Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Huckleberry Finn Sculpture
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Huckleberry Finn Sculpture

Artifact IDMO 1971.49.11
Object Type Sculpture
Artist
Maker
Date1939
Mediumterracotta, paint, metal
Dimensionsoverall H 27 in x W 22 1/2 in x D 6 in (68.6 cm x 57.2 cm x 15.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionA partially-painted terracotta sculpture of a young boy - believed to be Huckleberry Finn - eating a hot dog. The boy, wearing blue shorts and a short sleeve shirt with white, light blue, and black stripes, is using both hands to hold the hot dog and has both his legs drawn up. The sculpture is signed by the artist at the bottom of the shirt: L. Thomas.

A wire attached to the reverse of the sculpture allows for it to be hung to a vertical surface.
Historical NoteOutdoor picnics were one of Eleanor Roosevelt’s favorite activities. In 1933, a large stone picnic fireplace was constructed at Val-Kill, her retreat in Hyde Park. The outdoor grill was used to cook hot dogs, hamburgers, and other foods for family, friends, and famous visitors, including Shirley Temple and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands.

This smoke-stained sculpture of Mark Twain's fictional character, Huckleberry Finn, once hung over the picnic fireplace. It was a gift to Eleanor in 1939 from Earl Miller, who served as her bodyguard during the years when FDR was Governor of New York and became a close friend.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteListed in a 1970 auction of John A. Roosevelt belongings, the sculpture was purchased by the Armand Hammer Foundation for the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Credit LineGift of the Armand Hammer Foundation
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 StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Related Links