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President Kennedy paid an unexpected visit to Cambridge Saturday afternoon to inspect possible sites for a library to house his official papers.
Escorted on his 35-minute tour by L. Gard Wiggins, administrative vice-president, Paul H. Buck, director of the University library, and other officials, Kennedy inspected the Bennett St. MTA yards, Business School land, the Cambridge Art Center, and the Shady Hills site on Francis Ave. He also stopped briefly at the Larz Anderson estate in Brookline.
Although Wiggins said two weeks ago that "the President is giving priority to the MTA yards," Kennedy was non-committal after Saturday's visit. When asked about the yards specifically, Kennedy said he was still "trying to decide." He noted that the yards were "still owned by the MTA."
Wiggins said last night that Kennedy wanted to discuss the matter further, and described him as "uncommitted" at the present time. It is thought that strong White House interest in placing the library on the MTA land would improve the University's chances of obtaining the yards.
Arrives by Helicopter
The President, appearing tired but well-tanned, arrived by helicopter at the Business School at 3:45 p.m. Saturday. He made a quick appraisal of the open land along the river and then whisked off by car to the other sites. During the trip he rode through the House area and past the Visual Arts Center, waving to students, stopping traffic, and impressing Spring Weekend dates.
About 2200 students pressed past secret service men when Kennedy returned to his helicopter. A handshake with the President was usually accompanied by a jab or yank from one of his body guards.
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