2019 06 17 - 2019 06 25 Saugerties, Woodstock, Kingston, New York

Arrived at Saugerties, New York - 17 June 2017

We found this bird nest in the 5th wheel hitch where the trailer is hooked up to the truck. We felt sad because it seemd like we had chick-knapped someone's potential children. There were at least 5 eggs. It wasn't more than three days later when Bob noticed a bird flying right back into the same space trying to build a nest. Please, little birds. We are surrounded by trees.

Hyde Park, New York - 18 June 2019

A rather soggy day for exploring the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. This mansion was built to recall the Gilded Age of unparalleled growth in industry, technology, and immigration. Frederick Vanderbilt, the grandson of Cornelius, and his wife, Louise bought the property as their spring and fall country estate. It's a neo-classical style with Beaux-Arts ornamentation and incorporated the latest innovations: electricity, central heating and indoor plumbing. Furnishings and contruction costs totaled around $2,250,000.  

Frederick, a quiet man, preferred to avoid social occassions, but Louise loved to entertain, throwing lavish weekend parties. This entrance room covers almost half the first floor.

The Gentlemens room where the men gathered after dinner is dark paneled and covered with firearms, books and stuffed heads. By contrast, the Ladies room is bright, filled with flowers and soft fabrics and furniture. 

Similarly, Louise's bedroom reflects her obsession with French design and furnishings. The railing around her bed is copied from the one which surrounded the bed of French Kings and Queens who "held court" before rising. The railing kept the ministers and foreign dignitaries away from the royal persons. Documents and gifts would be places on the railing and maintain separation between the royals and all others. 

Eveready Diner, Hyde Park, New York - 18 June 2019

In need of refreshment after our tour, we selected a popular spot and well worth it. Extensive menu, good service, attentive staff and reasonable prices for breakfast, lunch and dinners. 

Franklin D. Roosevelt House, Hyde Park, New York

While it is called Springwood, the home of Franklin Roosevelt, it was, in fact, the house owned by his parents, James and Sara (Delano) Roosevelt. The two side towers were added on by Franklin after his marriage to his cousin, Eleanor. The house was built on a 110-acre estate purchased in 1867 which included the house and a working farm. FDR was an only child in a rich and privileged life. In later years, FDR expanded his parents land holdings to nearly 1,500 acres and planted over half a million trees.  

The sunken living room was also used by FDR as his office and reception room during stays is Springwood. He would station himself behind his desk or in a chair and remain there until everyone left the room. A small ramp was added along one side of the stairs to accommodate his wheelchair. 

The elevator was added so FDR could avoid the stairs to the second floor. He would roll into the elevator and use the ropes to hand haul the elevator up or down. 

FDR's Boyhood Bedroom

Birth Room where Sara delivered her only child.

Right: Franklin's bedroom. Left: Eleanor's adjoining room so she could be available if he needed anything. 

Horseback riding was an important part of life in Hyde Park. This is the horse barn with the flower garden in front of it. 

In the middle of the rose garden are the graves of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. The graves are bare except for the American flag and brass plaque indicating Franklin's. One year after his death, the home was opened to the public. Also on the property is the Presidential library and museum documenting FDR's 12 years as President, including the Great Depression and World War II.