Jane Brown Kennedy USS Louisville collection

This collection consists largely of commemorative items, correspondence, news clippings and photos documenting the launch of the cruiser U.S.S. Louisville at Puget Sound, Bremerton, Washington on September 1, 1930 as well as additional items on the history of the vessel until it was scrapped in 1980 and its successor Submarine Louisville was commissioned (1986). The materials were passed down by the U.S.S. Louisville's honorary "sponsor," thirteen year old Louisvillian Jane Brown Kennedy who received widespread recognition at the 1930 christening. Kennedy was the step-granddaughter of prominent local banker, publisher and politician James B. Brown. The commemorative items include a family dinner "program" honoring Ms. Kennedy's selection, many formal invitations, a handsome wooden case housing the silver vessel used in the launch, a ship medallion, and an embossed silver jewelry box. Correspondence and telegrams celebrating Ms. Kennedy's role as well as voluminous clippings and photos of the launch are included. There are also several photos of James B. Brown, his family, and "Acomes," his elegant residence off Alta Vista Road, as well as a satirical invitation to a private celebration of the end of Prohibition. One newsclipping discusses Mr. Brown's successful return to banking after a well-publicized bankruptcy and a few items document the formation of the honorific Kentucky Colonels in 1931. The heavily-illustrated history Man of War: Log of the United States Heavy Cruiser Louisville by Her Officers and Men (1946) is also found along with invitations to ceremonies associated with the commissioning of the submarine Louisville.