1937 Joint Resolution Expressing Gratitude to FDR

In 1936 a devastating tornado struck Gainesville, Georgia, destroying the courthosue square. FDR visited the city and ensured them that Federal aid would be available to hel them rebuild. The new courthouse square was named in honor of Roosevelt.

The Resolution reads:

JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS: On April 6, 1936, the City of Gainesville, Georgia, suffered tremendous loss of life and property by reason of a tornado, and

WHEREAS: On April 9, 1936, the President of the United States of America, Franklin D. Roosevelt, visited this stricken community and set in motion the great powers of the government in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of our homes and property, and

WHEREAS: The citizens of Gainesville and Hall County desire to permanently and properly express their gratitude to Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States, and all the agencies under his direction for the aid and assistance in the reconstruction of this community.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: By the Board of Commissioners of Roads and Revenues of hall County and the Commission of the City of Gainesville in joint meeting assembled this first day of September, 1937, that a suitable memorial be erected on the court house grounds, within the City of Gainesville, memorializing the visit of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and that sufficient funds be and are hereby appropriated for the consummation of this purpose.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Hall Square and the Hall County Court House Square be and are hereby dedicated, and are to be known forever as “Roosevelt Squares” in honor of Franklin d. Roosevelt as a tribute from a loving people to a great leader, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That these Resolutions be spread upon the official records of both the City and the County, and be engraven on a suitable and imperishable tablet and placed on the aforesaid memorial.

BOARD OF COMMMISSIONERS OF ROADS AND REVNEUE

HALL COUNTY , GEORGIA

W. Frank Peck, Chairman

R.G. McConnell, W.N. Lott

COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE , GEORGIA

H.L. Gaines, Mayor

A.W. Bell, Pierpont Brown