Kenneth on Being a Part of Thai Ceremonies

Kenneth on Being a Part of Thai Ceremonies

Kenneth represented the State Department at the ceremonies. They were very formal, white tie, tails, and top hat. Every morning, during the ceremonies—which went on for several days, first the cremation, then the wedding, which Kenneth didn't attend, and finally the coronation—the two men would climb into these formal outfits. There would be a ceremony in the morning, a parade or whatever. Then they would rush back to the embassy, strip off their pants and coats, which were soaked through, and the servants would take them outside, turn them inside out, dry them out, repress them, while the two men ate. Then after lunch, they would climb back into their formal togs and return for the afternoon ceremonies. Kenneth being part of the ceremonies was able to take pictures that many officials could not. One picture was someone taking a picture of Kenneth taking a picture of the Majesty, overlooking him, which was unacceptable.

Landon, Kenneth (1903-1993)

January 1, 1950

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LC75-12

Over a course of 13 years Kip Landon (Kenneth Landon Jr.) began recording stories from his parents, Margaret and Kenneth Landon, resulting in 95 hours of recordings. Beginning on July 20, 1976, recording finished in June, 1978. The project resumed again in 1982 for a few months. After a long break, the third recording period began in 1988 and concluded in March 1989.

Kenneth Landon (1903-1993)

3:17

Box 82: Oral History: "The Landon Chronicles," CDs 51-75

Hour 75, clip 12

Sub-Series 8: Audio and Video

Series 1: Biographical