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Foundations of a Public Life:  A Privileged Youth
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A Privileged Youth

"At quarter to nine my Sallie had a splendid large baby boy. He weighs 10 lbs., without clothes."

     - James Roosevelt, diary entry, January 30, 1882

FDR's father, James Roosevelt, was a wealthy lawyer and businessman with investments in mining, railroads, and banking. In 1880, James - then a 52-year-old widower with a grown son - married 26-year-old Sara Delano. On January 30, 1882, Sara gave birth to the couple's only child - Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

The Roosevelts doted on young Franklin. Educated by governesses and tutors, he enjoyed a charmed - if somewhat solitary - childhood. His amiable father taught him to hunt, fish, sail, and ride on the Hyde Park estate. His adoring mother instilled a love of books and travel. Every year Franklin accompanied his parents on extended trips to Europe. Summers were spent sailing, fishing, and exploring at the family's vacation home on Campobello Island in Canada.

To learn more about the Hobby Horse, shown above, visit our Digital Artifact Collection.
 
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