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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.
NBC Mile O'Dimes Pavilion Model
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

NBC Mile O'Dimes Pavilion Model

Artifact IDMO 1941.13.33
Object Type Model
Maker
Gifter
Date1941
Mediummetal
Dimensionsoverall H 3 3/4 in x W 10 1/4 in x D 2 5/8 in (9.5 cm x 26 cm x 6.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small metal model of the pavilion erected at NBC in New York to collect dimes for the fight against infantile paralysis. The flat face of the pavilion has an image of a red and white painted awning and an American flag on both the left and right sides. Inscribed along the top front of the pavilion: HELP FIGHT / INFANTILE PARALYSIS / N. B. C. / MILE O'DIMES / HELP FIGHT / INFANTILE PARALYSIS. Along the base of the model: FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT / HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO / FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT / FROM / ATCHINSON & KELLER INC. / JANUARY 30, 1941 WASHINGTON, D C. Faintly etched into the bottom of the model: E. O. LEHMANN 1/28/41.
Historical NoteThis model depicts a March of Dimes fundraising pavilion that was erected near the National Broadcasting Company’s (NBC) studios in New York City. The model was given to President Roosevelt by Atchison & Keller, Inc. of Washington, D.C. in January 1942.

FDR created the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (which became known as the March of Dimes) in 1938 to support the polio rehabilitation center he had established in Warm Springs, Georgia and aid polio victims around the nation. The Foundation urged Americans to send their loose change to the President in a “march of dimes.” The March of Dimes supported the research and development of a polio vaccine by Jonas Salk in 1955 that eradicated the disease throughout most of the world.

The model is on display in THE MARCH OF DIMES AND FDR exhibit in the Museum’s FOUNDATIONS OF A PUBLIC LIFE gallery.

Additional Details
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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