Collecting Lincoln
Franklin D. Roosevelt was a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln. He often cited the sixteenth President in speeches, evoked his image in campaign material, and collected or received over 100 pieces of Lincoln related ephemera.
Shown here is a photograph of Lincoln pieces given to FDR in 1942 by historian John E. Washington.
Fixed to the photo is a small “Lock of hair removed from Pres. Lincoln’s head by Wm. Slade his messenger while preparing the body for burial,” and a small “Piece of dress worn by Mrs. Lincoln the night of the assassination showing blood of Pres. Lincoln. Given by Mrs. Slade to her cousin Mrs. Brooks.”
The FDR Library’s Museum has several pieces related to Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt. On the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, you can see many of them here.
-from the FDR Library
