President's Day: A visit to FDR's 'Little White House' in Warm Springs (with Eleanor's favorite tea)

The Little White House in Warm Springs - Franklin Roosevelt's retreat in Georgia

In honor of today's holiday, "Presidents' Day", we at Barb's Tea Service thought it the perfect time to share highlights from our recent visit to "The Little White House", Franklin Roosevelt's retreat in Warm Springs, Georgia.

Last month, on our return-home road-trip (central Florida back to Michigan), our friends (and fellow January snowbirds, Pam and Quint) suggested we stop at the Little White House, considering we're fellow history buffs and, added bonus, its location was not too far off our route.

So, on a cool, but sunny, Monday afternoon, my husband, Chris and I, drove into Warm Springs, a small town roughly an hour and a half west of Macon, Georgia with Roosevelt's Little White House just a few minutes passed the historic burg.

FDR's specially equipped car on display in the museum.

Nestled in the woods, the Little White House is one of four separate buildings on the site. Guests first enter a museum/visitors center, where docents guide one through the campus. A short film, in the museum's theater, is recommended to start the tour. A time capsule of its own, the fifteen minute movie is narrated by Walter Cronkite and tells the story of FDR's connection to Warm Springs;  from seeking a cure for polio, which struck him in 1921, in the region's natural spa water to constructing a second home where he conducted many of his presidential duties. (Although the heated springs - a constant 88 degrees - didn't provide a cure, it did bring some improvement and provided a bit of relief.).

FDR's stamp collection

 Little White House patio furniture and china

There are many treasures to view in the museum, including the car FDR drove, which had specially designed hand controls to replace foot pedals, his prized stamp collection and the patio furniture and china used on the Little White House deck. There's also a full section devoted to Eleanor Roosevelt, a trailblazing First Lady that we not only admire, but have a dedicated tea talk devoted to her.  (See our blog - Tuesday Tea and Tomes:  The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt, where we talk about ER and our ER tea talks!) 

Eleanor display in the museum

Roosevelts in Hyde Park, 2015

While we learned that Eleanor didn't stay in Warm Springs often, it was Val-Kil Industries that supplied most of the furniture for the Little White House. Val-Kil was a small factory that Eleanor, along with two partners, established for farmers near her home in New York to make furniture and other crafts to supplement their income. We also discovered - in the gift shop! - that Eleanor's favorite tea was "Orange Pekoe" - and, yes, we most certainly bought a package to bring home,in addition to an Eleanor Roosevelt tea mug. 😉🫖

Inside the Little White House, FDR's chair and table near the fireplace.

But, the real treasure lies up the hill to the Little White House, which is flanked by two other buildings:  a guest house and staff quarters. 

What struck me when first entering the Little White House was how unpretentious the living space is. Not to say it doesn't have charm, but it's found in the well-structured wood beams and floors, the stone fireplace and the natural beauty of finely crafted furniture as opposed to, say, multiple crystal chandeliers and gilt-covered everything. 

Back deck overlooking woods

Secret service spot

One of our guides explained that the architect for the Little White House did have a more luxurious design in mind, but FDR insisted on a residence that reflected more of its environs. 

It was at the Little White House where Roosevelt put together many of the Depression-area programs that were part of the New Deal. Inspired by the community of Warm Springs, he continued to push for improvements for those not born of privilege.  In fact, when first arriving in Warm Springs, he was shocked to learn that residents in this area paid four times the amount for electricity that he paid in his home in New York. 

FDR's bedroom, no plush furnishings

Bathroom between bedrooms.

While there is much to celebrate that occurred at Warm Springs, it was also where tragedy struck.  On April 12, 1945, FDR died of a cerebral hemorrhage at the Little White House, not long after returning from Yalta.  Sadly, after all his dedication and commitment to peace, he did not live to see the official end of WW II. 

The "unfinished portrait" on display.

Photos capture FDR.

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Just before his death, Roosevelt was having his presidential portrait painted. The "unfinished portrait" is on display in the Legacy room, part of the museum. Next to the portrait that most of us would recognize immediately from history books and other FDR references, there are photos of what he truly looked like at the time. At only 62, he looks much older and more frail. As our guide noted, the artist's portrayal of the thirty second president was truly a gift to FDR and his family.

Visiting the Little White House was an amazing and incredibly interesting experience. After our afternoon immersion in Warm Springs, we concluded that even if this historic venue had taken us off our direct route home for a few hours, it was worth every minute. A piece of history, so grand in ways we don't typically define as such, it makes one appreciate even more what today's holiday is honoring.

Little White House with Eleanor tea and mug, purchased at the gift shop

As I drink my Orange Pekoe, I raise my Eleanor Roosevelt tea mug to many of our President's (and First Lady's) who take on the task of running the country. 

Hyde Park with Rachel, 2015. More presidential sites to visit in the future!

I also am once again inspired to get back to more visits of Presidential homes and libraries. To date, I've only visited seven sites, for six presidents:  Mount Vernon, the Hermitage, the Gerald Ford Museum, the McKinnley Museum and tomb, Taft's home and for Franklin Roosevelt both the FDR home and library in Hyde Park and, most recently, the Little White House. 

I'm thinking we'll "off-road" a bit more in the future. 

Bridgerton Tea at Bloomfield Township Public Library: Barb's Tea Service was delighted to be back, serving and "spilling" the tea on Regency -era Romance!

Barb's Tea Service served - & spilled - the tea on Bridgerton at Bloomfield Twp. Library Valentine's Eve

Barb's Tea Service was delighted to be back at Bloomfield Township Public Library celebrating romance and romance stories, most specifically, "Bridgerton" - most appropriately on Valentine's Day Eve.

Brooke H. with Barb and Pam of BTS

At the invite of Brooke Hoskins, Assistant Department Head, Adult Services, who turned the library's meeting room into a lovely tearoom with tables covered in white linens, topped with pastel floral arrangements, place cards and vintage china, BTS served up Twinings tea and dished on Bridgerton - novels and Netflix series.

The Bloomfield Twp. Library-turned-tearoom

Tables were topped with flowers and place cards

We were thrilled to see a "booked solid" (with a waiting list!) room full of wonderful guests with a number of familiar faces, including tea friend, Carol M.

The Bridgerton Tea was "booked solid".

Guests enjoying tea and tea treats before tea talk.

(While BTS supplied tea cups, many attendees brought their own. Sandra showed us her very special porcelain cup from China. She was among one of the first groups to visit China when tourism was opened to foreigners in the 1970's). 

Sandra shows off her special tea cup from China

In addition to "spilling the tea" on a variety of Bridgerton topics, we shared slides from our recent visit to Bath, England where we had a personal tour of Bridgerton filming sites.  BTS also provided each guest with their own heart-shaped fan for use at their next ball (or heatwave). 

Tour of Bridgerton -Bath, England

Great to see our tea friend, Carol M.

We also hinted a "sneak peek" into the next issue of TeaTime Magazine (there's amazing content in every issue). 

BTS provided fans for guests, shared slides from our Bridgerton's tour of Bath & talked TeaTime Mag.

BTS thoroughly enjoyed our Bridgerton Tea with both guests and venue that are near and dear to our heart - Valentine's Day or any day! 💓🫖📕

Buc-ee's! The dazzling southern travel stop experience: everything from soup to nuts and scones to brisket!

Our first stop at Buc-ee's will not be our last!

What would you call a highway rest stop that serves up pulled pork sandwiches, scones and kolaches as well as adorable logo merchandise and home decor in a football field-sized store that sparkles from entry to exit?  Some may say it could only be a dream, but we know it is real and its name is Buc-ee's.

For the month of January, my husband, Chris, and I drove south, parking for two weeks in central Florida, but making many stops on the way down as well as on our return home to Michigan. We toured the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach and the "Little White House" in Warm Springs, Georgia  (btw, all future blogs, so please, "stay tuned"!), leaving room for some unexpected adventures . That's where a bit of, as we at Barb's Tea Service like to call "serindipi-tea" came to us via social media from good friends, Tim and Joni, who were on their own southern road trip.  En route home, we caught their latest post -  a morning stop and selfie at "Buc-ee's" in northern Florida.  We've followed their lead to fancy masquerade balls and grand theater, so we knew they were on to something special. 

Serendipi-tea brought us to highway wonderland

All signs point to Buc-ee's

Shortly after our friends' enticing notification, good fortune and great timing came our way as we saw billboards popping up for a Buc-ee's just off I-75 in Richmond, Kentucky. It was destiny and we were not disappointed.

Fashionable friends never steer us wrong!

A recent article in USA today (November, 2023 - also listed on Buc-ee's website), explains the Buc-ee's attraction. First, they have award-winning restrooms. And, yes, that's one of the reasons we made the stop. I can say from personal experience, the bathrooms really are divine - extremely clean and actually, kind of glamorous, with vanity-style sinks and lighted mirrors. 

Our own Buc-ee's selfie!

Then, there's the incredible variety of food: breakfast tacos, brisket sandwiches, packaged salads and a high end bakery that offers not only the aforementioned scones and kolaches (sweet and savory!), but, lemon bars, cinnamon rolls, muffins and cookies. And, from our small sampling, all were tasty and very satisfying.

Just a sample of Buc-ee's bakery.

They also have a wide selection of fudge that looked scrumptious (we'll save a few things for our next visit).

If we had had more time, I would have loved to have browsed through their home decor section and perhaps, picked up one of the adorable plush Buc-ee's mini mascots or the cliche, but still desirable,  T-shirt.

Another lure, although we had almost a full tank when we arrived in Richmond so didn't take advantage of, is their low gas prices and plentiful pumps. 

We were curious as to Buc-ee's history, which is also on their website. Buc-ee's is the creation of Arch, "Beaver", Aplin III, who grew up in Texas and worked in his grandfather's general store. Two years after graduating from Texas A & M in 1980, he opened his first convenience store in his home state. Almost twenty years later, the first super-sized Buc-ee's opened and now there are forty-three scattered across Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky.

Buc-ee's has the perfect blend of classic and sweet and savory. Just like a great afternoon tea!

Although our first Buc-ee's experience has us longing to go back, it will take some planning. The closest location to Detroit is the Richmond, Kentucky location, which is over a five-hour drive. There are a number of new Buc-ee's in development, including Huber Heights, Ohio. While that would shorten our trek by two hours, it's noted that those in the "planning stage" will take several years to be completed.

So, like many good things in life, for the time being, for us, Buc-ee's will be an experience to seek and  savor when we're visiting states well south of Michigan. 

In the meantime, we'll enjoy a Buc-ee's tea time with our take-out sweets and savories. 

For more Buc-ee's tea time, see Barb's Tea Service's most recent video on YouTube (and subscribe while you're there!) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyBmpisudgs&t=8s

What's In, What's Out for 2024: Barb's Tea Service weighs "in" on what's hot and cold for the new year.

 

Wedgwood: a favorite of both BTS and Jane Austen. We're never sad with our Wedgwood blues.

It may be self-validating or just an affinity for an annual activity that has ebbed more than flowed in recent years, but, we at BTS are thrilled to see that In/Out lists are, in fact, "in".  As reported last week in the New York Times, (What's 'In' in 2024? In-and-Out Lists, Apparently), there has been a resurgence of media sources who opine on what's trending for the new year and what should be left behind in the old. 

Although Barb's Tea Shop blog was not cited in the NYT article, we are comforted in the knowledge that we have been on the verge of a trend for over a decade. BTS began its In/Out list at the end of 2010, pooling from a variety of industry experts as well tapping into our own keen sense (or is that non-sense?) of all things fashionable.  

With newfound support and a host of things to share, BTS, once again, offers up what it sees coming and going in 2024.

In and Out 2024:

In:  Recluttering.  A term coined in a Washington Post article last November and featured in the newspaper's In/Out list for 2024. It's defined as a "celebration of your stuff - stuff that you just want to hold on to, stuff that makes you happy, stuff that makes you feel nostalgic for a moment, a memory, or a loved one".  That pretty much describes/gives justification to most of BTS' "ins". But style experts caution - recluttering isn't a "free for all". One must find balance.

Out: Clutter. Of course and once again. We feel there's progress made with the case for recluttering. We'll take the win.

Recluttering: Wedgwood Jasparware

Two trends unite. Barbie & Wedgwood

In:  Wedgwood  A classic. BTS has been a collector for decades, finding great company with impressive loyal fans such as Jane Austen. With recent additions of jasperware plates and an equally impressive reference tome, we're never sad when we get the Wedgwood blues. (see also:  Barbies, see also: recluttering)

Out:  Butter crocks. We dodged this failed trend by, we must confess, not knowing it existed. According to the New York Times, "What will life be like in 2024?" (January 1, 2024), butter crocks did not get the traction predicted for 2023.  A quick check on the "internets" found, there was, indeed, some support for butter crocks invading last year's kitchens. The Spruce Eats, in March of 2023, recommended eight butter keepers with the tagline, "never struggle with cold, crumbly butter again".  Apparently, the struggle was not real (enough).

Plaid is in! Tartanry is out!

In:  Mad for plaid: Inspired by a recent stay in Scotland, we have embraced plaid from apparel to home decor. The Princess Di plaid pattern scarf, with its soft blended hues of pinks and blues, adds a regal touch to almost any wardrobe, but we aren't stopping there. We've moved on to tartan touches in the guest bedroom and holiday tables. 

Plaid for the holidays!

Plaid for the bedroom.

               

Out:  Tartanry:  A sentiment that fabricated tartan patterns along with a few other highly merchandised Scottish traditions are based more on marketing than long established traditions. However, after two hundred years of promo, BTS feels this can easily qualify for historic tradition. To those who hold on to this old belief, we say, put your tartanry in your bagpipe and smoke it.

Bridgerton, Season 3 is coming!

Bridgerton in Bath, ready for our next tea.

                 

In: Season 3!!   The third season is a "go" for both Bridgerton and The Gilded Age. The Bridgerton series is moving forward with Penelope and Colin's story in May. And, dear gentle readers, BTS is launching its new season in February with a Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea talk. (and, of course, more Gilded Age coming to BTS, too!) 

Pride and Prejudice in Chinese

Jane Austen in Bath and beyond.

In:  Jane Austen Everywhere! We love Jane and not only for her loyalty to Wedgwood. After two hundred years, the Regency-era author maintains rock-star status, inspiring movies, festivals, fan-fiction and a global following.  

                                           

Jane may spur one to take a long (trip to) Bath, read her classics in different languages (we were gifted "Pride and Prejudice" in Chinese) or attend one of BTS' Austentacious Afternoon Tea Talks. We say all have much to recommend. But, wait, there's more. . . !

BTS has Austentacious teas ready for 2024

In: Being Mr. Wickham:  It took us a trip across the pond to discover that Adrian Lukis, the actor who portrayed George Wickham in the BBC's version of Pride and Prejudice (1995), had co-written and starred in a one-man play about the future of the rakish character that fooled even Elizabeth Bennet. (Adrian Lukis was a guest on a BBC morning show in October which we viewed on the telly in our London hotel). "Being Mr. Wickham" had a stint on Broadway this past June. This play would receive our greatest approbation if it returned for a fortnight or two.

Being Mr. Wickham continues this rakes tale.

Adrian Lukis, aka "Wickham" chats on the telly.

Out:  Being Richard Simmons At least according to the former exercise guru and the star of "Sweating to the Oldies".  A new biopic, starring Pauly Shore, is in the works, however, Richard Simmons was quick to post on social media that he is not involved with the movie and doesn't plan to be. Although Pauly Shore did not receive Simmon's approval, he believes, as quoted in Variety, that, ". . . We all need this biopic now more than ever".  Hmmmm?   

Prosperitea, players don tiaras and fascinators, and drink tea from Wedgwood cups (BTS version)

In:  Party games, with hats!  We are excited to participate in "Prosperitea", a game of "artisanal tea blending". When we sit down to play, we and our guests will don requisite fascinators and tiaras. But, that trend doesn't end with refined afternoon tea festivities. We've expanded it to pinochle club, where guests select their appropriately-worded (and beautifully embroidered!) baseball caps to alert partners whether they were "going for jacks around" or will "bid like an Engman and play like a Gulley".  

Elevate your card club with assorted snappy hats

Out:  Accessorizing for Wordle. We don't think this was ever in, but, to set the record straight, formal attire is highly discouraged for this daily challenge. Sweats and/or pj's are di rigueur.  Same for Connections or Spelling Bee. 

              

Harewood House, home to Princess Mary

Spare may be "out" in the cold

            

Royal In:  Princess Mary.  We're going back a century-plus, but with a recent biography on the only daughter of King George V (great Aunt of King Charles III) and given a subplot in the first Downton Abby movie, Princess Mary's story is back in the news. We visited her home, Harewood, (also featured in Downton Abby) this past fall and will share more in upcoming blogs!

Royal On-the-Outs: Prince Harry.  With last year's "Spare", Prince Harry spilled the tea on all the Royals, teeing up a somewhat chilly family reception when he returned for the King Charles III's coronation. To be continued, we're quite sure. 

Chris before December of 2023

Chris proudly sporting Honolulu blue

Out:  "Viva Magenta" Pantone's color of 2023.  It was chosen for being "brave and fearless" and promoting "joyous and optimistic celebration."

In:  Colors of the year:  While Pantone unveiled its color of 2024:  "Peach Fuzz" for its "radiant and warmth and modern elegance. . .  [noting it] effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless",  we at BTS offer Honolulu Blue. Like Viva Magnta of yore, its fans have been brave and fearless for thirty years. May we be so lucky to experience  a joyous and optimistic celebration!

Taylor Swiftea mug, also in.

Taylor Swift is in. 

     

In: Taylor Swiftea Mug (and Travis Kelce).  Fantasy football members and Swifties unite under one roof, or dome, or open air stadium (those in the northern climates, really need to rethink the latter). While we watch winter NFL games in Buffalo and Green Bay, and shudder in empathy with the players on the frozen tundra, we'll raise a cup of our favorite hot beverage in a Swift-tea mug.

(Possibly) Out: Jason Kelce.  Talk of retirement just after a loss in the playoffs. A win would have meant a date with the Lions.  Although no mug to commemorate just yet, whatever JK decides, our helmets are off to a Kelce who wasn't so much the Swifties' center of attention, but an Eagle-eyed centered center, nonetheless.  

Only IN:

Holiday Barbie's, part of our recluttering.

Barbie's Tea Service, Barbie fans

                    

In:  Barbie:   Embrace the pink and more recluttering. Barbie, the movie, brought back the spotlight to this ageless fashion doll who Barbie's Tea Service has been devoted to for almost a lifetime. Our Barbie collection makes us both "happy" and "nostalgic", but we're experiencing some pressure on the home front to find a little more "balance" in what we keep and what we display. 

 

Strawbridges are coming to the US (beyond the telly!) 

One of the Chateau's tour stops!

In:  Escape to the Chateau Tour of the US and Canada: There's so much to love about this show: the engaging hosts, Dick and Angel Strawbridge and their children;  their centuries-old French chateau rehab; and the updated venue's vintage tea parties and weddings.  Check out their website for upcoming dates this February and March. Will BTS be attending? Yes, we'll be escaping soon!

Knife rests and salt cellars, still in.

Invested in salt cellars, luckily not butter crocks.

In:  You may be relieved to know, we predict knife rests and salt cellars are still headed for tablescapes this year.  Move over butter crocks! Set your teaspoon down for a practical and elegant repose on a knife rest and fill your cellars full of lemon curd and clotted cream.

Downton Abbey/Gilded Age

Tea Tasting and Tea Etiquette

In:  Barb's Tea Service tea programs! Last year was filled with a variety of BTS tea talks and tea tastings and we can't wait to see you all in 2024! We served up several different Jane Austen teas (including a Jane Austen Christmas tea), along with Downton Abbey, Tea Etiquette and Tea Tastings. New this year - Bridgerton (and more!). Call or email us to customize a tea event for you and your special group. Reach us at barb@barbsteaservice.com or 248-840-4356.

BTS knows that all tea friends are always "in" and in our hearts. We look forward to much tea time fun with you all in 2024! 💗