Went back to Top Cottage..my 5th trip so far to my favorite site. Took the Roosevelt Ride today, no hike.
My friends, Dick and Linda, went along. It was their first time and it was really fun. Our Ranger was Victor, who is a marvelous storyteller. Stories about deer tracks, Camel cigarettes, grave digging. Too funny and too long to write about, but be happy to tell, when I see you.
Then to lunch at Nic L Inn in Poughkeepsie, right on the banks of the Hudson
A gorgeous day, sunny, warm.
Even the multitude of geese were relaxing and feasting on apples in FDR’s front yard.
I hiked from Val-Kill to the top of Dutchess Hill to Top Cottage. It is about only 1 mile, but near the top, it becomes very steep..almost 45 degrees. No wonder the Queen was terrified.
But I had my hiking stick and was off.
Nicely marked trail. Tulip Poplar was FDR’s favorite tree.
Such a lovely, peaceful view.
Can you guess what that is on the table next to the sofa?
Afternoon on the porch
Chilly day..at last!! 49 degrees this morning. Beautiful blue sky!
Every morning, as I begin my day, walking up and down the driveway from Springwood, I am reminded to be thankful for that ability.
Bench along driveway. Sit in the warm sun.
Peaceful morning videos
At ER’s grave, the morning after the Memorial service.
For my book group friends, since I have been chosen to lead a discussion of a book about Frances Perkins, I spent some time in the FDR Archives this morning looking at her collection. It is a very small collection as most of her papers are at Columbia.
Only 2 photos are here.
1935 signing of Social Security Act.
Jan. 1931. 1931 Eleanor Roosevelt has tea with the Chautaugua Women’s Club with Mrs Percy Pennypacker (chapter president) and Frances Perkins (State Industrial Commissioner) in New York City
Also I found this document.
Report to the President on Ten Years• Achievements in Labor and Social Improvements -Dec. 31, 1943.
“In the period 1933-43 the Government of the United States of America during your Presidency has constantly sought to improve the lot of the working man, his wife and his children, and has related to it publio welfare ot all the people of the United States.”
The report is 55 pages and, no I did not read it, but did download, if I ever so desire. 😊
It was a busy day today, leading tours and backing up other tours. My 2:00 was a motor coach. Very nice group from Wisconsin…had 50 folks…not easy but I was ready for them 👍
Never know who you will run into. Former Governor of NC, Jim Hunt and his wife, Carolyn. They were part of a river cruise up the Hudson. Just way cool!
Looking directly into sun..squint
I LOVE giving tours, answering questions, recommending books. Got nice applause after tours today. I am getting better.
But it is SO HARD to cover what I want to say in 1 hour. I need at least 1 week. 😊
Later this evening I had the pleasure of meeting 3 couples staying at the motel. All in their 80s and meet annually for a reunion. From Boston, Cape Cod, and DC. They were all sitting in the lobby, drinking wine, so ,of course, I wandered over and said, this looks like a group I need get to know. No shyness here. They invited me to join them, shared their wine and we had a delightful discussion of FDR, WWII, Japan, George Marshall, Truman, Wallace, Byrnes, etc. We will gather again tomorrow after ER’s birthday party to enjoy more wine and conversations..The Children’s Hour, 🍸
A very rainy morning and was off and on all day. Good day to be a docent..inside!
Guess a lot of other folks wanted to be indoors. The place was packed.
We had 3 docents on duty to handle the number of folks visiting.
So I spent a good deal of time today in the part of the Museum that presents information on FDR’s disability.
Folks seem to have a great interest in that aspect of his life and asked many questions.
On recommendation from one of the Park Rangers, I had been reading The Man He Became by James Tobin. The book discusses FDR’s battle with polio and the impact it had on his life, career and ultimately our American history.
What follows is a very brief summary with photos.
At the age of 39, 1921, while vacationing with family at their home in Campobello, FDR first fell ill and became paralyzed, first in his legs and then the paraylsis spread upward to his neck. and shoulders.
Home in Campobello
View from his bedroom in Campobello
For the next 7 years, FDR’s focus was on rehabilitation. First in the hospital in NYC, then in the townhouse in the city, at Hyde Park, in Florida, and Warm Springs, Ga.
On houseboat in Florida
Warm Springs Ga.
He realized that if he was to ever going to “run” for political office, he had to appear to be able to walk. This illusion was accomplished by using 14 lb. braces, a cane and a strong arm to grasp and steady him.
Ultimately, he developed a 2-point walk, using his shoulders to move forward with his hips and legs following. It was dangerous, painful, slow, and only could be endured for short distances. But it worked…and he was back!
Of the 130,000 total photos of FDR, only 4 show him in his wheelchair
Docent in Museum this morning and focused on exhibit on early life. Then hiked on Eleanor’s Loop at Val-Kill, and ended with presentation by Peter Baker of N.Y. Times on new book, Obama: The Call of History. Such a wonderful day.
Eleanor’engagement ring from Tiffanys
Start of political career, 1910
With 5 children..Anna, James,Eliot, Franklin Jr., John
Then a successful hike at Val-Kill on Eleanor’s Loop. I did not get lost. Next Friday is hike up to Top Cottage..supposed to be very steep near the top.
This afternoon attended presentation by Peter Baker, Chief White House Correspondent for The New York Times and author of,
Obama: The Call of History.
With Paul Sparrow, Director of FDR Presidential Library and Museum.
Rosy Ramblings 