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The Three Graces of Val-Kill: Eleanor Roosevelt, Marion Dickerman, and Nancy Cook in the Place They Made Their Own
The Three Graces of Val-Kill changes the way we think about Eleanor Roosevelt. Emily Wilson examines what she calls the most formative period in Roosevelt's life, from 1922 to 1936, when she cultivated an intimate friendship with Marion Dickerman and Nancy Cook, who helped her build a cottage on the Val-Kill Creek in Hyde Park on the Roosevelt family land. In the early years, the three women—the "three graces," as Franklin Delano Roosevelt called them—were nearly inseparable and forged a female-centered community for each other, for family, and for New York's progressive women. Examining this network of close female friends gives readers a more comprehensive picture of the Roosevelts and Eleanor's burgeoning independence in the years that marked Franklin's rise to power in politics.
Wilson takes care to show all the nuances and complexities of the women's relationship, which blended the political with the personal. Val-Kill was not only home to Eleanor Roosevelt but also a crucial part of how she became one of the most admired American political figures of the twentieth century. In Wilson's telling, she emerges out of the shadows of monumental histories and documentaries as a woman in search of herself.
Wilson takes care to show all the nuances and complexities of the women's relationship, which blended the political with the personal. Val-Kill was not only home to Eleanor Roosevelt but also a crucial part of how she became one of the most admired American political figures of the twentieth century. In Wilson's telling, she emerges out of the shadows of monumental histories and documentaries as a woman in search of herself.
222 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 7, 2020
My Interest
While I’m not as liberal as Eleanor, I do admire her above almost all American women. I have read most everything on her and by her. The most interesting parts of her, to me, are her celebrated political partnership with the husband who both nearly destroyed her with his unfaithfulness and then set her free to live her own life. Her selflessness in nursing him through the early days of his polio is another example. She survived her #meetoo moments in her own home where her grandmother was forced to have multiple locks installed on Eleanor’s bedroom door to keep out the drunken out-of-control young uncles. She may have been groomed and used by her charismatic female headmistress–whom she adored all her life. That she carried her own suitcase, wrote the letters to G.I.’s mothers that she promised at their hospital bedsides, and that she grew as a person to leave behind the racism and antisemitism of her time and class make her worthy of my admiration. That she was a pretty awful mother (she bought one of those baby cages to hang outside a window for the baby to nap in) is evident in the 19 marriages between her four children. But, even in that she worked to improve and did improve. And, she became a truly beloved Grandmother. All while earning the title of great StatesWOMEN of our nation and the world.
The Story
This book purports to tell of one of the three great experiments in living Eleanor either helped to create or was a participant in (for the second see the second review; the third was her end-of-life living arrangement). In the late 1920s, while FDR was either on his houseboat in Florida or at Warm Springs, Eleanor and two friends (who were life partners or today would have married) set up housekeeping together in a cottage they had built, with FDR’s full approval, on his “Hyde Park” [really Springwood] Estate. They all slept in a dormitory-style bedroom, had their linens monogrammed with their joint initials, and fell happily into a sort of community home life that they enjoyed.
Nan Cook and Marion Dickerman became part of the Roosevelt family in many ways. Nan built the famous Vall-Kill furniture at a small woodshop near the cottage. Marion and Eleanor would buy and jointly run the Todhunter School for Girls in New York. The ladies accompanied Eleanor and her two youngest sons, Franklin, Jr. [the second son to bear that name–the first one having died in infancy] and John on camping trips, up to Campobello, and on a trip to Europe which FDR’s mother ruined by insisting that Eleanor and the boys have a chauffeur since Eleanor was First Lady of New York state.
But Eleanor kept evolving. She kept moving. She was still Franklin’s official wife, even if his secretary became his emotional wife. She was also still mother to five children who, for much of this time, were basically abandoned by FDR. She was a leading spokeswoman for Democratic Women in New York state. Nan and Marion were also involved in politics, but so too were Caroline O’Day and her partner and Elinor Morgantheau whose husband would serve FDR as Treasury Secretary.
In the White House, Eleanor had little time for the friends back in the little cottage. She famously took up with Lorena Hickok, “Hick,” whose career as one of the nation’s top female reporters was destroyed by Hick’s becoming too emotionally attached to Eleanor to keep the objectivity needed in those days to be a reporter.
The end had to come and it did. In a bad way. Eleanor could be like that. No spoilers.
My Thoughts
At times the writing of this book was very odd. Here are just a few examples.
“Eleanor had never made a plan for what she wanted as a wife, mother, and daughter-in-law, and her life had been unexpectedly difficult” (p. 16). Did women do this at the turn of the 20th century?
“…the unthinkable death of an infant” (p. 19) An infant dying in 1909 was a regular occurrence, regardless of class!
“She joined the newly formed Junior League for rich women but did volunteer work in settlement houses” (p. 20) what an awkward sentence. And, she was a rich woman!
The author also falls into two traps that I do not like in modern history writing. First, she “supposes” what Eleanor, Nan, and Marion “might” have done in the evening or in the course of their day. That is not helpful. It’s like the fictionalized scenes in t.v.’s The Crown–it is wrong to invent scenes in a real life. Second, she nearly lets FDR’s story take over in a few places–not nearly as often as in similar books, but it is there. In any biography of Eleanor, FDR will naturally play a large role. But this book was about a slice of her life. Finding insufficiently detailed information on her topic, I feel she padded the book to get it to a respectable page count. Had she instead have dealt more with Todhunter School or with Vall-Kil Industries and the furniture, the book would have been a more authentic account of this interesting relationship and experiment. Instead, while interesting, it fell short. While Arthurdale (see second review below) did have a tie-in to the relationship, other chapters truly did not.
The Three Graces of Va-Kill: Eleanor Roosevelt, Marion Dickerman, and Nancy Cook and in the Place They Made Their Own by Emily Herring Wilson
While I’m not as liberal as Eleanor, I do admire her above almost all American women. I have read most everything on her and by her. The most interesting parts of her, to me, are her celebrated political partnership with the husband who both nearly destroyed her with his unfaithfulness and then set her free to live her own life. Her selflessness in nursing him through the early days of his polio is another example. She survived her #meetoo moments in her own home where her grandmother was forced to have multiple locks installed on Eleanor’s bedroom door to keep out the drunken out-of-control young uncles. She may have been groomed and used by her charismatic female headmistress–whom she adored all her life. That she carried her own suitcase, wrote the letters to G.I.’s mothers that she promised at their hospital bedsides, and that she grew as a person to leave behind the racism and antisemitism of her time and class make her worthy of my admiration. That she was a pretty awful mother (she bought one of those baby cages to hang outside a window for the baby to nap in) is evident in the 19 marriages between her four children. But, even in that she worked to improve and did improve. And, she became a truly beloved Grandmother. All while earning the title of great StatesWOMEN of our nation and the world.
The Story
This book purports to tell of one of the three great experiments in living Eleanor either helped to create or was a participant in (for the second see the second review; the third was her end-of-life living arrangement). In the late 1920s, while FDR was either on his houseboat in Florida or at Warm Springs, Eleanor and two friends (who were life partners or today would have married) set up housekeeping together in a cottage they had built, with FDR’s full approval, on his “Hyde Park” [really Springwood] Estate. They all slept in a dormitory-style bedroom, had their linens monogrammed with their joint initials, and fell happily into a sort of community home life that they enjoyed.
Nan Cook and Marion Dickerman became part of the Roosevelt family in many ways. Nan built the famous Vall-Kill furniture at a small woodshop near the cottage. Marion and Eleanor would buy and jointly run the Todhunter School for Girls in New York. The ladies accompanied Eleanor and her two youngest sons, Franklin, Jr. [the second son to bear that name–the first one having died in infancy] and John on camping trips, up to Campobello, and on a trip to Europe which FDR’s mother ruined by insisting that Eleanor and the boys have a chauffeur since Eleanor was First Lady of New York state.
But Eleanor kept evolving. She kept moving. She was still Franklin’s official wife, even if his secretary became his emotional wife. She was also still mother to five children who, for much of this time, were basically abandoned by FDR. She was a leading spokeswoman for Democratic Women in New York state. Nan and Marion were also involved in politics, but so too were Caroline O’Day and her partner and Elinor Morgantheau whose husband would serve FDR as Treasury Secretary.
In the White House, Eleanor had little time for the friends back in the little cottage. She famously took up with Lorena Hickok, “Hick,” whose career as one of the nation’s top female reporters was destroyed by Hick’s becoming too emotionally attached to Eleanor to keep the objectivity needed in those days to be a reporter.
The end had to come and it did. In a bad way. Eleanor could be like that. No spoilers.
My Thoughts
At times the writing of this book was very odd. Here are just a few examples.
“Eleanor had never made a plan for what she wanted as a wife, mother, and daughter-in-law, and her life had been unexpectedly difficult” (p. 16). Did women do this at the turn of the 20th century?
“…the unthinkable death of an infant” (p. 19) An infant dying in 1909 was a regular occurrence, regardless of class!
“She joined the newly formed Junior League for rich women but did volunteer work in settlement houses” (p. 20) what an awkward sentence. And, she was a rich woman!
The author also falls into two traps that I do not like in modern history writing. First, she “supposes” what Eleanor, Nan, and Marion “might” have done in the evening or in the course of their day. That is not helpful. It’s like the fictionalized scenes in t.v.’s The Crown–it is wrong to invent scenes in a real life. Second, she nearly lets FDR’s story take over in a few places–not nearly as often as in similar books, but it is there. In any biography of Eleanor, FDR will naturally play a large role. But this book was about a slice of her life. Finding insufficiently detailed information on her topic, I feel she padded the book to get it to a respectable page count. Had she instead have dealt more with Todhunter School or with Vall-Kil Industries and the furniture, the book would have been a more authentic account of this interesting relationship and experiment. Instead, while interesting, it fell short. While Arthurdale (see second review below) did have a tie-in to the relationship, other chapters truly did not.
The Three Graces of Va-Kill: Eleanor Roosevelt, Marion Dickerman, and Nancy Cook and in the Place They Made Their Own by Emily Herring Wilson
August 7, 2024
Fascinating story of how Eleanor Roosevelt and two other women (who were a couple) ended up building a cottage to live together at Val-Kill, a beautiful corner of the Roosevelt estate on the Hudson. It's very sad when they have a falling out and Marion and Nancy end up having to move away, but they manage to recover their friendship in the end.
After Eleanor died, her kids started selling off bits of the place (none of them seem to have had a scrap of sense), but happily wiser heads prevailed and now it's all a National Historic Site. I hope to visit some day: Been saying that for maybe three or four decades now, sure hope I get there soon!
I have a fun tradition with my friend Bill Sullivan: when AAC&U holds their annual meeting in DC, he and I have dinner the first night we arrive, and then go to Kramer Books to look around. I learn a lot from Bill in these conversations, and usually come away with some treasure he has alerted me to - but it is also fun to roam through the store and see what's new. This year I found a few treasures on my own (and got one suggested by Bill, too), including this book. Just thought I'd put in a plug for browsing in an actual store - I did not know this book existed, but I am sure glad I stumbled upon it!
After Eleanor died, her kids started selling off bits of the place (none of them seem to have had a scrap of sense), but happily wiser heads prevailed and now it's all a National Historic Site. I hope to visit some day: Been saying that for maybe three or four decades now, sure hope I get there soon!
I have a fun tradition with my friend Bill Sullivan: when AAC&U holds their annual meeting in DC, he and I have dinner the first night we arrive, and then go to Kramer Books to look around. I learn a lot from Bill in these conversations, and usually come away with some treasure he has alerted me to - but it is also fun to roam through the store and see what's new. This year I found a few treasures on my own (and got one suggested by Bill, too), including this book. Just thought I'd put in a plug for browsing in an actual store - I did not know this book existed, but I am sure glad I stumbled upon it!
June 10, 2023
A valuable yet flawed resource examining a critical period in the life of Eleanor Roosevelt. I'm thankful for the author's research into this key friendship in Roosevelt's life. Many people aren't aware of ER's activities as she transitioned from a volunteer and mother to a teacher and business investor, the First Lady of New York and then of the United States. Parts of the book could be classified as creative non-fiction, where the author imagines in detail how a scene or conversation might have taken place (e.g. a picnic on which a discussion of the building the Val-Kill stone cottage took place). While it makes for lovely writing, I much prefer the sections of the book that adhere strictly to the facts. Wilson makes good use of letters and oral histories available from key individuals and their descendants. There are a few sections that are out of order chronologically or are repetitive. As a reader, these gave me a little bit of whiplash, but I am empathetic as a writer. It is sometimes difficult to stick to a linear structure when there are complex events and relationships. Despite these flaws, the book provides great insight into a fascinating time period in ER's life.
November 26, 2017
While I knew about Eleanor Roosevelt's cottage on the grounds of her family's estate, this book shed some light on the evolution of the project and the two women with whom she lived.
The book also tells the poignant "break up"of the three women afterFDR becomes president.
Eleanor Roosevelt was a complex woman who desperately needed a home and friends who loved her for who she was. When FDR took office, she became a rock star, so to speak, and had little time for her devoted friends.
She did, however, feel she could use them to host dignitaries at Val-Kill and perform basic gruntwork on behalf of the Democratic Party.
Who comes off very well in this book? FDR who appears generous and broad minded even after his disability from polio.
The book gets3 stars from me, mainly because the author repeats herself, often in the same page. And includes little unnecessary asides to the reader.
The book also tells the poignant "break up"of the three women afterFDR becomes president.
Eleanor Roosevelt was a complex woman who desperately needed a home and friends who loved her for who she was. When FDR took office, she became a rock star, so to speak, and had little time for her devoted friends.
She did, however, feel she could use them to host dignitaries at Val-Kill and perform basic gruntwork on behalf of the Democratic Party.
Who comes off very well in this book? FDR who appears generous and broad minded even after his disability from polio.
The book gets3 stars from me, mainly because the author repeats herself, often in the same page. And includes little unnecessary asides to the reader.
November 24, 2018
Having traveled to Hyde Park recently and touring all the Roosevelt homes, I found Val-Kill to be my favorite. It is a very simple lifestyle cottage where Eleanor Roosevelt could escape her husband, Franklin's helicopter mother. The author describes the area and buildings just as the National Park Ranger did, very detailed.
Franklin gave the land to Eleanor and their two friends, Marion Dickerman, and Nancy Cook. His three Graces.
The author documented everything important with the family, friends, and happenings into one book very informatively. Eleanor's life had many ups and downs with all she was close too. She was a true believer in caring for others and helping all to achieve their potential. This book is an eye-opener into
the personal and political life of Eleanor Roosevelt.
Franklin gave the land to Eleanor and their two friends, Marion Dickerman, and Nancy Cook. His three Graces.
The author documented everything important with the family, friends, and happenings into one book very informatively. Eleanor's life had many ups and downs with all she was close too. She was a true believer in caring for others and helping all to achieve their potential. This book is an eye-opener into
the personal and political life of Eleanor Roosevelt.
September 18, 2022
This was a very easy to read account of a less famous time in our longest serving First Lady's life before going to the White House. It examines her relationships with those outside her family and the way she crafted her life after her husband hurt her and caused her to build her own life and redefine their relationship. I had heard some reference to her furniture factory but not of the Stone Cottage that became her home or the school that she participated in founding.
The author described the time and setting well so that you could feel what Val-Kill must have been like at that time. It examines the intricacy of the friendship between three women that became strained but yet remained connected through the years.
The author described the time and setting well so that you could feel what Val-Kill must have been like at that time. It examines the intricacy of the friendship between three women that became strained but yet remained connected through the years.
October 3, 2021
ER is one of my heroes, and I have read a number of books about her. I was familiar with the story of the cottage at Val-Kill, but this book adds a lot of detail. However, the author jumps around in time and repeats basic facts, sometimes within a short time. That definitely lowered my rating. For anyone who admires Mrs. Roosevelt, the book is worthwhile. Just be prepared for slow going when material become repetitious.
January 28, 2020
This book tells another side to the multifaceted life of Eleanor Roosevelt. Unfortunately it wanders off topic and, except for the relating of verifiable events, it can't be considered a factual memoir due to way too much supposition shown through over use of words such as "perhaps", "must have", "could have", "possibly", "may", "it is likely", "no records, but...", "speculate". At least it didn't try to pass off its conjecture outright as reality.
August 23, 2023
Val-Kill was a retreat for Eleanor and her two close companions. This book goes over a time of her life that isn't frequently as talked about but is just as much documented. A rare time in her life in-between her life with Franklin and before her life as the First Lady. A private time into her life before she truly came to be the woman we fondly remember today. A woman she wouldn't have fully become without Nan and Marion. To know even through all the turmoil they are able to reconnect towards the end of there lives.
A sweet time in her life where she finally felt she had a sense of control before being thrust into the public eye and scrutinized for everything she did. It was lovely to learn more about Nancy and Marion. Eleanor is most remembered for all the work she's done. She should also be remembered for the beautiful friendships she had. From Nan & Marion. To Esther and Elizabeth, Tommy and so many other women. Such as Mary McLeod which I've read about previously. I highly recommend this book especially if you want to learn more about this amazing woman who changed life as we know it in so many ways. Excited to read more about her in the future.
A sweet time in her life where she finally felt she had a sense of control before being thrust into the public eye and scrutinized for everything she did. It was lovely to learn more about Nancy and Marion. Eleanor is most remembered for all the work she's done. She should also be remembered for the beautiful friendships she had. From Nan & Marion. To Esther and Elizabeth, Tommy and so many other women. Such as Mary McLeod which I've read about previously. I highly recommend this book especially if you want to learn more about this amazing woman who changed life as we know it in so many ways. Excited to read more about her in the future.
May 29, 2023
This book focuses on Eleanor Roosevelt and women who were her friends. It begins in her early adult life with interactions between Roosevelt, Marion Dickerman, and Nancy Cook. The author goes on to discuss Roosevelt's friendships and collaborations with other women throughout her life. The book gave me a sense of watching Roosevelt develop skills that assisted her through the rest of her public life. Some well known highlights of her life are given as context.
I listened to the audio version. Without a hard copy that might include a bibliography, I would like to know more about the author's source material. Wilson identifies some primary sources in the narrative and also labels her interpretation with statements like, "this event may have happened in this way."
I enjoyed this work of nonfiction as another point of view about Eleanor Roosevelt.
I listened to the audio version. Without a hard copy that might include a bibliography, I would like to know more about the author's source material. Wilson identifies some primary sources in the narrative and also labels her interpretation with statements like, "this event may have happened in this way."
I enjoyed this work of nonfiction as another point of view about Eleanor Roosevelt.
August 19, 2021
Really enjoyed listening to this intimate look into E’s relationship with Nancy Cook and Marion Dickerman. If you have an interest in learning about the Roosevelt’s you’ll appreciate this relatively short book.
February 4, 2018
Way too florid a style for nonfiction, imho, with too much focus on drama and not on the facts. I abandoned this about 10 pages in. Too bad, the topic is interesting.
March 6, 2018
great. fun read
February 5, 2019
I’m a huge admirer of Eleanor Roosevelt, and I’ve read countless books about her. I never knew the details of her relationship with the women who shared the Stone Cottage with her. Very interesting.
June 25, 2019
This works for gathering basic facts, but not presented in an interesting way.
January 28, 2020
The two girls were very good friends and they made good friends with Eleanor.
August 11, 2022
Sanitized version of Eleanor Roosevelt's separate life .
September 1, 2022
She's one of my favorite persons who I love to read about.
This book felt below my expectations.
Still interesting reading.
This book felt below my expectations.
Still interesting reading.
August 13, 2018
I learned quite a bit about Eleanor Roosevelt and her many very accomplished women friends. I think the author is a good writer and she appears to have done a lot of research. I appreciate the timeline, notes and bibliography.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews