G. Mennen "Soapy" Williams, (February 23, 1911 – February 2, 1988), was a politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. An heir to a personal grooming products fortune, he was known as "Soapy," and wore a trademark green bow tie with white polka dots.

On November 2, 1948, Williams was elected Governor of Michigan. He was subsequently elected to a record six two-year terms in that post Williams served for twelve years as the 41st Governor of Michigan and also served on the Michigan Supreme Court, where he later became Chief Justice. Williams' most notable accomplishment as governor was the construction of the Mackinac Bridge. At the time, this was the "world's longest suspension bridge between anchorages." He began the tradition of the governor leading the Mackinac Bridge Walk across it every Labor Day. He also appeared on the cover of Time’s September 15, 1952, issue, sporting his signature green bow tie with white polka dots.

After leaving office in 1961, Williams assumed the post of Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs in the administration of President John F. Kennedy, where Williams became known for his frequent refrain, "Africa for the Africans!" He served in this post until early 1966, when he resigned to unsuccessfully challenge Republican United States Senator Robert P. Griffin. Two years later, he was named by President Lyndon B. Johnson to be U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, where he served less than a year.

He was elected to the Michigan Supreme Court in 1970 and was named Chief Justice in 1983. Thus, like William Howard Taft in the federal government, he occupied the highest executive and judicial offices in Michigan government.

This important collection from one of the most popular Michigan politicians of all-time will be on display and sold in individual pieces at The Super Auction on Saturday, August 24^th.

Be sure to take a few moments and VIEW THE PHOTO GALLERY by clicking on the appropriate link located in the upper left side of this page.    There are many personal items and gifts that Mr. Williams received during his successful career as the Governor of the State of Michigan and as a United States Ambassador.

Truly many historical one-of-a-kind items that will be an important addition to any historical shrine!

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The Original Autograph
PRESIDENT, JOHN F. KENNEDY

The signature of our 35^th President, John F. Kennedy is one of the most sought after signatures of all US Presidents.   It is also one of the most deceiving presidential autographs of our time as MOST JFK signatures were signed by multiple secretaries, robots, printed signatures and of course an infestation of forgeries.

Fake JFK signatures were prevalent when he was a congressman as most of his mail at that time was signed by secretaries.   When John F. Kennedy was elected as Senator (1953-1960) a greater proportion of his autographs were signed by machines and secretaries.   Needless to say, when his short presidential term began on Inauguration Day in 1961, authentic JFK signatures are considered rare.

To further elaborate on just how RARE a John F. Kennedy autograph is, according to University Archives, "80% of all  JFK signed material is not authentic."  That is 8 out of every 10 autographs are deemed not authentic!

We are pleased to present to you this RARE opportunity to obtain a truly authentic autographed matte that was inscribed and signed by JFK to the former Michigan Governor, Mennen J. Williams who was appointed as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs in the administration of President John F. Kennedy.

This RARE opportunity for you to obtain this authentic inscribed piece of history of John F. Kennedy and other personal belongings of Mennen J. Williams will be sold regardless of the final bid price at The Super Auction on Saturday, August 24^th.   

BE THERE!