How a surprise snowstorm almost spoiled Kennedy s inauguration 60 years ago
Kevin Ambrose and Jason Samenow, The Washington Post
Jan. 19, 2021
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A member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer s Inaugural Snow Removal Force prepares to move a car abandoned in the snowstorm on the eve of Kennedy s inauguration in 1961.U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Since presidential inaugurations moved from March to January in 1937, none have stirred up as much weather drama as John F. Kennedy s in 1961, when a surprise snowstorm the day before brought Washington to a standstill.
With a little more than 24 hours until the inaugural ceremony, the forecast on Jan. 19, 1961, called for a mix of rain and snow and little accumulation. By late the same night, 8 inches of wind-whipped snow had paralyzed the metropolitan area.
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Busy street scene in front of flagship Woodward & Lothrop store at 11th St. & F St., NW, c. 1913. (Source: Library of Congress)
In the 19th century, before chains like Macy’s and Sears-Roebuck, Washington, D.C. had Woodward & Lothrop. Known affectionately as “Woodies,” it was among the first department stores in the District, and remained the leading retailer in the city for nearly a century. It pioneered modern retailing from returns policies down to the department store choir, revolutionizing the way goods were sold and the culture of department stores. And to set the record straight while people bemoan stores putting Christmas decorations up before Thanksgiving today, Woodies was already doing it in the 1880s. It was ahead of its time in every respect.
The 35th president was inaugurated 60 years ago this week.
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John F. Kennedy, front right, is sworn in as the 35th president of the United States on Jan. 20, 1961, in Washington, D.C. (Contributed photo)
“This touch of Minnesota weather is just the thing,” Gov. Elmer L. Andersen said from Washington, D.C.
Even the president-elect had to agree that the snow and frigid temperatures would add “extra zip” to the proceedings.
It was Jan. 20, 1961 60 years ago this week and Washington was recovering from a winter storm just in time for the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as the 35th president of the United States.