September 16, 1940: FDR signed into law the Selective Training and Service Act, which set up the first peacetime military draft in U.S. history. First drawing of the Selective Service. October 29, 1940 FDR Library Photo Collection. NPx. 48-22:3712(32). ********** Did you know: On September 20, 1940 FDR signed a tax act designed to raise … Continue reading This Week in Roosevelt History: September 15-21
FDR and the Masons Some amazing stonework going on at the FDR Library as part of our renovation has brought to mind that many great buildings and monuments were erected with the assistance of the Order of Freemasons, or Masons. And many U.S. presidents, including FDR, were members of the Masons. Franklin Roosevelt was initiated … Continue reading Found in the Archives
FDR’s World Map Globe (MO 1944.121.5) For Christmas in 1942, President Roosevelt received a rather large gift—a 50-inch diameter, 500 pound globe from the U.S. Army. The giant globe—which was believed to be the largest and most accurate printed globe of its time—was commissioned by Army Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall. It … Continue reading From the Museum
September 2, 1940 "HYDE PARK, Sunday—To me and to every citizen of the United States, Labor Day must be one of the most significant days on our calendar. On this day we should think with pride of the growing place which the worker is taking in this country. In every walk of life, the man … Continue reading Eleanor Roosevelt – My Day: September 1-7
September 3, 1940: FDR approves the “destroyers for bases” deal with Great Britain. Through this deal, the United States transferred destroyers to the British Navy in exchange for leases for British naval and air bases. ********** Did you know: On September 1, 1937, FDR signed the National Housing Act establishing the U.S. Housing Authority. On … Continue reading This Week in Roosevelt History: September 1-7
Elephant Table (MO 1971.46) This wooden table with base consisting of a carved figure of an elephant (with ivory eyes) was used by Eleanor Roosevelt in her East 74th Street apartment in New York City (see photo below). The table was presented to the First Lady at the "Festival of Dance and Music" for … Continue reading From the Museum
The Great Hurricane of 1938: Government and Citizens Working Together As Hurricane Irene bears down on the East Coast of the United States, it brings to mind the Great Hurricane of 1938 that brought devastation to Long Island, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. On September 21, 1938, entire coastal communities were simply swept off the … Continue reading Found in the Archives
Found in the Archives: Victory Gardens and Shared Sacrifice As we go about our daily business at the FDR Library, we often come across documents that really hit home and have an unexpected emotional impact. Take this one, for example. Last week we were visited by a group of state nutritionists. As we were identifying … Continue reading Found in the Archives
Tarpon caught by FDR (L 2007.779) President Roosevelt was an avid, lifelong fisherman. After his mobility became limited when he contracted polio in 1921, FDR spent a great deal of his leisure time either sailing or fishing. Dr. Ross McIntire, Roosevelt's personal physician when he was President, advised Roosevelt to go on as many vacations … Continue reading From the Museum
August 18, 1938: FDR receives and honorary degree of doctor of civil laws at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. ********** Did you know: From August 17-24, FDR conferred with Prime Minister Churchill in Quebec, Canada at the first Quebec conference.
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