“I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to

be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.”

1884-1962

Franklin became the 32nd president in 1932

Eleanor reinvented the role of First Lady

The American people became very aware of their f irst lady and her ideas◦ Used the media unlike

any woman before her◦ Traveled frequently◦ Was a very generous

hostess Eleanor made herself

available to the people and used her resources to their full potential

“OF COURSE I KNOW—IT’S MRS. ROOSEVELT”

Eleanor Roosevelt had spoken often of her concern for the country's children.

--New York Times, 5/34

Thousands of children and young adults wrote letters to her, asking for help. They talked to her as a confidant with whom they could share the details of their lives, no matter how painful or even embarrassing to them. In their letters, they seem certain that the First Lady will come to their aid.

Mrs. Roosevelt role during the great depression.

Dear Mrs. Roosevelt: I am appealing to you because I know you might be able to help me. I graduate this year and I haven't enough money to buy a dress. I give all I earn for food for the family. I have been worried and this is the only solution I could come to. I need a light dress and as I am quite little I would need about size 14 or 15 in dresses. I would think it was the grace of God if I received just a plain little graduation dress. I'll have to get along without white shoes although I've always craved a pair of pumps size 51/2 or 5's that I never will get until I get a job which I will work very hard to get. If I had a lot of money I would take up a nurses course and work for charity. Just to get the pleasure of healing people. Graduate May 28, "35" P.S. It's only because I hate to go on the stage with the other girls in my shabby dress. My father works when he is able.

Reply to the letter:

May 8, 1935 My dear Miss B.: Mrs. Roosevelt has asked me to acknowledge your letter for her. She is very sorry indeed that she cannot comply with your wishes, but owing to the large number of similar requests, it is impossible for her to do as you ask. Assuring you of her regret, I am Very sincerely yours, Secretary to Mrs. Roosevelt (M. L. T.)

HOMEWORK

Look up for 3 different letters written by chlidren during the Great depression and paste them on the notebook. After each letter you are going to answer the following questions: 1. What specifically does the writer want?2. How does he/she describe himself/herself?3. How has the Depression affected their family?4. What was the repply he/she received?

Source: http://newdeal.feri.org/eleanor/er3b.htm