1. "First Lady Biography: Eleanor Roosevelt," National First Ladies' Library, accessed Feb 17, 2015, http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=33. 2. CliffsNotes, "The 2nd New Deal," Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, accessed Feb 19 2015, http://www.cliffsnotes.com/more-subjects/history/us-history-ii/depression-and-the-new-deal/the-second-new-deal.
It is with great joy that I am writing this today. As many of you know my husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was elected president this past March. We are so fortunate to have so many friends and family that supported us through the election. But it was really Franklin doing all of the work, of course we already had many supporters, but after Franklin released his idea of the 'New deal' he quickly gained the popular vote. He told me of all his acts and programs that he had planned on issuing. The first one that he ever told me about was the Emergency Banking Act. He put his trust into the American people and he asked them to put their faith back into the banks[2]. By the end of this past March nearly three quarters of the banks were up and running again[1]. The New deal was the beginning to the end of these hard times. The country is slowly recovering from the depression and I am proud to say it is due to the generosity and determination of not only my husband but of all the American people. My husbands ideas brought hope to suffering people and with the help of everyone we were able to make them become reality. Within the past few months Franklin has passed sixteen new acts and plans that have contributed to the well-being of this country and will continue to do so. Like Franklin said, "There is nothing to fear but fear itself." I too believe that the worst is behind us. Times are looking up, not only for my family but for all American people.
1."The New Deal." The New Deal. Accessed February 18, 2015. http://rooseveltinstitute.org/policy-and-ideasroosevelt-historyfdr/new-deal. 2."New Deal." History.com. Accessed February 18, 2015. http://www.history.com/topics/new-deal.
I'm here to report that Virginia woke up today with a think layer of dirt covering the rooftops, and many complained about the stuff getting in their eyes. There are many days like this where I am immensely grateful I live in D.C. The papers screamed about these gargantuan dust storms taking the Midwest, some calling it the "coming of the Lord" (1). I cannot imagine raising children in such an environment. There is no palace like the White House, and still the cool winds breathe through these old walls. I cannot imagine how much more the tons of dust that breathe through the slits in the huts and shacks that home families in the Midwest. The doctors are scared of the consequences on the lungs. There have already been several Kansas cases with children contracting lung diseases, and even a few little ones have died. As a mother, it breaks my heart to hear these stories from our citizens, and they're looking to the federal government for support. Of course, the Federal Government will try. With all these New Deal acts my husband has been suggesting to Congress, I wouldn't be surprised if he attempts to control the very weather! I told this to him, as a joke, but he blatantly informed me that he did, in fact, have many scientists at work on the very thing, and he expects to have a solution in the next few months. He mentioned something about the "Soil Conservation Service", but who knows if it will ever take action (2). I know he feels that he's to blame for all of this; he knows that all this loose topsoil is partially because of his AAA act to destroy all those fields out there. I do hope that he finds a way to redeem himself. He's come so far since his inauguration, and I know that the last thing he wants is to let the people down after he's done so much for those farmers. Nonetheless, at this point, I believe that the only solution to this issue is to pray for rain. In the meantime, all my prayers go out to the families that live every day in the dust.
1. Stovall Studio, "Approaching Dust Storm 5mi Away- Western Kansas," Dodge City, Kansas, April 14, 1935, http://www.kansas.com/news/article986206.html. 2. Eric Foner, John A. Garraty, "Dust Bowl," History.com, 1999, http://www.history.com/topics/dust-bowl.
Well, it definitely would be an understatement to say that a few things have happened since I last wrote. My, where do I begin? America ceases to surprise me: the economy has taken a fall like none that we've ever seen in US history. Unemployment rates are up to almost 25% this year (1); New York turns even more brown and sickly with every passing day. On my morning walks to the democratic offices, I watch the lines for the soup kitchens wrap around entire blocks. I've decided to throw out all my old things, reducing my wardrobe to simple, grey suits and skirts. I couldn't bear walking down the city streets in my pink and blue cashmere whilst the citizens, Franklin's citizens, shiver in rags. Cutting down seemed like the right thing to do. Even the Roosevelts have to keep up with the times, especially because of cut government salaries. I've decided to become not a symbol of elegance, but only a plain, ordinary Mrs. Roosevelt (2). Additionally, Franklin has put quite a lot of our personal money into the campaign. Oh, speaking of which, Franklin has began his first, official run for Office. I've become so proud of him. I mean, the people love him, the electoral colleges love him, and I truly believe that he can really make a difference in this country. Hoover is trying, but he keeps digging his grave deeper and deeper. The people of America are clearly fed up with him, and Franklin's plan to restore the States is more than tempting. It's kept me busy as well, I'm writing many of his biographies, and I even voted for him myself in Chicago (3). The newspapers really loved that. I must be honest, though, as a diary seems to be the only place for honesty these days. Though I'm happy for my husband, I'm worried about my future. I've had many opportunities in my political life when Franklin was comfortable in his governor position, but now that I may become First Lady, I fear that my independence will fade. I can just imagine the last Mrs. Roosevelt, sitting quietly at the dinner table and smiling in the pictures like a piece of furniture. I hope that that woman will never be me, even though I still participate largely in the political radio talks and Women's Democratic Campaigns (4). I truly believe that with me at my husband's side, he will succeed in this campaign and really turn this country around. It may be messy at first, but I know we'll see some progress.
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics , “Graph of U.S. Unemployment Rate, 1930-1945,” HERB: Resources for Teachers, accessed February 16, 2015, http://herb.ashp.cuny.edu/items/show/1510. 2. George Washington University, "Eleanor Roosevelt: 1921-1932," Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project, accessed Feb 16, 2015, http://www.gwu.edu/~erpapers/abouteleanor/timeline/tl2.cfm. 3. "Eleanor Roosevelt votes in Hyde Park," Nov 3, 1936, (ARC 196125), FDR Presidential Library, http://usnatarchives.tumblr.com/post/35122278246/eleanor-roosevelt-casts-her-ballot-in-hyde-park. 4. "First Lady Biography: Eleanor Roosevelt," National First Ladies' Library, accessed Feb 17, 2015, http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=33.
I am very, very sorry to report that the Market has completely crashed this morning, along with the spirit of New York. I cannot be any more relieved that Franklin and I didn't suffer terribly in this national crisis of ours. Because of his political ties, Franklin had been given advice to sell out, and I'm so thankful that we did in time. We had already been gradually losing money over the past few years, but, thankfully, we did not suffer as drastically as the many families in our neighborhood who were hit hard by the crash. I still worry for Franklin, though. He kept murmuring to himself, "16 million shares... 16 million shares..." (1) over the paper at breakfast. He said something about introducing new relief policies. I know he's eager to start "cleaning up after Hoover" as governor of New York (2). It's now late in the evening, and he's still out in meetings downtown discussing the very issue. I keep thinking to myself how lucky Franklin and I are to live in such power and wealth while many others in this city are suffering. My heart has always gone out to the poor, and I hope that our political efforts can start making a positive change in our economy. No one know for sure why the markets went into this downfall. People are saying that it started last Thursday, the 24th, when the market declined 13% (3). People are saying many different things but they all agree that it is going to take some time to get the economy back where it was. I know it is going to be a great feat but I believe that the people of this country have the will power to get through these hard times.
1. "Stocks Collapse In 16,410,030-share Day, But Rally At Close Cheers Brokers; Bankers Optimistic, To Continue Aid," The New York Times, Oct. 30, 1929, http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/1029.html#article. 2. History.com, "Franklin D. Roosevelt," http://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/franklin-d-roosevelt. 3. "The Stock Market Crash of 1929." 2004. http://www.money-zine.com/investing/stocks/stock-market-crash-of-1929/.
The New York Times from this morning.
Franklin is determined, though he knows it is not going to be easy, to relieve the people of this tragedy.
Things are really looking great these days. Franklin just purchased the most beautiful home in New York City with the money from his successful campaigning. The kids love the neighborhood, too; lots of things to play with, as well as a good school. Despite Franklin's tragic case of polio in '21, I've been able to do lots of political work myself. His illness has created an opportunity for me to step out from behind his shadow and work towards something I believe in. I still partner with the Red Cross, in which I was an active member in during the War (1). I'm still involved with the ladies at the League of Women Voters, as well as the Women's Democratic Committee. I've also started dabbling in the Women's Trade Union (2), and I tutor at Todhunter every now and then (3). I believe that empowering women and working toward a better country is what I've been called to do, and I hope that with the good days ahead of us, more change will come. As I previously mentioned, this grand decade has treated the Roosevelt family well. As well as a new home, Franklin has also purchased an automobile, a radio, and a dishwasher. My, how the times have changed. His political work has also given us a little extra, and Franklin has given me several new dresses that I absolutely adore. Though it's all very nice, it's nothing compared to my childhood home. However, I feel like living simpler and being self-dependent is somehow more rewarding.
1. Biography.com, "Eleanor Roosevelt", http://www.biography.com/people/eleanor-roosevelt-9463366. 2. FDRLibrary, "Biography of Eleanor Roosevelt", http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/education/resources/bio_er.html. 3. Unknown photographer, "Eleanor and the Todhunter School", http://fdrlibrary.tumblr.com/post/65522742505/eleanor-roosevelt-and-the-todhunter-school-in.