FDR: The Man, The Myth, The Blanket Fort Builder

“Franklin Delano Roosevelt” may be a mouthful of a name, but to Americans in the 1930s and 40s, it was synonymous with leadership, charisma, and a really cool wheelchair.

Born into wealth and privilege, FDR overcame a debilitating illness to become the 32nd President of the United States. His New Deal policies pulled America out of the Great Depression and his leadership in World War II helped defeat the Axis powers. But there’s more to FDR than just politics and historical achievements.

First and foremost, FDR was a master blanket fort builder. Yes, you read that right. When he wasn’t busy running the country, he was busy building elaborate blanket forts in the Oval Office. Rumor has it that the Churchill-Roosevelt relationship was strained not because of their differing political ideologies, but because Churchill was a fort purist and FDR preferred to incorporate throw pillows.

FDR was also a big fan of hot dogs. So much so that he would serve them to foreign dignitaries visiting the White House, overlooking the fact that hot dogs are not exactly the most sophisticated of foods. But hey, when you’re President, you can eat whatever you want.

In addition to his blanket fort and hot dog obsessions, FDR was also a skilled impressionist. He would often entertain guests by impersonating famous figures like Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin. His impression of Chaplin was so spot-on that many people thought he was actually Charlie Chaplin in disguise.

Finally, FDR was a bit of a joker. He loved to prank his staff, often swapping out their office chairs for whoopee cushions or pretending to be a telemarketer and calling them during work hours. Some say this was simply a way for him to relieve stress, but we like to think he just had a really good sense of humor.

Overall, FDR was a complex, multi-faceted individual. He was a great leader, a brilliant mind, and a damn good blanket fort builder. And for that, we will always be grateful.