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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
1932 Olympic Bobsled Run Waiver Form
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

1932 Olympic Bobsled Run Waiver Form

Object numberMO 2005.78b
Name Form
Maker
Date1932
Mediumpaper, ink
Dimensionsoverall H 6 1/4 in x W 5 3/4 in x Diam 1 3/4 in (15.9 cm x 14.6 cm x 4.4 cm )
DescriptionSigned waiver form No. 54 for Eleanor Roosevelt's participation in a bobsled run at a Lake Placid Winter Olympic venue. Printed on yellow paper, the form is titled: WAIVER / Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Bob-run / New York State Olympic Winter Games Commission / III Olympic Winter Games Committee / LAKE PLACID, N Y. At the bottom of the form is the original ink signature of Eleanor Roosevelt, and the original ink signature of witness, N. J. Kerr [?]. Passengers on the bobsled run were required to sign the waiver assuming all responsibility for possible injuries and relinquishing all claims for damages.

The button is accompanied by a bobsled run participation button (see MO 2005.78a). The "54" on the button matches the number of the waiver form.
Label TextThe 1932 Winter Olympics, officially known as the III Olympic Winter Games, took place in Lake Placid, New York from February 4-15, 1932. On February 4, 1932, Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt formally opened the Olympics in Lake Placid. Eleanor Roosevelt, who accompanied FDR to the opening of the games, accepted an invitation to take a bobsled ride, from the half-mile mark, driven by American bobsledder Henry Homburger. The Associated Press reported, “She complimented Homberger on his skill in handling the sled, and Harry returned the favor by expressing his admiration of her courage." The bobsled run button and waiver form are mementos from Mrs. Roosevelt's ride.
Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
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