Sen. John F. Kennedy drew one of the largest crowds ever assembled in Butler as he campaigned Oct. 16, 1960. He stressed the need for full employment and spoke of the effects of automation on Pennsylvania steel and coal industries. Kennedy touched on foreign issues, American prestige in the world and views on his opponent’s political philosophy, but most of all he stressed economic growth. Less than one month later, Kennedy defeated GOP candidate Richard Nixon and became the 35th president in U.S. history.