Rosy Ramblings

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

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.

———
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 🍺

Mrs Doris Mack. Volunteer at Val-Kill and knew Mrs. Roosevelt personally. Doris is 95 and originally from Durham NC. We had an immediate connection. Her husband played in The Navy Band (saxophone) during WWII. In 1947, they moved to Hyde Park and he earned a Ph.D in Social Work at Bard.

She is a Treasure and can tell some stories. She goes to St. James Episcopal Church and if she wants to go next Sunday I will call and take her..

Talk about living history..a beautiful lady.

This photo taken today shows her hand with photo of herself and Mrs. Roosevelt.

Article in WSJ about Doris’ service at Val-Kill. 2011.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303812104576439973812108398

A Very Special meeting and just another incredible day 

Stay tuned for Part 3

Morning walk down driveway sites.

Fall is coming

How did these hay rolls congregate overnight? Were spread out yesterday

Paul. Gardener in Grave site rose garden.

Nice chat who told me that only Jan and Feb were really “winter”. He once was groundskeeper at a golf course.  Good guy. 

Multitude of geese..love the apples..careful where you walk.

Roosevelt Ride. Pick up folks who come up on train from NYC

Sorry if I sound like a broken record but it is true that each day is wondrous.

Started Sunday at the 10:00 service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Hyde Park. The Roosevelt family were members and FDR served as Senior Warden.

Rev. Chuck Kramer..so welcoming to me..had once served in Morgsnton,NC.  Really inspiring vocalist.

 

 

 After church I had a nice chat with the Rev. and a young woman who is a history professor at Bard College. I hope to attend each Sunday. Very welcoming.  Felt right at home.

Next I visited the church cemetery where several Roosevelt family members are buried. James and Rebecca Roosevelt (James first wife) and Sara Roosevelt (James 2d wife) and mother of FDR. Several of their 6 children are buried there including. Anna, John, FDR Junior.

Then lunch at great cafe called Cranberry.

Then real estate shopping. 😊

Off To Hyde Park Railroad Depot. Saw Amtrak train roll by. This route was used  by Abraham Lincoln on his way to his Inaugration and also his funeral train.

Also used by FDR, George VI.

Dinsmore Golf Course. I did not play, but maybe later.

Afternoon walk down FOR driveway. It is 90 here today

Another fantastic and very full day which began with touring the temporary exhibit of Photos by Dorthea  Lange and Ansel Adams of Japanese Interment in thr FDR museum.The exhibit is very moving and recognizes a dark, unjust time in our history.   Took so many photos that can’t seem to load here. Will try Facebook. Posted to FB.

Then spent about 1 hour in the museum.  Most moving part to me is in the lower level where FDR’s actual desk and chair used at the White House are located. The arms of the chair are so worn due to his efforts to lift himself from the chair. Photos on FB.

Leaving the museum, one of the Rangers asked me if I wanted to ride up to Top Cottage and see how that tour goes. Oh yes, and rode the bus to TC. Posted to FB

I next drove to Rhinebeck and spent the afternoon with dear  friends, Dick and Linda. We visited and had mindful conversation about history, politics,  travel, what to do in Hudson Valley. Made plans to get together on Sept 29 to celebrate my birthday.

I took a huge number of photos today (over 400) that will not load to the blog. Kinda frustrating .

Finally was able to add some photos..she persisted