val-kill

korrina and i were up early to get on the road to hyde park as we had plans to visit eleanor roosevelt's home, val-kill.

we first looked around the beach that was near our room whose creek led out to the hudson.

it was a cute little park.

 

 

 we drove east over this bridge to get back on the highway.

 

in hyde park we stopped for breakfast at the eveready diner, which had been recommended by brian as he used to frequent it with his parents and friends while at the culinary institute of america.

they had an interesting - and large - mascot.

it felt very cozy sitting there with a nice hot cup of coffee in front of me.

(posting foodie pics on instagram)

(well, it was an extremely delicious breakfast)

finally, val-kill, named after the nearby stream.

the house was made of fieldstone and was completed in 1925.

winston came to visit and took a dip in the pool . . 

a menu for a picnic on june 11, 1939: virginia ham, hot dogs, cold turkey, sausages (hot), cranberry jelly, green salad, rolls, strawberry shortcake, coffee, beer, soft drinks . . (very american sounding, i think!).

a letter from queen elizabeth from 1946.

linens that eleanor monogramed herself. there were a few photos of her with a simple knitting project in her hands. she was known for having needlework or knitting with her that she worked on while "engaged in conversation," (with winston churchill, i wonder, while he was taking a dip?)

the living room . . all was decorated in a warm and cozy manner.

the dining room . . 

eleanor's study . .

i love the fireplace and the large floral lamps behind the couch.

the tennis court . . 

the garden where vegetables were grown for the meals, and also many flowers. val-kill was home to a handcraft factory until 1936 (woodworking - replicas of early american furniture - and weaving and pewter pieces), and then a working farm in later years, organized with help from her son elliot.

it was a wonderful visit that we had talked about doing for awhile, so it was extra nice to be there.