a notable but not particularly newsworthy event.

Island memories go back to the assassination of President William McKinley sixty-four years ago, and the shock manifested by Islanders at that time. The special services in the churches are recalled, with altars and pulpit desks draped in black and the general atmosphere of mourning which could everywhere be felt, plus a strange sense of apprehension.

Last Friday, this same feeling was apparent, and was accentuated for the reason that the news came swiftly and with shocking impact, following so closely upon reports of the warm welcome that the President had received on arriving in Dallas.

The effect of this nationwide tragedy was reflected in just about every phase of Island life and the actual movements of individuals from the tragic Friday afternoon until the end of Monday. It was wholly apparent on Sunday in the churches where emotions were variously stirred by the reading of President Kennedy’s Thanksgiving proclamation.

There have been many such proclamations composed by the Chief Executives of this nation which have been read to congregations and gatherings throughout the land. But there has never been one quite like this; perhaps never has one been composed under circumstances comparable with those of the present day.

Framed in simple phrases, the traditional resume of history composed the forward and opening address but it wound up with a reference to the present day situation wherein the United States exists in an atmosphere of “Prosperity and peril.” A profound sense of solemnity seized upon the hearers of this proclamation as they realized that the man who had signed the document was lying dead as a result of the peril of which he warned but a few days before.

On Monday the majority of Island business places closed at least for a portion of the day, while some did not open at all. The Island schools were also closed.

 

Kennedy Memorial Is Contemplated: Edgartown Searching for Most Fitting Type

Like the rest of the world, the Vineyard was stunned by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy last Friday afternoon. In disbelief and then in fear and dismay, they heard the news over the radio in homes and in cars. It seemed as if the world had stopped in the period between the first news broadcast and the subsequent one announcing the President’s death.

The tributes paid on the Vineyard to the late President had a special distinction, since the Island’s relationship to him was closer than that of many other parts of the country. President Kennedy was a neighbor, with a home just across the Sound at Hyannis Port, and he and his family often visited Edgartown harbor to swim and waterski. During the last three seasons, Vineyarders came to expect the President’s boat in the harbor from time to time as a notable but not particularly newsworthy event.

Island memories go back to the assassination of President William McKinley sixty-four years ago, and the shock manifested by Islanders at that time. The special services in the churches are recalled, with altars and pulpit desks draped in black and the general atmosphere of mourning which could everywhere be felt, plus a strange sense of apprehension.

Last Friday, this same feeling was apparent, and was accentuated for the reason that the news came swiftly and with shocking impact, following so closely upon reports of the warm welcome that the President had received on arriving in Dallas.

The effect of this nationwide tragedy was reflected in just about every phase of Island life and the actual movements of individuals from the tragic Friday afternoon until the end of Monday. It was wholly apparent on Sunday in the churches where emotions were variously stirred by the reading of President Kennedy’s Thanksgiving proclamation.

There have been many such proclamations composed by the Chief Executives of this nation which have been read to congregations and gatherings throughout the land. But there has never been one quite like this; perhaps never has one been composed under circumstances comparable with those of the present day.

Framed in simple phrases, the traditional resume of history composed the forward and opening address but it wound up with a reference to the present day situation wherein the United States exists in an atmosphere of “Prosperity and peril.” A profound sense of solemnity seized upon the hearers of this proclamation as they realized that the man who had signed the document was lying dead as a result of the peril of which he warned but a few days before.

On Monday the majority of Island business places closed at least for a portion of the day, while some did not open at all. The Island schools were also closed.

 

News of President's Death Brings Tears, Anger to High School

By Sundy Smith

It was not yet 2:30 when the announcement was made over the high school intercom system. President Kennedy has been shot. The words echoed through the suddenly silent classrooms and along the empty halls. At first only gasps of shock — then terror and tears. 

The radio was switched on on the public address system, and students and faculty listened with horror as the fateful news was broadcast. As the meaning sank in, there were more tears, bitter anger, sorrow for the fallen man's family and, pervading all, an idea that this was not really happening; that this news belonged to another century and to other people; that the man who was so much a part of our lives was not suddenly a part of American history. 

He was closer to the younger generation than any President before him; the physical fitness program, the Peace Corps, and himself an ideal for the young people who would soon lead the nation. 

For these young people, the day of Nov. 22, 1963 will serve as a marker. It will be this day that must be recalled for future generations who will ask about it as a part of some dimly lit time called history. 

When the bell rank at 3 o'clock not a word was spoken; only the dismissal shuffling of feet as students moved to homerooms to get their books. As they filed out of the building the sadness grew, for they left behind a moment in history for the school, the nation and the world. When they returned it would be all over; the leader of their new frontier was gone. 

 

Letter to the Editors

Editors, Vineyard Gazette: 

In this dark week we have seen murder compounded by murder; we know — once more — that fanatical hatred of our democratic institutions will impel some men to kill. Most of those among our citizens who despise the concepts of democracy and due process of law are not potential murderers and will never express their hatred by gunfire. Most of these foes of democracy will now claim their admiration of our dead President. In their minds and hearts, however, the violent and non-violent haters of democracy prepare to work against it — each in his or her own way.

Some have adopted the comfortable belief that all such people are located in the South. This comfort is based on an illusion: some of democracy's enemies are right here on Martha's Vineyard. Some of these are anti-Semitic; some look down on people of Portuguese ancestry. Some believe that a Negro is automatically not worthy of being their neighbor. Some believe that their wealth or social position entitles them to special consideration. None of these people have much use for democracy. To them, the fundamental proposition that all men are created equal is a pretty silly one. 

It is my opinion, however, that the great majority of citizens of this country — on and off-Island — believe in democracy. All too often, however, our belief is a passive one; we don't do much about it. There are notable exceptions: Rev. Henry L. Bird has long been actively associated with civil rights activities. He has also been available to help anyone on the Island who wanted his help. Dr. Robert W. Nevin has never, before, been active in civil rights causes, as such. For over twenty years, however, he has been constantly "on call" — nights, Sundays, holidays and "office hours" as well. His great skills have been available to everyone who needed them. Neither our doctor nor our minister needed to go to North Carolina to demonstrate to anyone their commitment to democratic beliefs. Both of them went — into danger and in spite of strong criticism — because they felt impelled by conscience to do so. We should honor them for their courage and devotion to human freedom as we honor our dead President for the same reasons. 

I suggest that those of us, myself included, who have enjoyed the comfort and security of a Vineyard autumn should ask ourselves what we have done recently to maintain and improve our democratic institutions. 

John H. Doermann, Edgartown

 

Editors, Vineyard Gazette: 

With the unbelievable fact of the assassination of our President, John F. Kennedy, and the violent acts following directly upon this devastating event stirring us all with a numbing sense of loss, comes a realization of our own failures and inadequacies as human beings and citizens, and the desperate need for this rededication of "ourselves, our souls and our bodies." 

I would like to express appreciation to the Martha's Vineyard community for its encouragement and support as so effectively expressed in the Gazette, through letters and telegrams, through the action of Dr. Devin and others, of the human rights efforts being made in Williamston, N.C. 

These efforts — in the finest Christian and democratic traditions of refusing to cooperate with evil through peaceful non-violent protest — are a fitting memorial to the man so recently removed from the primary position of leadership in our country by an irresponsible act of violence. 

These efforts are not just for one group of citizens in a small section of our country — but rather for us all. The courage, faith and determination of these humble people are examples to every citizen. Yet they are deeply grateful to those who living far from them share in conviction, concern, action and prayer in their efforts. 

For those who oppose their cause and the means made use of for achieving it they express no hatred or vindictiveness, but rather pray for them and hope for their understanding and concern even in their disagreement — that we all in this nation and throughout the world might live in non-violence and with liberty and justice for all. 

On their behalf, thank you all. 

Henry L. Bird, Vineyard Haven

 

 

For more on the Kennedy assassination, see West Tisbury selectman Richard Knabel's remembrances of that day. A full-size PDF of the front page of the Nov. 29, 1963 paper is available by clicking the link below. 

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