By Becky Preiss Odom, History Curator/Manager, Curatorial Department, Ohio History Connection
The John and Annie Glenn Collection at the Ohio History Connection captures both the public and private sides of the Glenn family. One of my favorite light-hearted series of items are the Valentines sent to John by Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy and mother to their eleven (yes eleven!) children. The Glenn and Kennedy families were close friends, so it’s no surprise that Ethel and John knew each other. But in the whimsical Valentines Ethel cleverly pulls from current events and personal experiences to share a little more of the Glenn’s personal lives. And clearly they had a sense of humor.
Valentine, Ethel Kennedy to John Glenn, 2004
Ethel’s 2004 Valentine references Quarterback Tom Brady. That year, he led the New England Patriots to another Super Bowl victory by overcoming a 28-3 deficit—the largest in Super Bowl history—to defeat the Carolina Panthers 32-29.
Valentine, Ethel Kennedy to John Glenn, 2009
In this Valentine from 2009, Ethel shows herself flying Ohioan Eddie Rickenbacker’s plane bearing the “Hat in the Ring" nose art of the 94th Aero Squadron in which he served. She also references two events that took place in the weeks before Valentine’s Day in 2009: Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration and the Pittsburgh Steeler’s 27-23 Super Bowl victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Valentine, Ethel Kennedy to John Glenn, 2010
Anderson Cooper was Ethel’s hero in this 2010 Valentine. He famously rescued an injured boy and carried him to safety while reporting in Haiti following a devastating earthquake in January 2010.
Valentine, Ethel Kennedy to John Glenn, 2012
Ethel’s 2012 Valentine features a photo of herself with Actor Bill Murray, Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice, Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Orr, Actor Alec Baldwin, and Actor Matt McCoy. The photo was taken during the 22nd Annual RFK Center Golf Tournament at the Hyannisport Golf Club on October 14, 2011 in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
Want to learn more about the John and Annie Glenn Collection? Search our catalog to see about other amazing items from the Glenn family.