Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Bathing Suit Worn by Eleanor Roosevelt
Artifact IDMO 1985.43.7
Object Type
Suit, Bathing
Retailer
Saks Fifth Avenue
(American luxury department store, founded 1924)
Dateca. 1930-1936
Mediumfabric, plastic
Dimensionsoverall (width at waist) H 35 1/2 in x W 17 in (90.2 cm x 43.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionA blue one-piece bathing suit, with a flared skirt, made from ribbed knit synthetic fabric. The front of the bathing suit has a V-neck, an inverted "V" design on the bodice, and an inverted pleat on the skirt. The reverse of bathing suit has a plunging back, an opening that fastens with four semi-translucent yellow plastic buttons, and another inverted pleat on the skirt. A two-piece fabric belt - sewn to each side – can tie at either the front or the back. Sewn on the reverse of the button panel is a white fabric tag with "SAKS Fifth Avenue" embroidered on it in yellow.
Historical NoteLinnea Calder, who donated this bathing suit, worked for the Roosevelt family on Canada’s Campobello Island and her mother was the housekeeper for both Roosevelt homes on the island. She states that the bathing suit was worn by Eleanor Roosevelt, likely during one or more of her visits to Campobello during the summers of 1933, 1935, and 1936. Mrs. Roosevelt can be seen posing for photos at her Hyde Park, New York property, Val-Kill, in similarly styled bathing suits.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Linnea Calder in 1985.
Credit LineGift of Linnea Calder
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 StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
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