The Origin of ‘March of Dimes’ and Its Impact

The name 'March of Dimes' is a reflection of the idea of people donating small amounts of money, particularly during a time of financial hardship for many Americans. This campaign encouraged individuals to make a significant contribution to a larger cause by donating dimes. The campaign was instrumental in raising funds to fight against infantile paralysis, known as polio, at a time when it was a significant public health concern.

Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Founding of the Campaign

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR), who himself had battled polio, played a crucial role in founding the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which launched the first 'March of Dimes' campaign. This campaign encouraged people to send dimes to the White House during FDR's birthday week to support the fight against polio.

The Coined Name

The name 'March of Dimes' was not an immediate hit but was eventually popularized by a Jewish comedian, song/dance man, and radio personality, Eddie Cantor. Cantor picked up the term from the title of a newsreel series produced by Time Magazine starting in 1935, called 'The March of Time.'

The First 'March of Dimes' Campaign

The original 'March of Dimes' campaign began in 1938 and ran for a week before FDR's birthday. People were encouraged to send a dime to the White House on a card or in an envelope. This effort lead to a significant response, with the White House receiving 85 thousand dollars in dimes, which would be the equivalent of over 5 billion dimes by today's standards. Movie studios, cabarets, and nightclubs also contributed by producing special features and performances, with a portion of the proceeds going towards fighting polio.

The Growth and Impact of 'March of Dimes'

As the 'March of Dimes' campaign grew in popularity, it became synonymous with the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The entertainment industry played a significant role in promoting the campaign, with contributions being solicited on the radio and at movie theaters. This campaign was groundbreaking and contributed to the eventual worldwide efforts to conquer polio, led by Drs. Jonas Salk, Albert Sabin, and Hilary Koprowski, among others.

Conclusion

The 'March of Dimes' campaign not only raised funds for fighting polio but also became a symbol of community efforts and the power of small contributions in a large cause. In 1946, a newly redesigned dime was minted with FDR's profile on the front to commemorate the campaign.

To understand more about the incredible journey of fighting polio, you can read David Oshinsky's wonderful and thrilling book, 'Polio.'