March of Dimes Campaigns, 1938-1940s

In 2005, historian Karen L. Wellner explained that: “The March of Dimes's successful poster campaigns of the 1950s made use of clean and wholesome children in braces to drive home the point: polio must be stopped, and it would be done so with public support. The same citizenry that had been called upon to pitch in to help win World War Ⅱ would be called upon again, only this time the enemy was polio.”[3]

Along with these posters, Eddie Cantor spoke on the radio to promote the NFIL and “urged Americans to send their loose change to President Roosevelt in ‘a march of dimes to reach all the way to the White House.’”[4] On January 29, 1938, the White House had received letters from both adults and children that contained approximately $268,000 worth of dimes.[5] Between 1938 to 1945, the March of Dimes campaigns raised 18.9 million dollars in donations.[6]

Idaho’s Response to the Campaigns

Idaho was quick to inform its citizens on the efforts made by President Roosevelt in regards to the polio epidemic. January 6, 1938, marks an early reference to the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis in any Idaho state newspaper. The Rigby Star announced on the front page that day that all of the funds received from the President’s Ball would be given to the NFIP.[7] It also advised readers that this would be the best way to assist their communities, and other communities around the United States, in fighting the spread of polio.[8]

Counties in Idaho immediately began creating various fundraising events for the March of Dimes and continued these events into the late 1940s. On January 22, 1948, the Salmon Recorder Herald advertised six fundraising dances, three of which were scheduled for that weekend.[9] The director of ticket sales in Salmon, Mrs. Jack McKinney, reported that the town raised $140 from ticket sales within the first week.[10] However, dances were not the only fundraising events that were underway in Lemhi county. Schools were setting goals for full dime catcher cards and drive-in theaters were set to begin their own fundraising events.[11] It was reported that Mr. Herndon, co-chairman of the March of Dimes, stated, “Reports from chairmen of various committees indicate the public is keenly aware of the vital need for funds to push the fight on infantile paralysis not only in this county but nationally.”[12] This statement from Mr. Herndon truly reflects the strong efforts made by all Idaho communities to raise funds throughout the polio epidemic.

Mackenzie Cooper, June 2021

Footnotes:

[1] David Rose, “A History of the March of Dimes.” March of Dimes (August 26, 2010).

[2] March of Dimes. “Origin of Our Name.” (n.d.).

[3] Karen L. Wellner, "Polio and Historical Inquiry." OAH Magazine of History (September 2005), 54-58.

[4] Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. “FDR’s Birthday.” National Archives, (n.d.).

[5] March of Dimes, “Origin of Our Name.”

[6] Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, “FDR’s Birthday.”

[7] “Interest Manifested in Birthday Ball,” Rigby Star, January 6, 1938, 1.

[8] “Interest Manifested in Birthday Ball,” Rigby Star, January 6, 1938, 1.

[9] “Six Dances Slated as March of Dimes Gets Underway Here,” Salmon Recorder Herald, January 22, 1948, 1.

[10] “Six Dances Slated as March of Dimes Gets Underway Here,” Salmon Recorder Herald, January 22, 1948, 1.

[11] “Six Dances Slated as March of Dimes Gets Underway Here,” Salmon Recorder Herald, January 22, 1948, 1.

[12] “Six Dances Slated as March of Dimes Gets Underway Here,” Salmon Recorder Herald, January 22, 1948, 1.