Today in Wheeling History: October 19--Franklin D. Roosevelt, then a presidential candidate, visited Wheeling (1932).
On October 19, 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt, then the Governor of New York and Democratic presidential candidate, visited Wheeling, West Virginia, during his campaign. Roosevelt addressed a crowd of approximately 10,000 people at Wheeling Island Stadium. His visit was part of a broader campaign tour aimed at garnering support in key states. During his speech, Roosevelt criticized the Republican administration for the economic hardships faced by many Americans during the Great Depression. One of the most memorable moments of his visit was when he shook hands with Tony Fiorino, a coal miner from Elm Grove. This photograph became one of the iconic images of the Depression era, symbolizing Roosevelt's connection with the working class. Roosevelt's visit to Wheeling was significant as it highlighted his commitment to addressing the concerns of ordinary Americans and his vision for economic recovery. His campaign's emphasis on hope and change resonated with many voters, contributing to his eventual victory in the 1932 presidential election. Roosevelt's policies and leadership during his presidency would later play a crucial role in guiding the nation through the Great Depression and World War II.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/zxzBf) (https://shorturl.at/XTRwY) (https://shorturl.at/qOJ64); Wheeling Intelligencer (https://shorturl.at/7znbp) (https://shorturl.at/M91iZ)
Photo credits: FDR Presidential Library and Museum
On October 19, 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt, then the Governor of New York and Democratic presidential candidate, visited Wheeling, West Virginia, during his campaign. Roosevelt addressed a crowd of approximately 10,000 people at Wheeling Island Stadium. His visit was part of a broader campaign tour aimed at garnering support in key states. During his speech, Roosevelt criticized the Republican administration for the economic hardships faced by many Americans during the Great Depression. One of the most memorable moments of his visit was when he shook hands with Tony Fiorino, a coal miner from Elm Grove. This photograph became one of the iconic images of the Depression era, symbolizing Roosevelt's connection with the working class. Roosevelt's visit to Wheeling was significant as it highlighted his commitment to addressing the concerns of ordinary Americans and his vision for economic recovery. His campaign's emphasis on hope and change resonated with many voters, contributing to his eventual victory in the 1932 presidential election. Roosevelt's policies and leadership during his presidency would later play a crucial role in guiding the nation through the Great Depression and World War II.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/zxzBf) (https://shorturl.at/XTRwY) (https://shorturl.at/qOJ64); Wheeling Intelligencer (https://shorturl.at/7znbp) (https://shorturl.at/M91iZ)
Photo credits: FDR Presidential Library and Museum
RSS Feed
