President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke in Marietta on July 8, 1938. He dedicated the “Start Westward” Memorial marking the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Northwest Territory in 1787 and settlement of Marietta, Ohio, in 1788. The Northwest Territory was the first territorial expansion of the United States beyond the original thirteen states. Marietta was the first settlement in this vast region which comprised five future states.

A presidential visit was a big deal for a small town. The Sesquicentennial — a six syllable mouthful meaning 150th — Celebration had been years in the planning. FDR’s visit was the pinnacle of many events from July 8-16, 1938. Those included a reenactment of the original settlers’ wagon trek and flatboat journey from Ipswich, MA to Marietta in 1788, an outdoor drama “Stars in the Flag,” an air show at the Marietta Municipal Airport (located near where Walmart is now), parades, speeches, and more.

The photo shows a ceremony inviting FDR to Marietta. The presenters, in costume, were two of the reenactors of the journey to Marietta. They were David Peterson of Chicago IL (a guy from Illinois? Yes, it was one of the states that originated from the Northwest Territory) and Monte Parr of Mingo Junction, OH. Imagine the excitement of those two being able to meet with the President of the United States in the Oval Office. The invitation was inscribed on a piece of the oak lumber being used to make flatboats for the trip. The President is holding it in the photo.

Much of this was effective public relations, probably orchestrated by our Congressional representatives, Congressman Robert Secrest and Senator Robert Bulkley. Both were Democrats; Bulkley was a personal friend of Roosevelt from Harvard. FDR credited those two with the invitation when he arrived. FDR accepted. He spoke in July, 1938, at Muskingum Park before thousands of people, creating lifetime memories for all.

Want to know what happened when FDR came to town? Scan the QR code.