Ramblings Sept 25 Part 3. Val-Kill

After talking to Doris, see part 2..I went to tour Val-Kill, and Stone Cottage. Eleanor’s cottages.

This is Stone Cottage, built in 1926.

 Val-Kill Cottage ( Kill is Dutch for stream) began as a  furniture factory in 1926, but closed in 1936. Even the First Lady’s business could not survive the Great Depression.

Val-Kill became Eleanor’s main home after FDR died. The photos are from inside Val-Kill Cottage 

The front door is at the back of the home.

Living room

One of several bedrooms

Photos in her bedroom 

Sleeping porch which ER loved

Dining  room

2d living room 

Where she met with JFK and he asked for her endorsement when he was running for President in 1960

Eleanor was a knitter. Her basket and needles 

Eleanor with her father, Eliot, and 2 brothers 

Swimming pool used by family and friends. ER, FDR, George VI, etc.

Val-Kill is very cosy, warm, inviting. Very unpretentious .. This was the place where the family gatheted for picnics, swims, hikes…..and Eleanor’s refuge.

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Next stop–views of the Hudson from a state park at Staatsburg. 

Anothet hot day here 

Ended day at Hyde Park Brewery..with burger comes free beer 🍺