Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: Her New York Residences Following Her White House Years
Introduction
Following her time in the White House, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis moved to New York City. Throughout her subsequent years, she found herself residing in various locations, each chosen for specific reasons related to privacy, family connections, and personal taste. This exploration delves into her choice of residences, highlighting the significance of each step in her journey to a more independent and personal lifestyle.
New York City Residences
After leaving the White House in 1963, Jackie initially settled in a small apartment on the Upper East Side of New York City. This temporary residence, however, did not offer her the privacy she sought for herself and her children. She was easily accessible to the public, and her every move became a spectacle, with tour buses regularly stopping at her residence.
Transition to 1040 Fifth Avenue
In 1965, Jackie purchased a larger apartment at 1040 Fifth Avenue, which she made her primary residence for the next two decades. The apartment, located on the 85th Street, was housed in a 17-story building designed by Rosario Candela. This building is notable for its unique asymmetrical roof and step-back design, creating an ivy-covered facade that adds a distinct charm to the residential area.
The apartment offered Jackie a stunning view of Central Park and the reservoir, providing a serene and luxurious living environment. This move was not just about comfort; it was a strategic choice to seek peace and privacy. New York City, with its bustling yet diverse celebrities, offered a backdrop where her presence would not be overwhelming or constant. Additionally, the proximity to her family and her long-standing ties with the Bouvier and Kennedy families made this location particularly appealing.
Other Residences
In her later years, Mrs. Kennedy-Onassis also acquired a home in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. While her primary residence remained in New York, the Martha's Vineyard property provided a different kind of respite. It was a place where she could enjoy time with her children away from the noise and chaos of city life.
Intermittently, she also stayed at her family's estate, Hammersmith Farm, located in Rhode Island. This farm served as a home base for extended family gatherings, providing a more rural and intimate setting.
Personal Aspects of Her New York Residences
Jackie's choice to live on New York's Upper East Side was influenced by several factors. Her father, John Bouvier, resided at 5th Avenue and 66th Street after his divorce from her mother. This proximity to her father and the Bouvier family members played a significant role in her move. The Upper East Side was also a neighborhood known for its elegance and one's ability to blend into the background without drawing unnecessary attention.
Post-Assassination and New Beginnings
The assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy, in 1963 changed the course of Jackie's life. Initially, she grieved and sought time alone before making the decision to marry Aristotle Onassis, whom she had been clandestinely seeing. The hurried divorce likely would have violated Catholic doctrine and left her in a difficult position.
It was during this period of mourning that Jackie began to establish her own life in New York City. Her move to the Upper East Side marked a transition from her time in the White House, where she was the center of national attention, to a more private and rewarding lifestyle.
Conclusion
As Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis navigated her post-White House years, New York City emerged as the perfect backdrop for her new life. Her residences on the Upper East Side and in Martha's Vineyard provided her with privacy and tranquility, allowing her to find contentment in her new circumstances. These locations reflect the blend of her legacy from the White House with her desire for a private existence in her later years.