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| 1933 Century of Progress Exposition Documents |
Mrs. Roosevelt Smile Conquers Throng at Fair
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| By Kay Hall.
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Source: Chicago Daily Times, 31 October 1933, pg. 3.
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That indefatigable first lady of the republic, Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, today rubbed elbows with Chicagoans and world's fair visitors and came smiling through another strenuous session of being honor guest.
Her face illuminated once again by the brilliant Roosevelt smile—she dropped it most of yesterday to talk seriously about the needs of hungry people—she came and conquered the thousands at A Century of Progress.
"Why, look, that's the same dress she had on in the pictures the other day," women whispered to each other with democratic pleasure. It was the same dress she wore yesterday and it was a little wrinkled. Something about that endeared her to the women who organized to go to the fair today on tribute to the first lady.
Many Cheer Arrival
There were almost 25,000 people on the grounds when she reached the 14th st. gate a few minutes before noon and a good number of them were in the Court of Honor to cheer her arrival.
There she was met by Rufus C. Dawes, president of the exposition; Mrs. Dawes, Chief of Protocol U. Grant-Smith, and Maj. E. J. Carr. Detachments from the 6th infantry, the 14th cavalry and the 3d artillery passed in a colorful ceremony while Mrs. Roosevelt stood at attention and the thousands of spectators bared their heads at the presentation of colors.
"Look over this way, Mrs. Roosevelt, the women want to see you," shouted a male voice, buried in the roped-off crowd of women. She turned and waved, in just plain friendly fashion, "with no airs," as one woman remarked.
Visits Hall of Social Science
Escorted by a score of Chicago's most distinguished men and women, mostly women, she visited the trustees' lounge and signed the register for distinguished guests. She expressed a wish to crowd in a trip to the Hall of Social Science on Northerly island, and passed 15 minutes there before going to the luncheon arranged for her at the Federal building.
More than 400 women attended the luncheon. Mrs. Roosevelt finished her meal a little early and Mrs. Dawes rose and asked that Mrs. Roosevelt be excused for a few moments. Slim Williams, Alaska sour-dough who traveled 4,600 miles with his dog team to the fair, wanted the first lady to see his dogs. Mrs. Roosevelt went over to Slim's near-by shanty, shook hands with him and petted his dogs. She and Slim began comparing notes about dogs. Reluctantly she turned to leave.
"Come See Us Sometime"
"Come to see us sometime at the White HOuse and look our dogs over," she invited him.
"I sure will," said Slim.
Following the luncheon, the party attended a choral program in the Court of States and then drove to the Hall of Science where they witnessed a pageant depicting American womanhood. Favored by the sunshine and balmy weather, people packed the Court of Honor for Mrs. Roosevelt's address, a message to the women of the nation, at 3:15 p.m.
The remainder of her program, until she leaves on a 9 o'clock train, was a reception at the Illinois Host house and a banquet given by the Business and Professional Women's club at the Palmer House.
Mrs. Roosevelt was up early at [pg. 4] the Congress, breakfasted and left in the auto of Mrs. Joseph M. Cudahy to visit a display of furniture at Marshall Field & Co. The furniture was made at a New York charitable institution in which the first lady is interested.
They returned to the hotel and a short time later Mrs. Roosevelt announced she would pay a surprise visit to the Art institute. Accompanying her were Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey McCormick, Mr. and Mrs. Potter Palmer and Mrs. R. R. McCormick. Daniel C. Rich, assistant director, conducted Mrs. Roosevelt through the exhibit rooms and discussed the pictures with her. She was at the institute only 10 minutes. Then Mrs. Roosevelt went to the fair.
[End of news article]
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Page compiled: 14 January 2006
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