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VIDEO: From Stalin to Shirley Temple, gifts for FDR

John W. Barry
Poughkeepsie Journal

HYDE PARK – Ernestine Guerrero's father, during the Great Depression, was an unemployed carpenter and her family received assistance from the federal government in the form of groceries.

Guerrero salvaged wood from the boxes the groceries came in and, using a kit pattern, over a year carved with her hands an elaborate, detailed clock case. With its miniature spires, steps, railings and balconies, "The Chimes of Normandy" evokes a miniature cathedral.

"Dear Sir," reads a letter dated Oct. 17, 1937, that Guerrero, of Texas, sent to President Franklin D. Roosevelt with the clock case. "About six years ago, my father was helped by the Relief Organization that you originated. I always saved the wooden boxes in which the groceries came, for my father is a carpenter. He always said that we should be thankful to you for what we received…"

The clock and the letter are included in a new exhibit at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park that features nearly 100 of the thousands of gifts given to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife, Eleanor. FDR was born and lived in Hyde Park. Eleanor Roosevelt lived in Hyde Park. Both are buried in Hyde Park.

A free public reception and exhibit preview will be held Friday evening, for "The Spirit of the Gift: Gifts of State and Affection," at the nation's first presidential library. The exhibit, which opens Saturday, also features four gifts presented to President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

Interest in FDR at 25-year high

The Journal on Thursday attended a preview of the exhibit held for the press. Also at the FDR Library and Museum Thursday was Paula Sansum of Manzanita, Oregon, who was in Dutchess County visiting her husband's nephew. She won't be able to see the gifts exhibit, but she did think it sounded interesting.

"I would be interested in seeing it," she said. "It would spark my curiosity as part of this collection."

The exhibit, last presented to the public about 20 years ago, offers a glimpse into the dealings that the nation's 32nd president had with world leaders, constituents and celebrities.

The Roosevelts, Ken Burns and PBS

A submachine gun from Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, jade and platinum cufflinks from Madame Chiang Kai-shek and a model submarine from French Gen. Charles de Gaulle that submerged and fired miniature torpedos all offer insight on how world leaders viewed the U.S. That was the assessment of Herman Eberhardt, supervisory museum curator, who led the press tour.

Gifts in the exhibit that came from Roosevelt's constituents include a handmade silk vest covered in buttons from Luella Smith of California; and an ashtray made out of brass shell casings and topped by a model of a Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter plane from U.S. Marine Sgt. Anthony W. Mechowski of Syracuse. There is also a portrait of FDR — made of typed letters — from Sidney Norman Cohen of Pennsylvania.

Eberhardt said the gifts that FDR received from constituents reflect on him "as a populist. As a person who connected with everyday Americans. I think it's as simple as that. I think it's a reflection of that bond he had with the public."

Also included in the exhibit is a gift from child actress Shirley Temple, who was 4 when FDR first took office in 1933. Temple sent FDR a tiny badge that reads, "Shirley Temple Police." An accompanying letters reads, "Dear Mr. President, Here is your badge to my Police force. Love, Chief Shirley Temple."

John W. Barry: jobarry@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4822, Twitter: @JohnBarryPoJo

If You Go

What: "The Spirit of the Gift: Gifts of State and Affection," an exhibit

Where: Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, 4079 Route 9, Hyde Park.

When: The exhibit opens April 25 and runs through Dec. 31. The library and museum are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The opening reception is set for 7 p.m. April 24, followed by an exhibit preview. The reception will be at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center. The exhibit preview will be in the William J. vanden Heuvel Gallery.

Admission: Admission to the FDR Presidential Library and Museum is $9; $6 for those age 62 or over and free for children 15 and under.

Information: Call 1-800-337-8474 or visit www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu