The South Porch

Overlooking the hills of the Hudson Valley, the South Porch, located just off the Library, functioned as Springwood’s primary outdoor space. This screened-in porch was nicknamed “Granny’s bughouse” and the “Buggery” by FDR’s children. Mounted on the wall, a large ship’s wheel is the focal decorative piece in the space and was a gift to FDR during his service as Assistant Secretary of the Navy in the Wilson administration.

 

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Furnishings of Note

 

Ship Wheel

This large steering wheel was once used on two noteworthy U.S. Navy ships—USS Gloucester and USS Mayflower. It was presented to FDR by Henry T. Morningstar, the Master Mechanic of the Electrical Shop in the Navy Gun Factory in Washington, DC for Christmas in 1919. At the time, Roosevelt served as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy in the administration of President Woodrow Wilson.

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