I’ve always been a fan of the Hudson River School of painting. We’ve parked in the area of New York that spawned that school twice now. It seemed like the appropriate setting for Her Father’s Secret Son, the story of Liz, an artist.
The story begins at the home of Thomas Cole, pictured right. Not only does the place provide glimpses into Cole’s art and life, but there are often exhibits of new artists. The three sisters aren’t big fans of the current artist.
Later in the story, the sisters visit the home of Cole’s friend and former student, Frederic Edwin Church. Church’s home, Olana (below right). This eclectic home perched high on a hill overlooking the Hudson River is a contrast to the more humble property of Cole. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic and the views. While we didn’t go inside, the sisters did.
Hyde Park, the homes of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, as well as the Vanderbilt Mansion, is a fascinating place to visit. When I was there in the early 1970s, the Roosevelt park was less built up than it is now. Hyde Park has taken on the pomp and circumstance of its namesake president.
But, like the sisters, it was Val-Kill that charmed me. The house was Eleanor’s retreat, and a place where she invited leaders and graciously gave them a piece of her mind (photo left).
Even today, the valley is full of artists, as well as farmer’s and places that support the throngs of tourists that make their way north from New York City. It also has one thing near and dear to Liz. Will it be enough to lure her from Montana for good?
Find out in Her Son’s Secret Father, available March 25.
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