Happy Birthday Franklin Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York.
Sometimes called the stamp-collecting president, Roosevelt began collecting stamps at the age of 10. Roosevelt credited the hobby with helping him learn geography, partial recovery from polio, and managing the stress of being Commander in Chief. Even as war raged, he managed to spend some time with his collection every day. Over time, he built a collection of 1.25 million stamps.
Roosevelt’s four terms in office coincided with two of the most turbulent eras in American history – the Great Depression and the Second World War. As a lifelong stamp collector, Roosevelt was familiar with the tradition of capturing history on postage stamps. He also knew stamps had the power to educate, send important messages, and shape public opinion.
As President, Roosevelt put this knowledge to work, personally approving each of the stamps issued during his 12 years in office. He also made suggestions for stamp subjects and designs. The result is more than 200 U.S. stamps that chronicle U.S. history, reveal the beauty of our most scenic National Parks, and pay tribute to noteworthy Americans.
The President’s passion for stamp collecting was well known, and he often received stamps and covers from fellow collectors. Even members of other government agencies saved unusual stamps they received in the mail and sent them to him.
During his campaign, cachets urging “A Stamp Collector for President” were used to promote the hobby in general. Once in office, Post Office Department revenue increased almost annually and membership in stamp organizations grew rapidly. The number of stamp dealers also increased, and department stores across the nation had stamp counters.
During the course of the war, Roosevelt used U.S. stamps to inspire Americans and send messages of hope around the world. With an eye to the future, FDR avoided picturing displays of U.S. military might. Classics like the Iwo Jima, China Resistance, and Overrun Countries stamps remain collector favorites today. In fact, the last official act Roosevelt performed before his death was approving the design for a postage stamp.
Click on the images below to read about some of the FDR-era stamps that supported his programs and the war effort:
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Click here for more stamps honoring FDR.
Click here for a Smithsonian video about FDR’s stamps.
Click here to see what else happened on This Day in History.
Happy Birthday FDR as stamp collector!!!!
FDR had a dark side. Especially in todays PC for example when he snubbed Jesse Owens.
A president with a social conscience for the downtrodden in America.
Running as a Democrat, Roosevelt won a record four presidential elections, no other president served more than two terms was the longest running President in U.S. history. he dominated during world economic depression and total war.