Eleanor Roosevelt, More than just a presidents wife.
Written: May 11 '03 (Updated Sep 21 '03)
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Pros: Beautiful grounds, great film
Cons: Poorly marked on road.
The Bottom Line: This was a place where I did learn a bit more about Eleanor than I already knew.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site |
In April my wife and I went up to the Hudson Valley area for a visit to three National Historic sites. The Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site, The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site and the only historic site dedicated to the wife of a president. That is the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site.
GETTING THERE
The Hudson Valley is approached by two main roads. The New York State Thruway on the west side of the Hudson River and the Taconic State Parkway. Both take you to the Hudson Valley area.
Most of the mansions and historic sites are on route 9. This is the river road that leads to many the towns on the east side of the Hudson River. The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site is inland a bit. If you get onto route 9G from route 9 you will soon be there. I had a problem finding the place in that I was looking for a large sign with the brown National Site logo. It wasn't there. Just be sure to look for the low standing sign on the east side of the road that says Eleanor Roosevelt VallKill.
The driveway takes you right to a parking lot. There is a lot closer for those with Accessible passes. After parking in the lot head on over to the stream and bridge.
THE GROUNDS
As you continue over you will find an area of water with swans. This is a lovely picture op. The landscaped area in the front with the water, bridge, and the house in the background. After crossing the bridge you can go to the book shop and purchase tickets for the tour. The grounds are always free.
FEES
$8.00 per person. If you are a couple of people or more and are planning to see the other nearby National historic sites of the Roosevelt Home and Vanderbilt Mansion, it is worth purchasing the National Parks Pass. It's fifty dollars. Once you have the pass you and a spouse or other family members may all go in under the same pass. With two people you are actually losing two dollars but you have a pass that is good for a year in other National parks, Memorials, and sites. You receive a nice little laminated card too.
Be sure you check hours and days open. They do change according to season. In the spring this site was closed on Tuesdays while the Franklin home was open on that day.
Here in the book store, that is quite small, you can get your National Passport canceled. For more information on this method of collecting parks see the link at the end.
When we were there in early spring in was very quiet. We purchased the ticket and a tour was about to begin. We were a group of about eight. When it's busier I suppose the groups are larger, but they can't too large because there really isn't a lot of room in the house.
THE TOUR
The tour starts with some background about Eleanor and VallKill the name of the house. It seems that in the early 1920's Eleanor needed a place to get away, a sort of retreat house. You see, Franklin was a very busy man in his house on the river. He had many political friends over the house and was quite busy. The other obstacle was that the house on the river wasn't even Franklin's. It was where he was born and lived but his mother, Sara, still lived there too.She dominated the house. I can imagine that even a large house can get small with mother, Franklin, Eleanor, five children and all the political guests and friends.
Franklin built a small retreat house for Eleanor and two close political woman friends. He suggested the two woman live there and Eleanor could go there whenever she needed her own time. The woman were very involved in the woman's rights movement and also for the needy. On this property was built a small factory used to teach local kids skills that could keep them from moving out of the area during the depression years. It was run by these woman. After it was closed it became Eleanor's home. The smaller house that was built first housed these woman until a falling out years later.
The tour of Eleanor's house showed the rooms where Eleanor entertained world famous guests. The guide knew quite a bit about Eleanor and fielded questions well. We learned that much of the original furniture was sold after her death. Over the years the parks service has been trying to get some pieces back. The living room has some originals and others that are copies made from pictures and descriptions.
The tour went on for about half an hour. That is how often the tours start too. After the tour there is a film that you may see in the old playhouse. This is where the family would put on skits and plays to entertain themselves and guests. This building, with folding chairs, has a terrific short slide/film show about Eleanor's life. It explains how she became an orphan, her schooling, her dating a distant cousin by the name of Franklin, and their getting married.
The film continues by telling us how she became the eyes and ears of her husband after he came down with polio in his young political career. He was politically motivated to become president but he lost this ambition with the disease. It was Eleanor that kept him in politics and soon after to become Governor of NY and eventually a four term President. After his death many thought they would no longer hear much from Mrs. Roosevelt. They were wrong, she became a popular figure fighting for the rights of the needy and helping to frame the UN charter.
After the film and tour you can spend a bit of time walking the grounds. Everything, bookstore, tour, film and walks should take about one and a half to two hours.
THE AREA
As I mentioned the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt and Vanderbilt National Historic Sites are both within fifteen minutes of Eleanor's home. The city of Rhinebeck has antiques, book stores, and some fine restaurants. There is an Italian restaurant in Rhinebeck that we went to that was excellent. I don't remember the name but it's across the street both north and east of the Beekman Arms on route 9 about one feet north of the corner. You'll know it in that you walk into the bar area in front. Most tables are in the rear.
Hyde Park also offers many places to eat and many fast food eateries too. Hey, if you really want to do it up go to the Culinary Institute of America for lunch or dinner in its different theme restaurants. It's just a few minutes away from Franklin's Home. That's what we did. I hope to write about our couple of experiences in the institute very soon.
We stayed in a place called Belvedere Mansion. It is centrally located between Hyde Park and Rhinebeck. I highly recommend it. They have a dining room there too that serves Fine French Cuisine. Call for reservations.
There are many other places to stay in the area. Chain motels, B&Bs, and campgrounds dot the area.
This area along the Hudson River has many, many mansions that are registered historic landmarks and state historic sites. We had time to do the Mills Mansion while there. This was an extremely interesting tour.
During the summer there are fantastic air shows at the Rhinebeck Aerodrome. The Dutches County Fair also sets up in Rhinebeck. I have been there a few times with the family. It's great!! Many animals, produce, great food, rides, and shows.
Try and visit the Home of Eleanor Roosevelt. Its wonderful and the area has so much to offer.
We enjoyed and continued to learn quite a bit about a great American woman. Regardless of your politics, remember, her heart and mind were always in the right place, helping the needs of people.
Other reviews by popsrocks
Hudson Valley
Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
Vanderbilt Mansion, on the Hudson
Eleanor Roosevelt's historic home near the Hudson
Lake Taconic State Park
The Belvedere Mansion, a wonderful place to stay and/or dine
Mohonk Mountain House, an amazing experience
New York , The Empire State
New York City, The greatest City in the World!!
Long Island, My home
Best Western Hotel, Albany Area
Saratoga National Historic Site, Upstate NY
National Park System
http://www.epinions.com/content_2908004484
National Park Passports What you should know.
http://www.epinions.com/content_76095131268
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: Anytime
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview
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