5 times I didn’t interject during a Springwood tour
I’ve been to FDR’s Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park a few times, but I finally had time to see Springwood (FDR’s house) on my last visit.
In an effort not to be obnoxious, I didn’t blurt out any fun facts during the tour. I stored them up to share them here (in the form of breathless run-on sentences), along with some photos.
I didn’t announce that Roosevelt’s mom and stepbrother were the same age
… even though that’s a thing I just learned and I’m pretty excited to know it and also I feel like it explains so much.
1920: The Year of the Six Presidents, by David Pietrusza
According to the first FDR biography I read, FDR was conceived in Paris. His birth was so traumatic* that Sara didn’t have any other physical relations for the rest of her marriage — another 18 years.
*James Roosevelt said Franklin was 10 pounds when he was born. Yikes. Afterward, she bought a shirt that said “I endured the traumatic birth of a gigantic baby and all I got was a Cartier pendent watch.” Just kidding.
I didn’t point out that Sara Roosevelt redecorated a bathroom in anticipation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s visit, but didn’t pay the plumber* so the toilet was repossessed.
The plumber stuck the toilet in his window with a sign that read “the King and Queen of England sat here.”
*Sara received a massive bill for the renovation; she assumed they were being overcharged because of their wealth and/or the royal visit.
I didn’t blurt out that only a few years separated the death of FDR’s mom and FDR.
Or that Eleanor’s little brother Hall died shortly before her mother-in-law. Or that it was around the same time that we entered World War II and wow that’s a whole lot of stuff all at once.
I didn’t share that Army engineers suggested painting the White House black during World War II
…even though I just learned that and the tour guide mentioned that intentional choices were made during Springwood renovations to make it look more reminiscent of the White House and so easier for Important People who visit to picture Franklin in the White House*, so there was a natural tie-in to my new fun fact.
*The tour was a couple of weeks ago, so if I’ve misremembered anything the tour guide said that’s on my faulty memory. The tour was wonderful and informative and I highly recommend it to all.
I didn’t ask if Winston Churchill wandered around Springwood naked.
He probably did, though, don’t you think...?
The last several doodles were inspired by Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies, by J. B. West and Mary Lynn Kotz
I love doodling campaign buttons, but didn’t realize how tiny they are sometimes.
Other field trips…
Health, recreation, and curiosity