Historic Hyde Park FDR: captain of ship of state

Historic Hyde Park
FDR: captain of ship of state

Perhaps it is no surprise that a boy who grew up on the banks of the Hudson River should love sailing.

The FDR Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park keeps alive FDR’s nautical love by maintaining more than 200 ship models and 1,200 naval paintings and prints, which rotate into public view, according to Clifford Laube, the site’s public affairs specialist.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s father, James, taught him how to handle their sailboat, the Half Moon, on trips up the Hudson, along the New England coast and in the unpredictable tides of the Bay of Fundy, near the Roosevelts’ home on Campobello Island (off New Brunswick, Canada). From a very young age he enjoyed sailing and listening to thrilling stories of his seafaring ancestors, the Delanos, told to him by his mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt.

FDR became a skilled sailor, frequently cruising from New York to Halifax, Nova Scotia, even in the worst weather. At age16 he was given his own 21-foot knockabout, the New Moon.

Roosevelt built toy boats and later sailing models. During the long hours when he was convalescing from polio, he designed models of sailing ships, navy cruisers, and destroyers and built them out of balsa. He sailed his miniature ships and schooners on the Hudson, competing with his children and family friends, beating “all my rivals … because of the lightness of my hulls compared to theirs.”

Besides showcasing a little-known aspect of FDR’s life, the museum is offering a full slate for the upcoming weekends:

Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 25, 7 p.m.: USO Show with big band, singers, juggler and more. Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center. Call: 800-FDR-VISIT for all event information.

Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Bivouac WWII Living History Encampment at FDR Presidential Library and Museum featuring a Sherman tank, The West Point Mules marching band and more. Free public event.

Sunday, June 3, noon to 4 p.m.: Val-Kill 30th Anniversary Picnic for Eleanor Roosevelt, celebrating the preservation of Mrs. Roosevelt’s home and legacy. Pack your own picnic or call (845) 229-9115 ext. 31 to purchase a Traditional Eleanor Roosevelt Hot Dog Lunch. Free Parking at the Haviland School, Haviland Street, off 9G, Hyde Park, NY. Continuous free shuttle service to the park. Games, square dancing, music, free tours and hikes.

Reader Comments

Please send us your comments!

Add Your Comments