McDonnell Aircraft Factory Cart Used During President Kennedy Visit Dedicated

By Carmelo Turdo

A restored McDonnell Aircraft factory cart, used to transport President John F. Kennedy during his visit in 1962, was dedicated Monday at a ceremony held at the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum located in historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar 2 at St. Louis Downtown Airport.  The tarp was removed from the cart around 10:00am in the presence of officials from the Boeing Employee Community Fund, sponsor of the grant used in the restoration, and local news media.  The cart, donated to the museum by McDonnell Douglas in 1993, was used by company Board Chairman and CEO Mr. James S. McDonnell when hosting visiting dignitaries.  Sometime after the President's visit, it was lengthened and the rear seat was reversed to provide a more balanced ride.  The 2013 comprehensive restoration was completed by North Town Auto Body in Collinsville, IL along with: tires, tubes and battery from Master Auto Care; battery cables from O’Reilly Auto Parts; and keys from Village Locksmith in Collinsville, IL.  This video produced by Boeing media gives an excellent background on the cart and its place in history.  Also visit KSDK St. Louis for a news broadcast of the Cart.



The cart prior to unveiling  



The cart in unveiled by Museum Board Member Trent Duff and Museum President Mark Nankivil

Boeing Employee Community Fund Officials Laura Coughlin and Michael Carosone

Mr. Robert Potthoff, McDonnell (now Boeing) employee who was present for Kennedy's visit

Airport Director Bob McDaniel (L), Boeing ECF staff and Museum Board Members

North Town Auto Body staff who restored the cart