Jackie Kennedy was the grace behind the Camelot era

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was a central figure in what was known as the “Camelot Era.” It was a short period of time lasting 1,000 days where the country seemed obsessed with the young family in the White House as a refreshing distraction from the troubles of the Cold War and the constant threat of nuclear war.

During those short 1,000 days she transformed the role of first lady forever. While certainly a fashion icon, it was not the role she wanted. However, Jackie never met a challenge she didn’t tackle head-on. She was keenly aware of how the public looked to her for appearances and used her position as first lady to change some of the stigma of the past.

Jackie was like an onion — she had many layers to peel. She dramatically changed the role of the first lady. While Eleanor Roosevelt certainly deserves a lot of credit as she expanded the duties exponentially, they were quickly being rolled back by her successors. Jackie made it a point to not only expand but cement the role for future generations and her idol was none other than Eleanor.

While she believed every first lady needed in her words “to make a lasting contribution,” Jackie actually took on many contributions, mostly behind the scenes. She heavily supported causes like maternal health. This was very important to her as three of her five pregnancies resulted in tragedy. She had little in terms of support, going through severe depression.

On Valentine’s Day 1962, on a prime-time special which all the networks aired and my grandparents watched intently, Jackie took America on a tour of the renovated White House. This was the first time the average American actually could see inside the house their presidents and families lived in. Over the years some original pieces had left the White House — some were even rumored to have been gambled away during poker games during the Harding Administration. With little to no original furnishings left, Jackie went on a mission to find them and bring them back to the White House. To make sure the White House was preserved for future generations, she helped establish the White House Historical Association, which publishes books on the White House, including a guide book. I admit, I have two copies.

Jackie’s grace and steadfastness after watching her husband’s brutal assassination mere inches away is something that amazes me. Most people would be emotional wrecks after witnessing what she did. From standing next to Vice President Lyndon Johnson while still covered in blood as he took the oath, to planning JFK’s funeral to the detail on Air Force One heading back to Washington, and even writing the widow of officer J.D. Tippit, who was killed pursuing Lee Harvey Oswald, she showed incredible grace and strength during a very dark time for the country.

Sunday marks three decades since Jackie passed away from cancer. About a month after her passing, I went to Arlington Cemetery to pay tribute. Though the heat was oppressive and the humidity miserable, the line to pay tribute to her was over two hours long. It struck a chord with me in 1994 and still does today in 2024.

Tom Babbage first became a presidential history enthusiast as a third-grader at Indian Creek Elementary School in the Linn-Mar district. He now resides in Casa Grande, AZ.