Sunday, October 3, 2010

Hyde Park New York

  Wednesday Sept, 29th 2010

Our first sunny day in New York and some site seeing was on our agenda. 

The Hudson River Valley region settlement began around 1742.  The name of the area was changed to Hyde Park in 1810.

Hyde Park is the hometown of Franklin D. Roosevelt, (1882-1945) the 32nd President of the United States (1933-1945).

His Estate Springwood is now the home of the FDR National Historic site.  Also on the site are his Presidential Library and Museum.  Roosevelt used this residence through out his life, the house is now a open for tours.

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FDR’s desk that was in the oval offices is now on display in the library and museum.

The graves of Eleanor and Franklin Rosevelt

The grave of Franklin and Eleanor in the rose garden of Summerwood estate.

Mike with Eleanor and Faranklin 

Mike wanted to talk politics with the Roosevelt's for a time.  I went off and did a little exploring of the house and gardens.  I was not in the mood to get into a discussion on the worlds problems, not on a beautiful sunny day.

Rosevelt Mansion Hyde Park New York The back of the Rosevelt Mansion

The front and back entrances to the mansions  The furnishings are all original to the property.   

FDR Bedroom 

Roosevelt was born in the master bedroom on the second floor.  After marring Eleanor in 1905 the couple moved in with his mother Sarah.  

 

The Dresden roomDresden2

Sarah called this her music room.  It also was called the Dresden Room because of the large Candelabra, mantle clock, and hearth cat, which James Roosevelt purchased in Dresden Germany.  

The Vanderbilt mansion is also on the Hudson River, just down the street from the Roosevelt Mansion.  This is just one of forty mansions the Vanderbilt family built.  Like most of the prominent familys, the Vanderbilts used their retreat only for a few weeks in spring and fall, and for an occasional weekend in Winter. 

Vanderbilt Mansion Vanderbilt Mansion Hyde ark New York

The front and side views of the Vanderbilt Mansion.  The mansion contains 54 rooms, 14 bathrooms, 10 guest rooms, and several servant rooms.

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The view from the back terrance of the Hudson river.

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We followed a path down to the river for some relaxing time before heading back to the RV park.  The view was unbelievable.

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It was a grand day.

1 comment:

Nancy Lutz said...

We're so glad you enjoyed your visit to Hyde Park! You took some really nice photos, especially of the Vanderbilt Mansion views. For more suggestions on historic estates and museums to visit, or to plan your trip to the heart of the Hudson Valley, visit us at www.DutchessTourism.com!