About the only time I get to read this magazine is in the doctor’s office. I am glad we are now subscribing to it.
Although its pages contain numerous ads for local restaurants, shops, etc., there were quite a few interesting articles. I really enjoyed reading “The Picnic That Won the War.” In June of 1939, King George and Queen Elizabeth were visiting Canada in an effort to mend fences after the abdication of Edward VII. FDR extended an invitation to the royal couple to spend a few relaxing days with him at Hyde Park. He didn’t want any fancy receptions or formal ceremonies. The State Department, however, felt the royal couple had to make this, at least partially, a formal visit. So they visited Mount Vernon, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and a CCC camp in Virginia.
However, FDR did bring the couple to Hyde Park for a few relaxing days. One of the highlights of the visits was a picnic attended by the royal couple, FDR and family and also staff workers, gardeners, etc. One of things on the menu were hot dogs. Queen Elizabeth used a knife and fork to eat hers; the king dug in and used his fingers.
FDR knew war was on the horizon. He wanted to convince the people of the US that we needed to side with the British in the coming conflict. He hoped that the visit would endear the couple to Americans. FDR knew what he was doing when he served hot dogs at that picnic.
In a sidebar story, the new movie “Hyde Park on the Hudson” is described. This is a semi-fictionalized account of the relationship between FDR and Daisy Suckley. This movie has gotten good press. It officially opens on December 7.