Oct. 1, 1939: When President Franklin Roosevelt visited Pittsburgh in 1939, the entire world was riveted by events in Europe. World War II had been ongoing for one month and Americans were discussing the possibility of American involvement. The front pages of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette were devoted to reporting about the war.
FDR would return to Pittsburgh one year later, to campaign against GOP nominee Wendell Willkie. In the election, President Roosevelt became the first president to be elected to a third consecutive term, receiving 54.7% of the popular vote. The two-term limit for presidents was enacted into law in 1947.
Check out this fascinating YouTube video of FDR visiting Pittsburgh in 1940.
(Post-Gazette photo)
Order this photo at PG Store
