Most people know that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the only U.S. President who served more than two terms. And that he was in office for most of the Great Depression—and later, World War II. His New Deal Coalition, fireside chats, and the paralysis that restricted his movement are just as famous as the lasting quote from his first inaugural address: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Here are some other Franklin Delano Roosevelt facts they might not have covered in your history classes.
1. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was an avid collector.
Born on January 30, 1882, Roosevelt had a life-long love affair with postage stamps. He started collecting them as a child and later attended stamp shows, bought rarities from stamp dealers, and joined stamp clubs. He even designed a few stamps himself. “I owe my life to my hobbies—especially stamp collecting,” FDR once remarked.
Ornithology—and collecting birds—was another passion of his. Young Roosevelt received a BB gun on his 11th birthday. He then shot, stuffed, and mounted birds of about 300 different species in his native Dutchess County, New York. FDR also loved to go birdwatching, even while president.
2. Franklin Delano Roosevelt could have run on the same ticket as Herbert Hoover.
Roosevelt took part in the 1920 Presidential Election, running as James M. Cox’s vice presidential candidate on the Democratic ticket. They were roundly beaten by Republican nominee
