We’re off on a fun and educational excursion to Wilderstein and FDR’s home at Springwood and taking time to have lunch overlooking the Hudson River at Shadow’s on the Hudson Restaurant.
We are also pleased to announce that Dennis Gaffney, SUNYA professor, writer and occasional NNORC speaker, will accompany us to add to the history of the day. “All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River.” This quote captures Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s connection to Springwood, the estate that he loved and the place he considered home. The first U.S. Presidential Library was started by FDR here. We will visit the home of FDR and Presidential Library & Museum to learn about the only President elected to four terms.
The last resident of Wilderstein was Margaret (Daisy) Suckley. A cousin and confidante of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Miss Suckley traveled extensively with FDR during his presidency, gave him his famous black Scottish terrier Fala and helped to establish his library in Hyde Park. The True Story of Fala, written by Miss Suckley, describes Fala’s life as the presidential dog. Miss Suckley was with FDR when he was fatally stricken at Warm Springs, Georgia in 1945. She died at Wilderstein in 1991, in her 100th year. The letters they exchanged during their friendship, discovered in a black battered suitcase at Wilderstein, provide one of the best resources for understanding the private side of Roosevelt’s life during his presidency. They have been edited by Geoffrey C. Ward in the book Closest Companion.
The trip promises to be one filled with history, good food and new experiences. With lunch overlooking the river, what could be bad?
DATE Wednesday, June 5, 2013
TIME Bus leaves St. Sophia’s at 9:00 a.m.
RSVP REQUIRED 518-514-2023 or Email JFS
FEE $59 for NNORC members and $62 for non members.
To warm you up for the day at Wilderstein and FDR’s home, on June 4 at 3:00 p.m., we will show the film “Hyde Park on the Hudson” at St. Sophia’s. The film is free for those participating on the trip. If trip participants wish to remain for dinner, a reduced rate of $8.00 will be charged for the dinner. Those coming just for the dinner and movie and NOT traveling the next day will be charged $10 for members and $12 for non-members.