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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.
National Recovery Administration (NRA) Sweater
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

National Recovery Administration (NRA) Sweater

Artifact IDMO 1976.70
Object Type Sweater
Maker (American company, founded 1892)
Dateca. 1933-1935
Mediumsweater: textile (wool)
box: paper (cardboard), ink
Dimensionsobject (sweater - width at shoulders) H 26 1/4 in x W 16 in (66.7 cm x 40.6 cm )
 box H 1 3/4 in x W 9 1/4 in x D 14 3/8 in (4.4 cm x 23.5 cm x 36.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA knit wool pullover sweater featuring the National Recovery Administration (NRA) Blue Eagle logo. Woven on the front of the cream-colored sweater is a wide, medium blue horizontal band at the center of which is the blue eagle symbol consisting of a solid blue eagle with the words "NRA / U.S." in red and blue text above and to the side of it. Attached to the interior back of the neck is the manufacturer's label: [silhouette of a golfer] Jersild / JERSILD KNITTING CO. NEENAH, WIS.

The sweater is housed in a two-piece green, orange, and cream cardboard box with an opening in the cover. Printed on the top of the cover: JERSILD SWEATERS / SINCE 1892 / WITH THE TEN POINTS OF PERFECTION. Printed on the front side of the cover: JERSILD SWEATERS / JERSILD KNITTING CO. / NEENAH, WIS. / STYLE.
Historical NoteA key element of FDR’s economic revival plan during his First 100 Days in office was the National Industrial Recovery Administration (NRA).

The NRA sought to end cut-throat competition that was reducing wages and prices to disastrous levels. It encouraged businesses in hundreds of industries to create codes of “fair competition.” The codes set maximum hours and minimum wages, guaranteed union rights, and prohibited child labor. Companies adopting the codes were exempt from anti-trust laws.

Participating businesses, consumers, and individuals proudly displayed the NRA’s blue eagle symbol on a variety of items, like this sweater, to proclaim their participation in the program and show their support.

The NRA was also promoted in parades and rallies that became community events. These activities gave Americans a psychological lift, but the NRA proved ineffective. Its codes were unwieldy and, sometimes, ludicrous—including regulations for industries like shoulder pads, dog food, and burlesque theaters. Many codes favored larger businesses and encouraged monopolistic practices that hindered economic recovery. Few mourned when the NRA was declared unconstitutional in 1935.
Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesArtifacts Relating to the New Deal (National Archives Identifier 750981)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view