This Day in History: 1937-01-30

Ferncroft on Franklin Turnpike in Ramsey was the locale of the annual President’s Birthday Ball to raise money to treat sufferers from Infantile Paralysis, now called polio.  This was one of 6,000 such balls held throughout the nation.  At 11:00 PM the dancing was halted so that President Roosevelt’s radio message could be heard.  Over 300 attended the affair and $165 was raised.  70% of the money was to be used locally and 30% was to be given as a present to the Warm Spring Foundation by President Roosevelt, himself a sufferer from the disease.

(Bristow)