Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
USS Benham (DD-397)
Artifact IDMO 1943.190.8
Object Type
Model
Maker
George H. Maynor
Gifter
George H. Maynor
Date1941
Mediumpaint on balsam wood, metal, glass
Dimensionsoverall (including case) H 18 1/8 in x W 49 1/2 in x D 8 5/8 in x Wt 9 1/2 lb (46 cm x 125.7 cm x 21.9 cm x 4.3 kg )
Physical DescriptionA ship model of the destroyer, USS BENHAM. The wooden model has a camouflage painted hull. Painted on either side of the bow are the numbers: 397. The model sits on a cradle stand mounted within a painted wood and glass case with a mirrored background. Two labels are taped to the front of the case. One label has the number "45" on it. The other label has a note that reads: Built By / George H. Maynor / Tampa Fla / Age 17.
Historical NoteThis model was built by George H, Maynor, age 17, of Tampa, Florida. The model was presented to President Roosevelt by Mr. Maynor, through his grandfather, in March 1941. Roosevelt sent Maynor a special invitation to the June 30, 1941 opening of the Roosevelt Library. Maynor had to decline the invitation, however, because he had joined the United States Navy. During World War II, he served aboard the USS HORNET and survived the loss of the ship during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands on October 26, 1942.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 9, 1943. 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 SeriesShip Models (National Archives Identifier 782457)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view