Roosevelt, New Jersey: Colossal Head of FDR
Roosevelt (the town) was created during the Depression as a farm community for unemployed New York City garment workers. They showed their appreciation by erecting a big FDR head.
- Address:
- 12 N. Rochdale Ave., Roosevelt, NJ
- Directions:
- In town, on the west side of Rochdale Ave., back in the trees and facing north. Park at the post office, walk across the street and into the park, and turn left.
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Colossal Head of FDR
Rebuilt, nice bricked amphitheater seating area. Peaceful.
[Kathy, 06/12/2021]I visited the bust today. It appears to be in good condition, but the same can't be said about the amphitheater. Many of the houses in the town are flat roof, one-story structures that appear to be 1930s vintage.
[Vince, 02/24/2012]Franklin Roosevelt Statue
The base of the Roosevelt statue appears to be coming apart at the seams. The inscription says "Franklin Delano Roosevelt In Homage." The bust is the focal point of a small amphitheater. I agree with a previous post -- it's a little creepy.
[John Reidy, 04/30/2010]This very small New Jersey country town apparently changed its name to honor FDR back in the 50s. Whilst rambling one Saturday, I stumbled onto this huge bust of FDR in a small park along the main street. It is bizarre and I'm sure very eerie at night. That was in 1986 and I guess it is still there.
[Kenny Rouh, 07/18/2003]"Jersey Homesteads" was actually a town founded for Jewish garment workers in 1937 as an experiment in collective farming and manufacturing. Its name was changed to "Roosevelt" in 1945, and the big FDR head was dedicated by former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1962.
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October 2010: The pedestal, inscription, and bust have all been cleaned and restored in advance of the big head's 50th birthday.