Ramblings, Sept 19

 

My morning routine is now to walk down driveway and back. Between walking across grounds to driveway and back is about 1 mile.

Trees that line the drive are a mix of new and old. FDR stated in his will that every tree that dies or is in jeopardy must be replaced  with a new tree. When he came home to vote, his stated that his occupation was tree farmer. A true conservationist.

 

Today was a backup for 2 tours. Looks like my schedule will be Tues and Wed afternoon to lead tours at Springwood. Other tours possibly.

They were short staffed today so I really was needed.

On the first tour, an elderly lady collapsed when we were in Springwood.  Paul, Ranger, called 911, and she was transported  to a hospital. That was upsetting and scary. Lots of elderly on these tours.

I spent tla lot of time on the 2d floor of Springwood where the bedrooms are located and explained who slept where. Churchill, George VI, Queen Mum all stayed there. There is the birth room, FDR’s boyhood room, a suite with FDR’s bedroom,  ER”s bedroom, and Sara’s bedroom…all with connecting  doors!

The beds, furniture, rugs, lamps, are all original and remain as they were on March 29, 1945 which was last time FDR was there.

Paul also took me on a tour of parts of the house not open to the public. Saw FDR’s office, secretary’s office, kitchen, servant’ s quarters, bedrooms of servants, chamber pots used in early days, etc. In FDR’s office is a Christmas card from King George and wife. They are standing in front of a building in London destroyed during the Blitzkrieg..wow

After, I the tours, I walked through stables to see stalls. One stall was New Deal.

Then on my way back I rambled through the Rose Garden. The sundial are where Fala (Scottie, 1952) and Chief (German Shepherd, 1933) are buried.

Another busy, beautiful day.