Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies Inaugural Web Site. January 20, 2009; Printed from inaugural.senate.gov.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1937

Vice President John Nance Garner
Inauguration Date Wednesday, January 20, 1937
Location East Portico, U.S. Capitol
Oath Administered By: Charles E. Hughes, Chief Justice
Bible Used: Same family Bible used for his 1933 Inauguration, open to I Corinthians 13
Length of Inaugural Address: 1,808 words
Attire (what the president wore): Morning coat and striped trousers
Weather: Cold with heavy rains. Between 11 am and 1 pm, 0.69 inches of rain fell. Some sleet and freezing rain fell in the morning. Estimated noon temperature of 33°F.
Precedents, "firsts" or other interesting information:
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first President Inaugurated on January 20, a change made by the 20th Amendment to the Constitution.
  • This was also the first time the Vice President was Inaugurated outdoors on the same platform as the President.
Luncheon: The President and First Lady hosted around 600 guests for a buffet luncheon at the White House in the state dining room and East Room. They served hot coffee, sandwiches, and cake.

Library of Congress

Franklin D. Roosevelt delivering his inaugural address, January 20, 1937.