Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Railroads and the 1939 New York World's Fair Commemorative Cover
Artifact IDMO 1953.538
Object Type
Cover, First Day
Maker
Unknown
Date1939
Mediumpaper, ink
Dimensionsoverall H 3 5/8 in x W 6 1/2 in (9.2 cm x 16.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA stamp cover celebrating both American railroads and the 1939 New York World’s Fair. On the left side of the white envelope is a red, white, and blue printed cachet with text that reads: “RAILROADS at the New York World's Fair / Railroads on Parade / Railroads at Work / Railroads in Building.” Below the text is a graphic illustration of a dark, streamlined “AMERICAN RAILROADS” locomotive and tender.
The envelope is addressed to (typed): "PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, / Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt, / The White House / Washington, D. C." Adhered in the upper right corner of the envelope is a U.S. 1939 deep purple 3¢ Trylon and Perisphere New York World’s Fair stamp (Scott 853). The envelope is postmarked New York World's Fair R.P.O. [railway post office], October 31, 1939.
The return address is printed on the reverse of the envelope: "From / Master Charles Thomas Meisel, / Rural Route No. 2, / Clintonville, Wisconsin".
Historical NoteThe 1939 New York World's Fair, located in Flushing Meadows, New York, opened on April 30, 1939 and closed on October 27, 1940. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave the opening speech in person which was televised throughout the Fair. His address was the first time that a president appeared on television.The envelope is addressed to (typed): "PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, / Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt, / The White House / Washington, D. C." Adhered in the upper right corner of the envelope is a U.S. 1939 deep purple 3¢ Trylon and Perisphere New York World’s Fair stamp (Scott 853). The envelope is postmarked New York World's Fair R.P.O. [railway post office], October 31, 1939.
The return address is printed on the reverse of the envelope: "From / Master Charles Thomas Meisel, / Rural Route No. 2, / Clintonville, Wisconsin".
This stamp cover is an example of the commemorative items created during the 1939 New York World's Fair.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesStamp Collecting Materials (National Archives Identifier 749938)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view