Military Encampment at FDR's home

Before last Saturday, I had never had a ride in a classic car...now I've had two in two weeks! My model club, the Hudson Valley Historical Miniatures Guild, or HVHMG, was invited to set up at the Military Encampment at FDR's Home in Hyde Park, NY, for the second year in a row, and I have gone both times. This time, however, was more enjoyable. The first time was over 90 degrees, while today was only about 70- a huge difference. I was able to see more of the show and more of everything else.

The most exciting thing for me, is that I got to go for a ride in a 1945 Jeep! I don't recall them giving rides last year but they stopped right after my brother and I got our ride, so maybe I just missed it. Although I took the model pictures first, I will end with them.

 Various Military patches- I have detail photos on my website, at the link at the end.

 This radio works and was playing 1940s music.

 Lots of memorabilia was around.

 People in military uniform- some original, some reproduction.

 More than a few Jeeps were around.

 1974 GMC bus

In the bus!

 This is the Jeep we got a ride in, and our driver

 Although WWII is the majority of the reenactors, there are other wars represented. This man is in Revolution uniform.

 Not a real chicken

 A recreation of the mess, in civilian terms, portable kitchen. None of the food is real.

 We had garbage cans just like that up to 2002.

 A car mostly done up as a military command car. If it were actually serving, it would have had zero chrome- the door handles, window frames, hood ornament, etc. would have all been painted. The chrome can give off reflections and let the enemy zero in on your position.

 This large camera is for use in an aircraft.

 I spent a lot of time talking to the camera people- I AM a photography nut, afterall.

 1930s era camera.

 Models on display! These were not part of our club display but part of the show itself.

 My father's father brought some German coins home from the war. He was in the Battle of the Bulge, among others, and those coins- less than a dollar face value- is the only tangible thing he ever gave us. My brother had them and gave them to be when I began collecting coins, a hobby deep on the backburner.

 This Jeep is a 1952 model. It was made basically unchanged for the military from 1941-1981, when it was replaced by the Humvee.

 This tree is still standing, despite the obvious health challenges it's faced. A bit metaphorical of my experiences.

 This truck was huge- I have no idea how you get into it. The bottom step under the cab was about equal to my elbows when I stood next to it.

 Front of the 52 Jeep

 Italian helmets

 Victory Garden table

 This woman, playing the role of Dawn O'Day, say period songs for much of the day. Her father played the role of Bob Hope.

 Engine of the Jeep I got a ride in

 Jeep I got a ride in

 Field of Honor. Very impressive. Each flag is placed in memory of a local soldier killed in action. (while there were a lot more- you have to pay for these flag's placement, so there's a limited number)

 A nice shady path heading back to FDR's House. That is my brother on the left hand side of the path

 Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt's burial site. (I think Fala, too)

 The stable

 The Roosevelt home. A fine building. Excellent architecture.

 The view towards the Hudson River.

 During FDR's lifetime, you could see the river, but it's since been covered by trees.

 The south-facing side of FDR's home, his bedroom was in the upper left most window.

 Stable

 Neat old mosaic style tiles...in the stable!

 Carved from the Berlin Wall. The part it was carved out of is in on display at the Winston Churchill memorial, which is in...of all places, Missouri!

 Back to the camera. I spent about 20 minutes talking to the woman who runs the booth.

 I got to hold the big aircraft camera!

Painting in the Visitors Center.

Now, here are some images from my club's model display:

In all, I took more than 300 photos and 4 videos, including the entire ride on the Jeep, which you can see all of on my website, HERE. The show is still going to be going on tomorrow, although I will not be there- it's going to be 86 degrees tomorrow, I have the Indy 500 and Coca Cola 600 to watch, and I saw everything today. But if anyone wants to check it out, it's a lot of fun, and it's free!