Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

The White House Desk

Thumbnail of FDR's chair at the desk.The desk used by Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Oval Office of the White House throughout his presidency is displayed on the main floor of the museum. The desk was originally presented to President Hoover in 1930 by the Furniture Manufacturers Association of Grand Rapids, Michigan. FDR never bothered to replace it after he took office in 1933. The clutter of gifts and mementos displayed on the desk are arranged in a similar manner as when he last visited the Oval Office on March 29 , 1945. The desk also contains photographs of FDR's four sons in their military uniforms. The desk is made entirely of American wood, with the exterior pieces being made of Michigan maple.

View Slide Show
of the White House Desk

FDR's Desk that was in the Oval Office

 

Cigarettes on desk are Camels.

Books on desk:

  • The World Almanac and Book of Facts 1945
  • Register of Commissioned and Warrant officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, July 1, 1942.
  • Official Congressional Directory, 79th Congress
  • The Story of the Constitution by Sol Bloom.
  • Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases, 1937.
  • Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases, 1872.
  • Senate Manual containing the standing Rules and Orders of the United States Senate.