A Stop Along the Way

On our way to Greenville Maine for some early summer hiking and canoeing, and of course photography, we stopped at Hyde Park to see the estate of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and stretch our legs walking the grounds. FDR was born and grew up on the 110 acre farm that overlooks the Hudson River. His father purchased the land in 1867. It eventually became a home for Eleanor’s and FDR’s family, as well as the sight of his Library and Museum (the first for a US President) and their graves. FDR personally oversaw a significant initial remodel and multiple expansions of the mansion, Springwood, and other building on the property. The FDR Historic Site, the adjacent Eleanor Roosevelt Historic Site and the nearby Vanderbilt National Historic Site are all operated by the National Park Service. The visitor center for the two Roosevelt Historic Sites is located on 75 adjacent acres donated to the National Park Service in the 1970s. That acreage includes the 18th century mansion, Bellefield, and its formal gardens. The photos are of Bellefield, its formal garden, Springwood, the Roosevelts’ grave and the FDR Library and Museum.