Franklin Delano Roosevelt Was The Most Amazing Philatelist Of All Time Part II of II

In continuation from the post on Wednesday.

In the late summer of 1921, Roosevelt contracted infantile paralysis (polio), after visiting Boy Scout Camp. This debilitating disease struck him very hard. He was in constant pain and he was told that he would likely never be able to walk again. In an effort to keep his mind stimulated and provide mental diversion, he turned his attention to his vast stamp collection. Franklin Roosevelt has stated many times when asked about his favorite hobby, “I owe my life to my hobbies, especially stamp collecting.” Roosevelt felt that his love of stamp collecting helped him
return to a normal life.

FDR served as a New York State Senator and then Undersecretary of the Navy before his illness. By 1928 he was elected Governor of the state of New York. It was at this time that he became a life member of the American Philatelic Society. A mere four years later he was elected President of the United States. FDR’s fame as a stamp collector was known throughout the world. During his presidency, stamp collecting became the most popular hobby worldwide.

Amazingly enough, while President, Roosevelt either held influence or designed every stamp issued by the United States.

On the morning of April 12, 1945, Roosevelt approved the design for the new “Toward United Nations” commemorative stamp while visiting his retreat at the Little White House in Georgia. He then went and spent some time with his stamp collection. A short time later, Roosevelt collapsed and died of a massive cerebral hemorrhage while posing for a portrait.

By all accounts Franklin Delano Roosevelt was an amazing American Philatelist!