Secretary Clinton may become America's first female president, but she's not the first female secretary to hold a powerful position in a presidentialSecretary Clinton may become America's first female president, but she's not the first female secretary to hold a powerful position in a presidential administration.
As Kathryn Smith reveals in her new book, The Gatekeeper: Missy LeHand, FDR, and the Untold Story of the Partnership That Defined a Presidency, another secretary played a strong but hidden hand in the Oval Office. Marguerite LeHand, personal secretary to Franklin D. Roosevelt for nearly twenty years, served as his confidant, communicator, adviser, companion and hostess, both in Washington and at FDR's Little White House in Warm Springs, GA. The only place she did not play a prominent role was in Hyde Park, where Sara Roosevelt, FDR's mother, seems to have distrusted her and perhaps feared her closeness to Franklin. To "Missy" (the Roosevelt children's name for her), FDR was FD (in writing, Effdee) a name that no one else used.
LeHand came from a family of working-class Boston Catholic parents. A trained secretary when she went to work for FDR's vice-presidential campaign in 1920, she stayed with him through his "wilderness years" as a polio survivor, spending weeks at a time alone with him on his rickety houseboat, Larooco, and helping him build what became the Warm Springs Center for Rehabilitation for polio sufferers. She went to Albany with him during his years as governor (1928-1932), and served him from 1933 to 1941 in the White House. LeHand was incapacitated by a stroke in June, 1941. FDR amended his will to leave her half of the income from his estate for her medical care. "I owed her that much," FDR said to his son James. "She served me so well for so long and asked so little in return."
In the writing of her book, Ms. Smith had access to a treasure trove of primary materials—letters, notes, photos, invitations, newspaper clippings—that had not yet been seen. They enabled her, she says, "to flesh out [Missy's] portrait—the way she expressed herself in writing, her love of family, her glamour and desirability in Washington society, the playful relationship she had with everyone in the White House, from F.D.R. down to her co-workers in the West Wing."
These materials also help to set the record straight with regard to LeHand's love life. While Missy and Effdee might have been lovers during the wilderness years (that's speculation: there is no evidence either way), Smith reveals that in 1933 LeHand fell in love with William C. Bullitt in 1933, a witty, engaging man whom FDR appointed the first ambassador to the Soviet Union. There were rumors of an engagement, but LeHand denied them, and Smith puts the matter firmly to rest. "There is no indication in her letters that she believed their relationship would lead to marriage," she writes.
In the White House, FDR's secretary was indispensable:
A formidable, multitalented multitasker, Missy might on any given day be directing the work of fifty staffers, writing a check to Franklin Jr.' s doctor for treatment of hemorrhoids, telling the president the wording in a speech "just doesn't sound like you," soothing an irate bureaucrat who couldn't get an appointment, and then racing over to the White House to "pour tea for a crowd of archaeologists." In a letter she dashed off to her niece Babe, Missy lamented, "I am having a devilish time trying to finish this—the telephone—callers & that man—the P!!"
If there were any doubts that LeHand was a central figure in FDR's personal and political life, Kathryn Smith's lively, meticulously documented book has laid them to rest. Smith has given us a carefully drawn portrait of a brave and talented woman whose dedication to FDR shaped her life and his.
An excellent introduction to the life of Margaret (Daisy) Suckley, known primarily for her friendship with FDR. Daisy was a remarkable observer of theAn excellent introduction to the life of Margaret (Daisy) Suckley, known primarily for her friendship with FDR. Daisy was a remarkable observer of the life around her. Ward's selection from her diaries and letters (exchanged with FDR) gives us a glimpse into her outer and inner life. But just a glimpse--wish there were more!...more
Interesting dual biography that hits the high (and low) spots in the personal and political lives of two important American women, connected by familyInteresting dual biography that hits the high (and low) spots in the personal and political lives of two important American women, connected by family but divided by political affiliations. Especially important, and usually overlooked: the competition between the cousins in the writing/publication of their columns ("What Alice Thinks" and "My Day") and memoirs, as well as on the Washington social scene. This is a fairly balanced presentation of ARL's life; those who have studied ER may disagree with some of the interpretations. The breezy, accessible style will be welcome to some readers, while may find it somewhat glib and annoying. Overall, recommended as an introduction. If you want more of Alice, you'll want to read Stacy A. Cordery's Alice: Alice Roosevelt Longworth, from White House Princess to Washington Power Broker. For Eleanor, the best source is Blanche Wiesen Cook's Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol 1, 1884-1933 and Eleanor Roosevelt: Vol 2, The Defining Years, 1933-38 We're all waiting eagerly for Vol. 3!...more
Fascinating revelation of Eleanor Roosevelt's romantic obsession with her doctor, David Gurewitsch, told by the doctor's wife (a commentator in the KeFascinating revelation of Eleanor Roosevelt's romantic obsession with her doctor, David Gurewitsch, told by the doctor's wife (a commentator in the Ken Burns PBS Roosevelt series). I found that I had to read past the author's biases and her elevation of both her husband and ER to quasi-heroic status. But her insights into ER's passionate imagination was especially helpful to me in understanding/interpreting ER's earlier love affair with Lorena Hickok....more
Nice read-along with the Burns Roosevelt film series--follows the narration very closely, includes photographs from the film. I wish the editors had iNice read-along with the Burns Roosevelt film series--follows the narration very closely, includes photographs from the film. I wish the editors had included the text of the commentators' remarks (Brand, Wiesen-Cook, Goodwin, etc.). But there's no bibliography! Surely someone on the editorial staff could have sorted through the books and major articles and listed them....more
Eleanor Roosevelt in 1918-1919, the year she discovered FDR's affair with Lucy Mercer. Moving, lyrical, studded with intimacies and period detail thatEleanor Roosevelt in 1918-1919, the year she discovered FDR's affair with Lucy Mercer. Moving, lyrical, studded with intimacies and period detail that pulled me into the time, place, person of Eleanor. Written with help from people who knew Eleanor, still alive at the time of writing (late 1970s): Esther Lape, Mayris Cheney, Marion Dickerman, former staff of the Hyde Park estate, and Curtis Roosevelt. More about Lerman: http://rhodalerman.com/...more
Golay uses Lorena Hickok's detailed, descriptive reports (written for Harry Hopkins at FERA) on the effects of the economic catastrophes of the earlyGolay uses Lorena Hickok's detailed, descriptive reports (written for Harry Hopkins at FERA) on the effects of the economic catastrophes of the early 1930s to tell the story of the year 1933. He supplements Hickok's FERA reports with her letters to Eleanor Roosevelt, plus additional historical sources that Hickok didn't have. Altogether, a comprehensive look at a single (and unfortunately, typical) year of the Depression. ...more
Remarkable woman, excellent biography: fair, balanced, detailed, well-written. Scholars might wish for a more extensive documentation, but there are eRemarkable woman, excellent biography: fair, balanced, detailed, well-written. Scholars might wish for a more extensive documentation, but there are enough references to take a curious reader more deeply into Gellhorn's life and letters (also collected by the biographer in Selected Letters of Martha Gellhorn). This is on my "Roosevelt Research" shelf because Gellhorn was a colleague and friend of Lorena Hickok and a friend of ER. (There's a funny story about ER on p. 81.) ...more
Lorena Hickok wrote this excellent biographical novel for young (age 10) readers in 1956-57, after she had moved from Val-Kill to Hyde Park. Hickok waLorena Hickok wrote this excellent biographical novel for young (age 10) readers in 1956-57, after she had moved from Val-Kill to Hyde Park. Hickok was one of a few writers able to interview Keller in her later years. #45 in Grosset & Dunlap's Signature series, the book is based on Keller's 1903 autobiography, The Story of My Life. Keller especially appealed to Hickok as a biographical subject because Hickok herself was coping with periodic bouts of blindness, due to her diabetes. [Signature Books are a series produced under the general editorship of Enid Lamonte Meadowcroft and published during the 1950s and 60s. This series provides easy to read, exciting (and factual) stories based upon the lives of historical figures. For a full list: http://www.exodusbooks.com/category.a...]...more
Biography of ER from childhood through her United Nations work, for young readers, written by Lorena Hickok, former AP journalist and ER's long-time fBiography of ER from childhood through her United Nations work, for young readers, written by Lorena Hickok, former AP journalist and ER's long-time friend. Age-appropriate fictionalizations are accurate (which can't always be said for biographies written for children); ER herself read the MS. Touching dedication: "To Little Nell, whose father would have been very proud of the woman she grew up to be." This is No. 48 (of 51) in the "Signature" series, produced by Grosset & Dunlap during the 1950s and 60s under the general editorship of Enid Lamonte Meadowcroft. One of the seven books that Hickok wrote in that period (mentioned only slightingly in Faber's biography). Illustrations by Hickok's friend and neighbor, Wm. Barss. Out of print. For a full list: http://www.exodusbooks.com/category.a......more
A tell-all memoir by a retired White House maid. Household staff gossip, colorful details, candid comments about the doings of the dysfunctional RooseA tell-all memoir by a retired White House maid. Household staff gossip, colorful details, candid comments about the doings of the dysfunctional Roosevelts....more
An insider's view of ER, by her favorite son (the one she had to bail out of so many difficulties), with a named co-author, biographer James Brough. SAn insider's view of ER, by her favorite son (the one she had to bail out of so many difficulties), with a named co-author, biographer James Brough. Some intimate details not available elsewhere, and some corrections and additions to the Roosevelt record. Easy, interesting reading....more
I read this to get a sense of Lorena Hickok as an observer, a writer, a social commentator--and came away with a clearer understanding of her as a perI read this to get a sense of Lorena Hickok as an observer, a writer, a social commentator--and came away with a clearer understanding of her as a person. A lively, conversational, often passionate review of the New Deal as it played out in communities across the country, enhanced with an excellent introduction and notes. If you want to know what the Depression was really like, read this. It's too bad that Hickok was discouraged from publishing this material during her lifetime....more
In its time (written in 1936), a surprisingly candid & revealing memoir of ER's childhood, courtship and family years, through FDR's illnesss andIn its time (written in 1936), a surprisingly candid & revealing memoir of ER's childhood, courtship and family years, through FDR's illnesss and her entry into politics. Ends in 1928, when FDR becomes governor of NY. Written at Lorena Hickok's urging to define herself to her public and to earn money, most of which ER used to bail her children out of various scrapes. This is the book on which most ER biographies are based....more
A long and serious look at FDR's relationships with women: his mother, ER, Lucy Mercer, Missy LeHand, his daughter Anna, his cousin Daisy Suckley. PerA long and serious look at FDR's relationships with women: his mother, ER, Lucy Mercer, Missy LeHand, his daughter Anna, his cousin Daisy Suckley. Persico's fictionalizing makes his narrative interesting and highly readable but sometimes alters the facts and confuses the timeline in a way that undercuts his credibility as a historian....more
ER's second memoir, covering the years between FDR's courtship and his death and her reentry into public life afterward. More guarded than the first mER's second memoir, covering the years between FDR's courtship and his death and her reentry into public life afterward. More guarded than the first memoir, but still unusually candid in her reflections and her assessments of people and events. A primary source for many other biographies....more
If you're looking for a book that sets FDR as a patrician born and bred in the context of his efforts to deal with the devastation of the Depression oIf you're looking for a book that sets FDR as a patrician born and bred in the context of his efforts to deal with the devastation of the Depression on the lower and middle class, this is the book to read. Often charged with being a socialist, "[FDR] believed in democracy--in the capacity of ordinary Americans, exercising their collective judgment, to address the ills that afflicted their society. He refused to rely on the invisible hand of the marketplace, for the compelling reason that during his lifetime the invisible hand had wreaked very visible havoc on millions of unoffending Americans."...more
Detailed, in-depth, but easy-to-read biography of Steve Early, FDR's press secretary. Especially interesting because FDR was the first president to usDetailed, in-depth, but easy-to-read biography of Steve Early, FDR's press secretary. Especially interesting because FDR was the first president to use the media to get elected AND to stay in office, and Early (a former AP journalist with connections all over the country) knew how to make it happen. Excellent study of the use of the press and radio to shape the presidential image....more
ER's life in the context of her relationship with her daughter Anna, revealed in their letters, spanning 50 years. Being the only daughter of a famousER's life in the context of her relationship with her daughter Anna, revealed in their letters, spanning 50 years. Being the only daughter of a famous power couple was difficult, as the letters show. Introduction and chapter notes provide historical/family context....more
Excellent biography, very readable. Provides more historical and social context than the other bios. Especially helpful in her coverage of ER's role aExcellent biography, very readable. Provides more historical and social context than the other bios. Especially helpful in her coverage of ER's role as a political partner....more
The "ER story," from the point of view of Eleanor's friend, Marion Dickerman. ER, Dickerman, and Dickerman's life partner, Nancy (Nan) Cook, became clThe "ER story," from the point of view of Eleanor's friend, Marion Dickerman. ER, Dickerman, and Dickerman's life partner, Nancy (Nan) Cook, became close friends in 1922, when ER was beginning to be active in New York Democratic politics. The book documents their friendship through the building of Val-Kill Cottage, the establishment of the furniture factory, and ER's teaching at Todhunter (where Dickerman was the principal and all three had a financial interest). Cook and ER became estranged in 1937, when the furniture factory was closed, and she and Dickerman eventually left Val-Kill. An excellent reference re: the friendship and partnership as Dickerman saw it, although (perhaps not surprisingly) the description of the breakup is less than candid. Photographs....more
Revealing, intimate biography that places ER in the context of her marriage, written by a close friend. Pays detailed attention to phases of ER's lifeRevealing, intimate biography that places ER in the context of her marriage, written by a close friend. Pays detailed attention to phases of ER's life up to FDR's death, but slights important friendships, such as Dickerman/Cook, Miller, Hickok (published before the Hickok correspondence was unsealed). While ER dominates, this Pulitzer-winning biography is a balanced, weighty look at a power couple in a political marriage. ...more
A dual biography of the two Roosevelt women and their famously contentious relationship. Nothing much new here, although it's helpful to have more aboA dual biography of the two Roosevelt women and their famously contentious relationship. Nothing much new here, although it's helpful to have more about the Delano family line than is usually offered. Unfortunately, the author chooses sides, attempting to improve Sara's image by diminishing her cruelties and emphasizing Eleanor's faults. Some factual errors and a lack of documentation further erode confidence in the writer. Disappointing, not very useful. ...more
A highly readable and dramatic introduction to this power couple for readers who aren't familiar with the story. No new facts here; the value lies inA highly readable and dramatic introduction to this power couple for readers who aren't familiar with the story. No new facts here; the value lies in the consistent focus on the marriage and its continual redefinitions in the lives of Eleanor and Franklin....more
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