John F Kennedy Visits North Park in 1963

A Story by Lissette Terzo

As the fall 2008 Presidential elections approached, we were reminded of a Presidential visit through North Park that took place in the early nineteen sixties. It was July 7, 1963, when this edition of the San Diego Independent newspaper featured President John F. Kennedy spending about 4 hours here in as our guest. Those few hours were spent in a motorcade down El Cajon Boulevard - the political part of the trip; receiving an honorary degree at San Diego State - the educational part of his trip; and observing a military display at MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot). The President was met by Governor Brown at Lindbergh Field, and then off they went in an eleven-auto, two-bus motorcade for the 12-mile drive to State.

North park Residences Historical Society member and lifelong area resident Randy Sappenfield recalls that students in schools near the parade route were excused from their classes to watch the motorcade, providing they had a ticket to the commencement address. He remembers leaving San Diego High with his friends and driving up Park Boulevard in time to see JFK pass by on Washington at the corner of Richmond. When the President's motorcade reached Park and El Cajon Boulevards, it slowed to a crawl before the 8-mile route down El Cajon Boulevard, past a purported quarter of a million people, which included democratic sign-waiving clubs, high school bands, protesters, residents, law enforcement officers, and a reviewing stand packed with dignitaries.

While at State, the President received the first Honorary Doctor of Law Degree awarded by the California State Colleges. He then departed by helicopter to MCRD, where he toured the aircraft carriers Kitty Hawk and Oriskany before departing. Quite the whirlwind tour in Paradise, I would say!

"Broker Bill" Vivian.

Board of Directors, Northpark Residences Historical Society.

Broker Bill's Realty.

San Diego, California.