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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 Button
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 Button

Artifact IDMO 2005.78a
Object Type Button, Commemorative
Maker (American, founded 1895)
Date1932
Mediumplastic (celluloid), paper, ink, metal
Dimensionsoverall Diam 1 3/4 in (4.4 cm )
Physical DescriptionA round pinback button indicating participation in a bobsled run at a Lake Placid Winter Olympic venue. At the center of the button, red text on a white background reads: BOB / 54 / RUN. White text on a red band around the edge of the button reads: • NEW YORK STATE • OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES COMMISSION. The manufacturer's information is printed on the rolled edge of the button: BASTIAN BROS. CO., ROCHESTER, N.Y.

The button is accompanied by a bobsled run waiver form signed by Eleanor Roosevelt (see MO 2005.78b). The "54" on the button matches the number of the waiver form.
Historical NoteThe 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 StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
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