FDR

Seventy nine years ago today then New York Governor Franklin D.




 .

Roosevelt announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination. 

The election would be held just 10 months later (my how things have changed) and Roosevelt, with John Garner (I know, who?) as Vice President, defeated incumbent Herbert Hoover. 

FDR went on to occupy the White House longer than any other president.
 
Though he was a New Yorker, FDR also had a long relationship with the state of Georgia.  Eleanor, his wife, had an uncle with a home here. And, even prior to his inauguration and many times during his presidency (a total of 41 visits) Roosevelt made the long train trip to Warm Springs, Georgia, hoping to find a cure for his polio (which may or may not have actually been polio, but that's a post for another day) in the natural springs there.

The Little White House

Last September, we made the 90 minute journey south to the charming and modest "Little White House" as it's called.  It was really fascinating.  

The Unfinished Portrait -- I love that it is a  watercolor.

It was in Warm Springs, while posing for his portrait on April 12, 1945 that FDR suffered a stroke and died. The “Unfinished Portrait” is still there, as are his 1938 Ford convertible with hand controls and many other items of historical significance.  

It is a surprisingly unassuming and plain vacation home for a president.  It's furnishings and fixtures, including the tiny servants' and guest quarters, all remain in tact.   

In the 20s and 30s, an entire rehabilitative hospital was built just down the road from the Little White House.  

The pools utilized by the hospital were built above the springs and are normally left empty to preserve them. But, twice a year (as a fundraiser for the historical site) the pools are filled and a limited number of visitors are allowed to wade into the 88 degree water (not as warm as you'd think) that  FDR found therapeutic, if not curative.  

It is like stepping back into time to visit his home and then wade into the pools that held so much hope for many.

My husband and son leaning against what was once used as a therapy chair.

Our kids at Warm Springs.