Franklin Roosevelt’s harsher critics sometimes compared him to a
dictator. In 1934, the President and his staff turned this criticism
into a lighthearted joke at FDR’s 52nd birthday party.
The party was held on January 30, 1934, at the White House by members
of the Cuff Links Gang, a group of longtime political advisers and
friends who joined Roosevelt every year for his birthday. The 1934 party
had a “Caesarian” theme, with guests wearing togas and centurion
costumes. Marion Dickerman, a friend of the Roosevelts, wore the muslin
toga costume seen above to the party. In the photo, FDR, as “Caesar,” is
surrounded by friends, family members, and close advisers, including
Eleanor Roosevelt (as the “Delphic Oracle”). Dickerman is standing at
the far right, wearing the toga. Just below her is Louis Howe, FDR’s
longtime political adviser, dressed as a member of the Praetorian Guard.
