FDR's mother's household notebook

Published by: Los Angeles Times, Nov 14, 1950
Written by: ?

LAYETTE ORDERED 

BOOK TELLS MOTHER'S PLANS FOR F.D.R. BIRTH 

HYDE PARK, Nov 13 (U.P.) - A book of household items compiled by the mother of the late President Roosevelt, including an "essential layette" prepared just before he was born, has been published here. Mrs. Sara Delano Roosevelt wrote the items in a 176-page notebook covering a period from 1879 to 1931. Using a pen, she wrote neatly and precisely but there were numerous incorrect spellings.

Poor Speller

"She was a poor speller," Hardy Steeholm of Clinton Corners said. He and his wife Clare collaborated in preparing the notebook for publication and in writing a biography of the Roosevelt and Delano families which is part of the published book. Under a heading, "List for layette from Marian Low" (Mrs. Abbot A. Low), Mrs. Roosevelt wrote the following: Twelve night slips, 12 simple dresses, 4 day flannel petticoats, 4 night flannel petticoats, 3 or 4 dozen small diapers, 3 or 4 dozen large diapers, 12 white petticoats, 12 pairs of socks, fine flannel to tear into bands, 12 aprons to hold rubber cloth, 3 flannel aprons for nurse, 6 knit shirts, 6 pillowcases, 6 crib sheets, 2 mattress covers.

Sale to Aid Library

The book also lists ways to make lobster Newburgh, clam broth, Maryland chicken, jams, jellies, mustard plaster preparations; how to wash silks and knit articles, and gargle for sore throat. Proceeds of the book's sale will go to the Hyde Park Free Public Library, Steeholm said.

Dust jacket:  "The finding of 'Grand'mere' Roosevelt's personal Household Book, in which she made her domestic notes and stored away useful information, has given rise to this charming  and original volume.  The Household Book is reprinted intact, with its wonderful old-time receipts, its cures for croup and prescriptions for furniture polish and its insights into the daily life of FDR's boyhood."