Wheelchair Lift, Lowered, on the Presidential Rail Car, "Ferdinand Magellan," circa 1943
Add to SetSummary
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.
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
Photographic print
Subject Date
circa 1943
Collection Title
On Exhibit
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
2011.241.14.53
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: 10 in
Width: 8.063 in
Inscriptions
Type-written caption on back: Showing the lift down with the ramp extended. Handwritten: To be copied
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