Thursday, July 25, 2013

Day 281 July 22 Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Val-Kill


 
We stopped at Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Val-Kill.....the name came from the creek that runs through the property.  Kill is a Dutch term for "running water"....
 
In 1924, Franklin Roosevelt suggested that his wife Eleanor and two of her friends erect a small stone cottage at the site where they frequently enjoyed picnics.  It was designed in the Dutch Colonial style and constructed the following year and is known as the Stone Cottage.  There was a swimming pool for FDR, stables, tennis courts and ponds for boating.  The Roosevelt family love to come here to get away from the press and relax.
 
In 1926, a larger building was erected to house Val-Kill Industries, which utilized area farm workers to produce replica Early American furniture.  The factory closed in 1936.  First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt turned the building into apartments for herself and her secretary.  Throughout her husband's presidency, she often stayed at Val-Kill.  After his death, she lived here for 17 years, entertaining such heads of state as Winston Churchill, Mikita Khrushchev and Jawaharial Nehru.  During this time, she also served as the country's ambassador to the United Nations and earned the nickname "First Lady of the World."
 
The first National Historic Site devoted to a First Lady, Val-Kill today is fitted with many of her possesions, including photographs, mementoes of her travels, and furniture that was more comfortable than opulent.
 
 


When Eleanor died in 1962 her house was made over into 4 rental units
 
 
In 1970 the property was sold to a private developer
 
 
Concerned citizens organized a drive to preserve the site
 
 
In 1977 President Carter signed a bill creating it a National Historic Site
 
 
Eleanor called this her front door in the backyard
 
 
Back of the house
 
 
Stone Cottage....family loved to BBQ
 
 
Val-Kill Pond
 
 
Very peaceful and private
 
 
Stone Cottage...pool now covered
 
 
Stone Cottage
 
 
Tennis courts, BBQ and Doll House
 
 
At one time her secretary's apartment now a sitting room
 
 
Her TV
 
 
Dining room
 
 
Her favorite room with a stone fireplace
 
 
She did play the piano
 
 
Favorite chair by the fire
 
 
Val-Kill Pond
 
 
Looking back at the house
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