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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.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Jumping Jack Toy
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Jumping Jack Toy

Artifact IDMO 2001.6.1
Object Type Jack, Jumping
Maker (American, 1902 - 1984)
Date1943
Mediumwood, paint, string
Dimensionsoverall H 10 in x W 7 in x D 2 1/4 in (25.4 cm x 17.8 cm x 5.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionA painted wood jumping jack toy in the image of Franklin D. Roosevelt. When pulled, a string and wooden ball hanging below the toy causes the arms and legs to move. FDR is shown wearing a light gray suit, white shirt, black tie, and black shoes. A cigarette in a holder is inserted in FDR's mouth, and he holds an ace of spades card in his right hand. The maker's name is painted on the underside of the right foot: A. Spalla '43.
Historical NoteAnna L. Spalla of Brooklyn, New York created this FDR jumping jack toy, and one of Winston Churchill (see MO 2001.6.2), for President Roosevelt. She mailed them to the White House on October 26, 1943. “It has taken me many weeks to scare up enough courage to do this,” she wrote Roosevelt. “I hope you will find them amusing and not annoying.” FDR’s secretary Grace Tully later wrote Spalla to thank her for the toys. The President “wants you to know that he deeply appreciates your friendly thought in presenting them to him,” she noted.
Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPortraits (National Archives Identifier 778816)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
CopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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