FDR Park

This guide to FDR Park in Philadelphia begins at a cornerstone laid in the summer of 1926 by a visiting Swedish prince, for a fair built on reclaimed swampland to mark the sesquicentennial of the Declaration of Independence. It follows Congressman William Vare, the political boss who pushed the exposition out to South Philadelphia, and the mud, rain, and shortfalls that dogged it from opening day. Rain fell on more than half the days the gates were open, and roofs leaked while sidewalks stayed half paved.