USS Potomac in Long Island Sound
Object numberMO 1941.3.233
Name
Painting
Artist
John D. Wisinsky (Wisinski)
(American, 1902 - 1986)
Date1937
Mediumcanvas, paint (oil)
Dimensionsframe H 19 1/8 in x W 23 in x D 1 1/2 in (48.6 cm x 58.4 cm x 3.8 cm )
painting (on stretcher) H 15 7/8 in x W 20 in (40.3 cm x 50.8 cm )
painting (on stretcher) H 15 7/8 in x W 20 in (40.3 cm x 50.8 cm )
DescriptionA painting of the presidential yacht, USS POTOMAC. It depicts the ship in open water on Long Island Sound. To the left of the ship is a sailboat traveling in the opposite direction. To the right of the POTOMAC, a Navy ship is seen in the background. The painting is signed by the artist in the lower right: JOHN D. WISINKSY - USCG.
The painting is framed in a 2" gilt wood frame with rounded corners. On the reverse of the frame is attached a small paper sticker on which is typed: C-12-27.
Label TextThis painting of the USS POTOMAC is one of two by U.S. Coast Guard Chief Printer John Wisinsky that he wanted given to President Roosevelt (see also MO 1941.3.108). They were presented to FDR by the United States Coast Guard, through Rear Admiral Russell R. Waesche, in November 1937.The painting is framed in a 2" gilt wood frame with rounded corners. On the reverse of the frame is attached a small paper sticker on which is typed: C-12-27.
Originally a United States Coast Guard patrol ship, the USS POTOMAC served as the presidential yacht from 1936 until 1945. President Roosevelt spent many relaxing days aboard the ship as it cruised the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay, and other locations. After his death, the ship was decommissioned and returned to the Coast Guard. It was later sold and fell into disrepair. Eventually, a non-profit organization in Oakland, California acquired the ship. It is preserved there as a national historic landmark.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteTransferred to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum from the White House on August 7, 1940. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesUnited States Navy Materials (National Archives Identifier 782673)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.Collections
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