This morning we stopped at the Kingston, NY Panera Bakery for breakfast and WiFi. Panera Bakeries are so easy to find along the east coast and they make a relatively good Almond Croissant.
We spent the day along the eastern bank of the Hudson River in Hyde Park, NY. This is the location of the Franklin D. Roosevelt home, Presidential Library, and Museum, and the Vanderbilt Manson.
The museum details FDR’s life from birth thru this four presidential terms. It is amazing how much he did in his life and the time he was in the White House. Many programs that changed the way America and Americans live, work, and retire all stated in his administration.
At the height of the depression, his administration brought disposable income to the people that needed it most and would use it for the basic needs of life. This is in marked contrast to several of the past administrations that given money to the rich in the belief they will allow it to “trickle down” to the poor. I guess trickle is the operative word here.
The FDR archives occupy the top floor of the FDR museum building. We didn’t enter that area.
The FDR childhood home is a relative basic mansion when contrasted with the Vanderbilt’s that is just a little farther up river.
Franklin, Eleanor, and their dog, Fila, graves are located in the rose garden.
The Vanderbilt Mansion is an interesting contrast to the Roosevelt home. Both are stately but the Vanderbilt definitely feels like a mansion with its marble facades, sweeping stairways, and grand rooms. It felt similar to a small scale Hearst Castle --- for those who have toured the Hearst Castle on the west coast.
The US Park Service tour guide said, “the only reason Vanderbilt could accrue his money and live in this style was because there was no income tax at that time”. I guess it had nothing to do with resourcefulness, entrepreneur spirit, and drive. It’s funny how Bill Gate and Warren Buffet managed in our time with income tax. I don’t like a two-bit tour guide telling the youth of today to forget about trying to get ahead.
We drove to the Woodland Valley Public Campground for three days of down time. This campground is located in the middle of the Catskills, away from just about everything including newspapers and TV.
