Support provided by:
The Case:
A young girl from Oregon finds a curious, yellowed circus program in her school’s drama closet that reads ”Official Program of Cobina Wright’s Society Circus for the benefit of the Boy Scout Foundation, Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt, President, Season 1933.”
The program seems to promote some kind of high society theme party at the opulent Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.
Who was Cobina Wright and what do the Boy Scouts, FDR and Cobina’s Circus -- with its lengthy “who’s-who” celebrity list have in common?
History Detectives explores New York City’s 1930s high society and illuminates a connection between FDR and the Boy Scouts that inspired one of the most popular and effective pieces of the President’s New Deal program.
Season 6, Episode 3
Season 9, Episode 11
Detective:
Gwen Wright
Location:Oregon and New York City
Related Content
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Universal Friends
What can this 200-year-old document reveal about the first American-born woman to lead a religious movement?
-
Also in Season 9
Modoc Basket
What tales does this basket weave of the heroism of an American-Indian woman?
-
Related Investigation
Fillmore Pardon
Did President Fillmore pardon a Native American convicted of murder?
-
Also in Season 9
Clara Barton Letter
What does this letter reveal about America's early efforts to honor its war dead?
-
Also in Season 6
Red Hand Flag
Is this peculiar flag one that African-American soldiers marched under in the war to end all wars?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Wartime Baseball
Is this baseball evidence of an unusual ballgame that took place during segregation?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have a Depression or World War II object? Submit your story now.
- Latest CommentDog war, world war 2, cat island, all these things are based on imagination and people just enjoys to read it. Anyways the concept is great. (12 hours ago)
- TwitterThe awesome professor we worked with today. @ Tisch School of the Arts - Tom Drysdale. Can't wait for this story! http://t.co/o7MjiSiM (2 months ago)
- FacebookOn my way to Italy in the morning for some business. I will have a day of rest in Milan. Will someone recommend the must see sights in Milan? -- Tukufu Zuberi (1 day ago)
Feature:
Technique:
Technique: