We drove over the bridge from Lubec and through the customs checkpoint to Campobello island. Though politically belonging to New Brunswick and thus to Canada, Campobello is a part of America's heritage. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, our nation's 32nd president, vacationed on the island and owned a summer "cottage" there.
I say "cottage" because I'm not sure the word really applies to a 33 room house with 18 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The house is the main attraction of Roosevelt Campobello International Park but there are other cottages on site as well.
My favorite was Hubbard cottage. The Hubbards were contemporaries of the Roosevelts. Mrs. Hubbard was a concert pianist and the house seems to be designed for concerts. A long Victorian style living room houses the grand piano. Down the hall, an impressive oval window looks out over the Bay of Fundy.
Back in the visitors center we learned about the history of Campobello island and the Roosevelt family. FDR first visited the island with his mother and father when he was only a year old. After his mother died he and his wife Eleanor inherited the cottage. The visitors center housed pictures of the family and even a baseball bat full of pegs given to Roosevelt in honor of his "Walk softly and carry a big stick," comment.
It was a good first-visit to Canada.
I leave you today with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, "Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life."
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