Lift Created for Franklin D. Roosevelt to Board the Presidential Railcar, "Ferdinand Magellan," circa 1943

THF208758 / Lift Created for Franklin D. Roosevelt to Board the Presidential Railcar, "Ferdinand Magellan," circa 1943
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Artifact Overview

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was diagnosed with polio (later suggested to have been Guillain-Barre syndrome) in 1921 and experienced permanent paralysis in both legs. Though he tried to keep it private, Roosevelt used a wheelchair throughout his presidency (1933-1945). This lift allowed him to board the railcar Ferdinand Magellan, which was equipped for presidential use during World War II.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

circa 1943

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

2011.241.14.52

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Edward L. Gies in Memory of Morgan L. Gies.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Gelatin silver process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 9.938 in
Width: 8.125 in

Inscriptions

Type-written caption on back: This is the lift for President Roosevelt so he may board the Ferdinand Magellan, Roosevelt's personal railroad car. (Showing the lift closed) Handwritten: To be copied
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