Frank Landolfa

Eleanor Roosevelt and Frank Landolfa in the Val-Kill Shop, ca. 1927.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

Craftsman

Place of Birth:

Italy

Date of Birth:

1895

Place of Death:

Poughkeepsie, NY

Date of Death:

September 17, 1986

Place of Burial:

Poughkeepsie, NY

Cemetery Name:

St. Peter's Cemetery

Frank Landolfa was the first craftsman hired at Val-Kill Industries. An Italian immigrant who arrived in New York City in 1925, Landolfa was from a family of cabinetmakers. He came alone to the United States to establish a family branch of an import-export business. His efforts were unsuccessful, obliging him to take work with a New York City furniture maker. He also taught woodworking in a settlement house vocational program located in New York City’s Greenwich Village.

Following Eleanor Roosevelt’s inquiries, Landolfa agreed to an interview with Nancy Cook (with the aid of an interpreter) and arrived at Val-Kill in December of 1926. Val-Kill Cottage was nearing completion and the furniture factory was still under construction. Cook purchased machinery and workbenches selected by Landolfa and he began constructing furniture for Val-Kill Cottage during the first months of 1927. Landolfa possessed what Mrs. Roosevelt described as an “artist’s love of fine workmanship.”

Landolfa had understandable misgivings moving to rural Hyde Park. He knew no one and spoke little English. He considered returning to Italy, but Mrs. Roosevelt encouraged him to stay, enrolled him in a night class to learn to speak English, provided room and board, driving lessons, and helped him purchase his first car.

The Val-Kill Shop was soon bustling with several important orders placed that winter. Landolfa crafted furniture for the shop’s first customer—FDR, who was then finishing his cottage at Warm Springs, Georgia. To meet the demanding schedule and additional orders, Landolfa hired more craftsmen. Business remained steady until it began slowing in 1930. The hardest years were 1934 and 1935, when hours were cut due to lack of orders. Landolfa finally left for more reliable income when Mrs. Roosevelt arranged a job for him restoring furniture for a local judge. In time, Landolfa opened his own shop in nearby Poughkeepsie, New York and continued making furniture for another 40 years until his retirement.