Professor Hamilton's Diary: Sept. 21, 1935

A dinner guest plays the piano for them; president's mother touts her new biography

On this Saturday morning, Professor Hamilton taught classes at Albright College. A guest came for dinner that night and entertained them by playing the piano, creating what the professor deemed “an enjoyable evening.” So enjoyable that it was 11 p.m. when he drove the guest home. (He had gotten his car repaired.)

In Hyde Park, New York, the president’s mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt, was celebrating her 81st birthday. She had given a lengthy interview a few days prior in which she touted a new biography about her called Gracious Lady. (If Eleanor had written it, the title might have been Mother-in-Law from Hell.) Paid subscribers can read on.

This drawing of the formidable Mrs. Roosevelt accompanied the interview which appeared in the Reading Times today, accessed via newspapers.com.