Rosy Ramblings

The name, Roosevelt, is Dutch and means “from the rose fields”. This field of roses was Sara Roosevelt’s, FDR’s mother. In his Will, FDR requested to be buried in this garden. His grave, with the flag, is in front of the monument. Some photos of the roses.

By 10:15 and I had walked the grounds; met with Park Rangers as they raised the flags at Springwood; agreed to do afternoon tours; met with Cliff (Program Director) who said Docent service was now open; agreed to serve as a moderator ( with Cliff) on Saturday at the FDR Reading Festival (15 authors). Whew.

On Saturday, June 18, 2022, from 9:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum will host the 18th annual Roosevelt Reading Festival. The day-long program will highlight the recently published work of fifteen authors — including a special afternoon presentation with Ambassador David McKean, author of Watching Darkness Fall: FDR, His Ambassadors, and the Rise of Adolf Hitler.

Spent several hours as a Docent in FDR Library/Museum. The new Special Exhibit, FDR’s Final Campaign, is very moving. More photos from the exhibit to follow in a future blog.

Afternoon break. Sitting outside the Library, using Roosevelt-Library wifi to start writing this blog….Sunny, warm, breezy..heavenly.

Years ago, someone posted a sign at St. James that said, This is Roosevelt’s Church.” Someone else put up another sign, “Used to be God’s.” 😉

This morning I met with Park Ranger Fran, and talked about leading and backing up tours. So this afternoon I followed Fran as she led the tour of Springwood.

Tours have changed so much in 2 years. Before we met in the Wallace Visitor Center, walked about 1/4 mile across the grounds, stopping at the Library, and the Rose Garden (grave site) and finally at Springwood. These tours could have 50 people and lasted 1 hour. Now they meet at Springwood, short talk and go into the home. A total of 30-45 minutes. Lot less talking and more time inside the home. No more than 25 people per tour. Makes it much easier, but I will really need to “Pare Down” my talk..(yes Paul, I will do that)

A few photos inside first floor of Springwood..photos of 2nd floor will be posted later

Other post of today follows, Springwood Morning

One of my favorite places in the whole wide world is the overlook and bench (what happened to the other bench?) next to FDR’s home, Springwood. I walk the grounds each morning, early, when no one else except the ground keepers are around.

BTW. I have not yet figured out how to upload videos directly so for now, I will upload to YouTube and link..

Good flight on Frontier Airlines to Stewart International Airport. Flight was on time, smooth with no vacant seats. I guess that around 25% of folks wore masks, but I was thankful that the young woman sitting next to me was masked!

Enterprise upgraded my car rental to a really cool Mazda, CR-V.,,no extra cost. I really liked driving it. But getting on to and off of the FDR Memorial Bridge at Poughkeepsie was an adventure with lanes closed, merging with no warning. Some lanes were closed due to construction. It’s old; it needs repair.

It’s been 2 years, 8 months since I was last here. Thank you Covid. But today, the Covid level in Dutchess County was GREEN….Low….Yay. Looking forward to leading and backing up tours with the NPS and also serving as a Docent in the FDR Library/Museum.

What is it about this place that makes it so special. For me, it is a combination of the enormous historical significance and perhaps more important is the people that you encounter.

We share a bond of respect, love and reverence for this great President and celebrate all he accomplished for the betterment of this country.

So here are some reflections from my kindred spirits.

Paul S., Director of the FDR Presidential Library. “This is a sacred place and we are all so lucky to play a part.”

Fran, a National Park Service Ranger. who makes the daily tour schedule. “You are part of our family.”

Reverend Chuck of St. James Episcopal Church. His sermon reminded me to love God, love yourself, and only then can you love your neighbor.

Doris Mack, 97 years young and still volunteering at Val-Kill.

Paul Lenci, who was my first mentor two years ago. Here he is leading my first tour. Good friend who showed me around Vassar on this trip.

Susan, who is the Rose Garden Gardener who kindly took my photo beside the gravesite.

Len, another Docent, who shares my love for this special place.

John, an Irishman, now living in Long Island, and I had a long talk in the Rose Garden, early in the morning. Paying our respects, he said that his family thinks he is nuts for coming back here time after time, but said I just can’t explain it. I said that I got it and share that feeling. But…it is inexplicsble.

Two young women from Atlanta who hiked with me on a trail down to the Hudson.

A woman who was born in Holland and raised by her single mother. Her father was killed by the Nazi.

An older woman who lived in Berlin during WWII, and the horror. She was able to come to America in 1953.

A man in a motorized wheelchair who said he had contracted polio at the age of 2..

Chris, a Security Guard, who gave me the “handle” D-Train, two years ago and still says, “D-Train coming into the depot.”

Cliff L, Public Programs Director at FDR, a hug, and “you are back for a 3d year.”

And many others…

So sad to leave; but plan to return next year, God-willing ...

Peace. (Field of Roses)

There is so much to see here. The first year I came, I stayed over 5 hours. My dear friend, Windy, was very patient.

So let me share some highlights..a drop in the bucket..

For me the most touching item in the permanent collection is FDR’s chair that he used in the White House. The worn, threadbare arms.

The desk from the White House

And collection of items on the Presidential desk.

I love these personal items.

A Scottish and West Highland Terrier.

“Snooty Love Dogs”

Under the “Back” is FDR cigarette case for his Camels

The pigs..a favorite

The funeral video and Navy Hymn.

The D-Day Prayer

The Presidential Study. Several Fireside Chats were delivered from this study.

Note the attached ashtray. FDR’s wheelchair was a kitchen chair, legs removed, with bicycle wheels

Franklin Roosevelt Library Dedication, June 30, 1941

Speech to Congress, Dec. 8, 1941

Family Dutch Bible used in all 4 Inaugurations

Car with hand controls

Fedor

Fala

Polio and Disability

Visit of King George VI, June 1939

Campaign and 1932 Inauguration

Statue in entry, made before polio. Notice that there are no legs

FDR’s bird collection. Many stuffed by him.

Dining room. FDR’s chair on left.

Living Room/Library. Note empty shelves. Books were damaged by mold/mildew and are being repaired.

FDR’s collection of anti-British cartoons.

King George VI was amused.

FDR used this lift to pull himself up to the 2nd and 3rd floors. He did not want an electric elevator due to his great fear of being trapped in a fire. A fear he developed even before polio..

Obviously he developed tremendous upper body strength.

Boyhood Bedroom

Bedroom used by Churchill and King George VI

Bathroom

Sara’s bedroom

Eleanor’s bedroom

FDR’s closet..Cape worn at Yalta and fedora

FDR’s bedroom

Beside the bed is a phone with direct line to the White House

FDR at 5

What you won’t see on regular tour.

FDR’s very small office in Springwood where he and Churchill discussed the Atomic Bomb.Books in that office.Card from King George showing bomb ruins in LondonKitchen area