#15 Springwood - FDR birthplace

 As Sunny’s friend Karen was coming to visit her in CT, I decided to spend a few days in Hyde Park, NY, visiting several venues associated with FDR. The first was Springwood, his birthplace and home, which played an important role in his life, especially after becoming president.  He began his  presidency in March, 1933, when the US was deep in the throes of the depression (unemployment rate was 25%) and died in April, 1945, just a month  before the Germans surrendered. There was never a peaceful moment  and he felt more relaxed in this beautiful setting on the banks of  the Hudson River. He would invite world leaders  there as a way to get to know  them better in a less formal setting - Churchill was a frequent visitor. He would often drive his guests around the area ( he had a specialty modified car) at a brisk speed, much to the chagrin of his secret service detail.  He also enjoyed having picnic lunches  on the hill top of his estate. One famous example was in 1939,  the king and queen  of England came to visit and  over his mother’s objections, FDR had a barbecue and served them hot dogs! The King loved them.

The house is pretty much the way it  was when FDR died, and  the tour provides a great overview of his  upbringing and life. While the Roosevelts were wealthy, the house is very nicely decorated, not ostentatious like the Vanderbilt mansion up the street. You see pictures of sailing,  nature and wildlife, all  things which were important to him. 

Today, the estate contains: Springwood; the graves of FDR and Eleanor,  and the presidential library. In addition, there are miles of walking trails which are open to the public. It is a great place to visit. 

Interesting note: In FDR’s four successful runs for president, he never won Duchess county, which is where Hyde Park is located. 

Study

Graves