Eleanor Roosevelt's Engagement Ring (MO 1974.375) On November 22, 1903, 21-year-old Franklin Roosevelt asked 19-year-old Eleanor Roosevelt to be his wife. Eleanor accepted, but Franklin’s mother, Sara, opposed the match, believing her son was too young to marry. She convinced the couple to keep their engagement secret for a year—hoping their ardor would cool. … Continue reading From the Museum
In 1960 Eleanor Roosevelt strongly supported Adlai Stevenson and encouraged him to seek the Democratic Party's nomination for President. That year, however, the Party pinned their hopes on a promising fresh face, and the nomination went to John F. Kennedy. Eleanor had some reservations about JFK, but she supported his bid for president after he … Continue reading Found in the Archives
Elephant Table (MO 1971.46) This wooden table with base consisting of a carved figure of an elephant (with ivory eyes) was used by Eleanor Roosevelt in her East 74th Street apartment in New York City (see photo below). The table was presented to the First Lady at the "Festival of Dance and Music" for … Continue reading From the Museum
"This Is No Ordinary Time" Tensions ran high as Eleanor Roosevelt approached the podium to address the delegates of the 1940 Democratic National Convention. The prior evening's raucous proceedings, which led to FDR's nomination for an unprecedented third term candidacy, had been long and trying. Now FDR's subsequent insistence on Henry Wallace as Vice Presidential … Continue reading Found in the Archives
July 18, 1940: FDR was nominated for an unprecedented third term as president. ER addressing the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. July 18, 1940 FDR Library Photo Collection. NPx. 69-96. ********** Did you know: On July 18, 1939 FDR released a public statement on the necessity of revision of the neutrality laws, saying that failure … Continue reading This Week in Roosevelt History: July 15-21
Figurine of Huckleberry Finn (MO 1971.49.11) Outdoor picnics were one of Eleanor Roosevelt’s favorite activities. In 1933, a large stone picnic fireplace was constructed at Val-Kill, her retreat in Hyde Park. The outdoor grill was used to cook hot dogs, hamburgers, and other foods for family, friends, and famous visitors, including Shirley Temple and … Continue reading From the Museum
Eleanor Roosevelt's Gold Locket and Chain (MO 2005.1.2) "I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity." -Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt had six children with her husband Franklin. The couple's first child, Anna, was born in 1906. … Continue reading From the Museum
May 6, 1947 "HYDE PARK, Monday—About a month ago, our farmer told us and proved to us that it was highly uneconomical to make butter on a dairy farm; that we could sell our whole milk and make more cash; that the cost of the cream and the time consumed in making butter, even though … Continue reading Eleanor Roosevelt – My Day: May 1-7
Of all the material you might find in an archive at a Presidential Library, who would have thought you’d find actual material? Stapled to a press release preceding the 1939 Royal Visit by the King and Queen of England are two fabric swatches of wool from gowns to be made for Eleanor Roosevelt and Queen … Continue reading Found in the Archives
March 17, 1905: FDR and ER are married in New York City by President Theodore Roosevelt. Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt at "Algonac" in Newburgh, NY. May 7, 1905 FDR Library Photo Collection. NPx 63-536. Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt pictured shortly after their marriage in March 1905. March 1905 FDR Library Photo Collection. NPx 62-41. *********** … Continue reading This Week in Roosevelt History: March 15-21
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