Vacation Photos: Hyde Park

 Last weekend, I went to Hyde Park with my parents. 

It's a trip we've been talking about for years. 

Vanderbilt Mansion - it was closed but we walked around the grounds

The gardens 

The gardens 

The gardens 

Val-Kill Eleanor Roosevelt's home

The study at Val-kill - where Eleanore write ALL the things.

The more I learn about her, the more I'm fascinated by her and the more I admire her. 

The stone cottage 

The grounds

FDR's Presidential Library

Note: This is the first Presidential Library I've ever been too, but it was mostly a museum. The books were located on the third floor and the public didn't have access to it. It was disappointing. 

FDR's desk from the Oval Office 

Eleanor's Typewriter 

Hyde Park

Hyde Park library

The graves of FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt 

Pretty flowers near the graves 

Pretty flowers near the graves 

Review: The First Ladies

 

A novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune—an unlikely friendship that changed the world - summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: This was a really interesting read. I learned so much about both women. While it was uncomfortable at times to read, this book covered many important issues - lynching, racism, sexism, adultery, and the power of friendship. I have no doubt this will be a book club book for many libraries.

Source: My Library

Cover Thoughts: Charming - and true to the story. 

Library Recommendation: A must have for your public library's collection