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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.
Infantile Paralysis Wishing Well Model
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Infantile Paralysis Wishing Well Model

Artifact IDMO 1943.161.5
Object Type Model, Commemorative
Maker
Gifter
Date1942
Mediumcopper
Dimensionsoverall H 10 1/2 in x W 7 in x D 5 5/8 in (26.7 cm x 17.8 cm x 14.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small model of a wishing well made of copper. Inscribed on both sides of the roof of the well housing: CELEBRATE THE PRESIDENT'S BIRTHDAY / FIGHT / INFANTILE PARALYSIS / 'MAKE A WISH, IT'S SURE TO COME TRUE'. Inscribed on one side of the side of the base: TO THE GREATEST FIGHTER OF ALL / FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT / WHOSE EXAMPLE HAS BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO / THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS OF THIS DREADED / SCOURGE. Inscribed on the other side of the base: A GIFT FROM DAN MAROVICH, / DIRECTOR / NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COMMITTEE / TO CELEBRATE / THE PRESIDENT'S BIRTHDAY.
Historical NoteThis model of a wishing well was sent to President Roosevelt by a President’s Birthday Ball organization in northern California in January 1942. In 1934, FDR began using the occasion of his birthday (January 30) to encourage Americans to hold “Birthday Balls” to raise funds for the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, which operated the polio rehabilitation center he had established in 1927. In 1938, he created the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to support the Warm Springs Center and aid polio victims around the nation. This model is on display in THE MARCH OF DIMES AND FDR exhibit in the Museum’s FOUNDATIONS OF A PUBLIC LIFE gallery.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on December 29, 1942. 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 SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright 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.
In Collection(s)
On view
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