It's always fascinating to read the autobiographies of people who have lived incredible lives.
The autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is one of the most remarkable I've ever read .
I'm almost done with the very thick book and have enjoyed it immensely.
She had no pretensions. She never lost her humility and sense of simplicity, even while becoming one of the most powerful and influential women of her times.
She traveled the world and influenced thousands of people on as many issues including social welfare and civil rights.
In the living room of her cottage, Val-Kill, in Hyde Park, N.Y. , none of the chairs match.
They are all different patterns, sizes, shapes and colors.
She said they were like people----no one is the same! And she entertained heads of numerous states there, kings , queens and so on. She was very far from being "hung up"on material things.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy went to Val-Kill to garner Mrs. Roosevelt's vote when he was about to run for President. They sat at the round table shown in the upper left hand corner of the room, above.
The dining room, well, the whole cottage, is truly simple and far from elegant.
I'm sure she made people feel welcome, though, because she seemed to love having company from every walk of life.
Eleanor Roosevelt would have been a delightful person to meet and an exemplary woman to follow and work with.
What a woman!
WHAT, IF ANYTHING, DO YOU REMEMBER READING ABOUT THIS FORMER FIRST LADY?
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9 comments:
Oh I read that same book Susan and really enjoyed it. I also went to Hyde Park to see the President's home there and I watched that great Ken Burns tv special on PBS about the Roosevelt family. Enjoyed every one of these things. ...great woman!
I remember how she was reminded always of her ugliness when a child. I find some of her pictures as young woman rather attractive. Of course, how we behave is our real beauty. She was a complex person and she achieved much.
I think Eleanor Roosevelt was a very special person! The perfect wife for FDR! I'd love to read this book!
I loved what you wrote about her - so tell me - it is more fun to learn when you are older isn't it?
Thanks for your great post about Eleanor Roosevelt. I have been looking for a good book to read. Came home from the library yesterday empty handed as nothing seemed to appeal to me. I think I would very much enjoy a book about this famous first lady. Thanks for the idea.
Will have to plan a trip to Hyde Park when I'm done as it is not too far from where we live; maybe a weekend stay at a B & B would be a nice getaway.
Have a great weekend!
I know who she was but know very little about her life, she sounds like someone who could relate to many different people.
Merle.............
She was so unpretentious. My grandmother talked of her often. The book sounds wonderful.
... Hi Susan..... I like Eleanor Roosevelt's lining room..... so warm and inviting.....
I do so hope the Butterflies come to your Garden..... I'm sure they would love it there..
Have a good week...
Hugs.... Barb xxx
Perhaps I should check into getting her book this summer. I definitely admire her and often refer to her quotes. She worked tirelessly for human rights and equality. She was definitely a game changer. We should all be a little more like her and stand up for what we believe in peacefully and with passion.
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