traveltales: CAMPOBELLO

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

CAMPOBELLO

Roosevelt's Summer Cottage

From St. Andrews, Canada we took a two-hour boat ride across Passamaquoddy Bay to Campobello. Along the way we saw harbor seals, a couple of gray seals, bald eagles, and cormorants. We saw herring weirs and had them explained to us. Salmon farming is quite prevalent in the area and we saw several salmon farms.

The tide was pretty low when we reached Campobello, so the ramp was steep producing a bit of a problem for some. Campobello, the site of FDR’s summer cottage, is a 9 by 3-mile U-shaped island and bigger than I anticipated. There are now paved roads on the island that was settled in 1770 by a Mr. Owens. The present resident count of the island is 300.

At the Roosevelt Campobello International Historic Site the ranger told us, “The site covers 2800 acres and is a cooperative effort of both the United States and Canada. Roosevelt summered at Campobello 1909-1921. The cottage was built in 1897. FDR’s mother was able to purchase the home for $5000 in 1909.”

Inside the cottage we learned it has no cellar. This 34-room cottage has 18 bedrooms and seven fireplaces. Cooking was done on a wood burning stove and lighting was by kerosene lanterns. Electricity did not come to the island until 1948. The sitting room overlooks the bay and Maine can be seen on the opposite shore. FDR added an addition in 1915 to accommodate his growing family. The cottage was sold to Arman Hammer in 1952, and in 1964 he donated it as a historic site.

We walked up to the Hubbard cottage next door, but it was not open. Peeking in the windows revealed the most unusual window in the front of the house. It was a huge oval, almost round picture window with a stunning view of the bay.

It was another place I’d always wanted to visit. Walking though the home or cottage as the Roosevelts referred to it, it was easy to imagine FDR sitting looking out the window at the bay. It was a peek into the rustic setting of our grandparents’ time as far as furnishing and comforts go. It was like stepping back in time while visiting Campobello. It was quiet and peaceful on the island.

No comments:

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.