FDR Memorial: Wheelchair, Bread Line, Fala

Washington, DC

FDR's little Scottie dog Fala is reproduced sheepdog-size at the FDR Memorial which opened in 1997. The heroic-size bronze sculptures of the President and his dog are designed to be touched, but shiny spots on the statues reveal that people are far more willing to grab FDR's extended finger or rub his knee than cuddle with a canine that may be too big to be cute.

By far the most popular photo-op spot at the memorial is its life-size bronze bread line of Great Depression men. Tourists pose at either the front or end of the line, their shoulders slumped, trying to look equally downtrodden. Or trying to cheer up the bread line, or push it over like dominoes. The sculpture probably wasn't designed to encourage this kind of behavior, but as a photo-op it seems to be irresistible.