Author: donnacornick

My Apple Quest.

After 2 years of research, I finally was successful in identifying the Apple varieties here with help from Clifford J. Laube Public Programs Specialist Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. 

1948 the apples trees within the orchard included Jonathan, Baldwin, Macintosh, Greening, and Northern Spy. Some of them may have been in decline, because the site managers sought the advice of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, who recommended Delicious and Greening as the hardiest apples to be used as replacements. Many of the trees in the orchard have been removed and replanted over the years. Currently 80 apple trees (Malus sp.) are in the orchard, approximately one-quarter then extant from the Late Roosevelt Ownership Period (figure 4.10).

As I mentioned, Donna, our guys now replace with Macintosh, so, based on the information above, I think it’s safe to say a majority of these trees today are:

Delicious, Greening and Macintosh

 So now You know and so do I.

Yesterday, I was part of a tour of Springwood for a group of school children.  It was great fun to see that energy and enthusiasm.

I also visited the Vanderbilt ground for a spectacular view of the Hudson

And time in President Roosevelt’s Office in the Library/Museum. Two fireside chats were delivered from here.

Also, the Library/Living room in Springwood.

Completely alone in  the Museum this morning, it was THE time to record this video.

April 13, 14, 15  1945.

Warm Springs, Ga, Washington, DC, Hyde Park,N.Y. 

Now that I figured out how to post videos, Please indulge me. I was advised not to move the camera too quickly. Hope this is an improvement.

What a day. Tours at Springwood were large. First one had max capacity of 50 and second had like 37. So difficult to talk loud enough and move them quickly to cover all that I need to cover. Lots of elderly folks who have hearings difficulties and mobility issues. A challenge for sure, but totally rewarding especially when you get good questions. One tired gal.

“I think it is q good time for a beer”

🍺

Woo-Hoo!! Finally figured out how to embed videos on blog.

Two videos on today’s blog. Success.

Morning Mist rising across Hudson Valley.

 

Morning walk ..listen carefully and hear the birds

Then usual ramble. The stable has initials JR, James Roosevelt, Franklin”s father

Sea Shell

I then met with Archives and gave them photos from funeral procession in DC, April 14, 1945.

Got my research card and did a little searching using the search engine, “Franklin”. They use a Novell network. Mercy!! I was researching “apples”, but no luck on identifying the variety but not giving up.

The librarian, Virginia, is learning to play 5-string banjo..strange connections

Spent 2 hours in the Museum doing docent duty.  Cheers 🍸

Oath of Office 1933 Inauguration

Afternoon treat

A clear, sunny morning of 50 degrees.

Perfect for outdoor church service at St. James Episcopal Church in Hyde Park.

Today was Blessing of the Animals, and I sat beside, Austin, Boston Terrier.

During the sermon, Austin fell asleep and snored….very loudly. We all got the church giggles. Not sure the priest knew what was so funny.

Beautiful afternoon. Dick, Linda and I went for lunch in Poughkeepsie at IceHouse restaurant located on the banks of the Hudson. Polenta and shrimp. Excellent

Looking up from the IceHouse you can see the Walkway over the Hudson.

Then to The Walkway. 212-ft.-high, 1.28-mi.-long pedestrian walkway created from a former railroad bridge. We walked the entire length and back.

Day ended at Hyde Park Brewery. Perfect ending to a fun day.

52 this morning and rain.   No morning walk unless it stops soon.

My “handle” according to Security here is

“D-Train”   🚄…….no explanation

Spent the entire day at Top Cottage, President Roosevelt’s retreat on Dutchess Hill. The NPS offers 3 tours daily, and I stayed for all 3 with Ranger Victor.

First  we took the Roosevelt Ride (bus) to  Poughkeepsie Train station to pick up folks coming up from NYC

It was such a pleasure to listen to Victor tell delightful stories about FDR and his cottage. Victor is a natural storyteller with infinite knowledge. I am in awe.

Tour groups stood inside in the living room to listen and ask questions.

And then outside to the porch which FDR really loved but it was 50 degrees today with strong wind, but we had to see the view.

Victor on Top Cottage porch. What an amazing storyteller. 

I got  a special  tour to see the caretaker’s quarters on the north end, and the spooky stairs down to basement. 

The house has none of the original furnishing and only the living room has any furniture and those pieces are reproductions. But FDR’s bathroom has the original fixtures. And being there all day, I did use the facilities.

Notice that the mirror is lower to accommodate his use from his wheelchair.

Notice that there are no grab bars along the tub

Top Cottage remains my favorite place on this entire site.  Simplicity and Serenity.

My birthday! 

 Cannot describe the joy of today..but will try. 🍸

This birthday wish was sent by dear friend, Windy..  Just very special 

Another perfect gift from dear friend..as I am a volunteering with the National Park Service. Thank you, Barb!

I just Love Smokey and will Resist 

ToDay is spectacular. In the 60s, sunny.

Began the day with long conversation with Candi,  about working at Campobello next year. She was really serious and so am I. We exchanged all contact info. and may do docent tour for those folks this afternoon.

Morning walk down drive and to Rose Garden where Paul, gardener,  was singing, “I would do anything for Love” …and I love being here..and Paul has a great voice.

Met Patrick, Archivist, who is working on a research project for Prof. Roger Lotchin, retired History Prof .from UNC, and I know Prof. Lotchin from my days at UNC. I am to go to Archives this afternoon and “may” help with this research. 

What can I say.

THIS PLACE DEFIES EXPLANATION….

Next Val-Kill to visit with TarHeel buddy,  Doris who was friend of ER. Singing the TarHeel fight song at ER’s home. Bet she would have joined in.

Then I decided to go on a hike.  Hyde Park. Trail. I tended to do Eleanor’s Loop, but as usual, I got lost and somehow ended up on Top  Cottage Trail which is a climb. Laurie, do not laugh. I WILL  eventually make that climb but not today 

Then to Museum to serve as a Docent for 2 hours.

Met with 2 Archivists, Patrick and Matt and Yes..they want FDR’s funeral procession in DC photos from April 14, 1945✔ So happy for Ann and her great uncle who took the photos. Here are 2 examples.

People gather on White House lawn around 5:00 on April 12, 1945 as the flag is lowered to half-staff as public learns of FDR’s passing.

 Funeral procession down Constitution Ave on way to White House, April 14,1945

In Archives, got to see the Arthur Schlesinger Research Room.  Will get credentials as researcher. And may get involved in project for Roger Lotchin, History Prof emeritus from UNC. Card catalog are ER’s records, day by day. 

Going to Birthday dinner with friends in Rhinebeck. 

Dear friends, Dick and Linda took me out for birthday dinner..fabulous meal

Perfect ending with a gin martini. FDR’s favorite. Cheers.

Morning ramble through Rose Garden.

More than roses here. Identify please.

At the head of the memorial  at grave site

Met Head Docent at FDR Presidential Library/Museum. Went 0n 1 1/2 hour tour.Got my credentials and ” reading material”. Basically  it is unstructured. I can go over when I want and leave when I want unless a special tour is assigned.

That will fit perfectly with NPS tours which are set.  Ideal arrangement for me.

We are talking “huge” manual.

FDR Presidential  Library and Museum.

The 1st Presidential Library, opening June 1941 and the Only library used by a President while still in office.

Morning ramble across FDR property in the rising fog.

Through Rose Garden

Kordes Perfecta ..pink-yellow hybrid tea

To Gingerbread  house for daily meeting and chat with Rangers

Next met 3 ladies who work at Campobello. They are here til Saturday. Asked me to come to Campo next summer and volunteer and they would put me up. Gave me their card and how to contact

Hmmmm?

Roosevelt “Cottage” at Campobello Island. New Brunswick Canada.

Contact Info if I go to Camp0

I gave my 2d tour of Springwood at 1:00 this afternoon. Had about 25 folks. I made sure to get them inside the house by 1:30 so that was right on time. Good group with questions. I think I did good, got nice complements.

Springwood is the home of FDR. 35 rooms, 9 bathroom, as designed be FDR in 1915.

We start tours of Springwood at this mosaic on the Wallace Visitors Center. Henry Wallace VP during 3rd term  and before that,  Sec. of Agriculture.

I was then back up for Ranger Bob at 2:30.

As backup for 2:30 tour. View from stairs leading to 2d floor of Springwood.

Hot day. It is 90 and part of the tour involves walking in the sun. Come on Fall…like tomorrow.

Hope to meet with Archives tomorrow.

As usual,  morning walk across grounds, about 1 mile total. 

Morning view of Hudson Valley as mist is rising.

Trip through Rose Garden at end of walk.

Trip on Roosevelt Ride (bus) from Hyde Park to Poughkeepsie to pick up folks coming up from NYC.

Up to Top Cottage with Ranger Bob.  We sat on the porch. There is something about that place where I find so much peace in its simplicity.

This is the “road” that FDR drove on from Val-Kill to Top Cottage. It is now a hiking trail..straight up hill to Dutchess Hill..steep climb. 

Ranger Bob decided to do a re-enactment where I played  James (one of FDR”s sons) and Bob played  FDR. I had to pull Bob out of the chair and then support him as he “walked”.  It was not easy, but  gave the folks a sense of what a struggle it was.

Bob on porch

Ranger Bob leading tour.

At 3:00 I lead my first tour of Springwood.  I asked Ranger Paul to shadow me and critique.  It went well but I ran over about 5 minutes.  It is soooo hard to condensed all of these significant facts. I gave myself  B+, Paul said, A-. He said you  got the facts. He said to edit and maybe drop the stop at the Library..just point it out.  Edit down. Very helpful and I so appreciated his review. A really good man.

Second tour tomorrow at 1:00.

I am exhilarated, exhausted and happy. 

Volunteer Ranger Donna  10-4