Here are some interesting things to know about former US First Last Eleanor Roosevelt.
Eleanor Roosevelt is one of America’s most iconic first ladies. She had served as the first lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, during her husband President Franklin D. Roosevelt's four terms in office. She was also a political figure, diplomat and activist and is still celebrated for her many achievements. Here are some interesting things to know about her.
Eleanor was Eleanor Roosevelt’s middle name
Eleanor Roosevelt was born on October 11, 1884, in New York City. She was named Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, but as a child, she preferred her middle name and would introduce herself as Eleanor. As a toddler, her nickname as a toddler was “Granny”. Roosevelt's mother reportedly would often call her that for having proper mannerisms at an early age. Needless to say, she hated the nickname.
Eleanor Roosevelt 's early years and interests
After her mother Anna Hall Roosevelt's passing in 1892 and a series of tragic events, Eleanor was left in the care of her maternal grandmother when she was just eight years old. One of the fun things she loved doing as a child was playing field hockey and was good enough to make it on her school's field hockey team. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was also her uncle and reportedly adored her. He even walked Eleanor down the aisle on the day of her wedding.
Eleanor Roosevelt's honorary degrees
Eleanor Roosevelt earned around 35 honorary degrees in her lifetime. The Russell Sage College, the John Marshall College of Law, and Oxford University are among the institutions that gave her honorary degrees. Her husband only received 31 during his lifetime. Between Roosevelt and her husband, the two of them were related to 11 other presidents and several notable historical figures.
Eleanor Roosevelt would organize press conferences just for female reporters
Female journalists were for the most part excluded from media events at the White House before Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected president in 1933. Eleanor would host many women-only press conferences, which reportedly put pressure on newspapers to hire female reporters.
Eleanor once flew with Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart, the iconic aviator, inspired many people, even Eleanor.Roosevelt applied for her pilot's licence. It is reported the two even flew together from D.C. to Baltimore in 1933.
