By  Nichola D. Gutgold

As the fall beauty surrounds the northeast, a most pleasant and history filled trip is one to Sagamore Hill, in Oyster Bay.  It is not just a frozen in time grand home and lovely community, it is a testament to the power of a daughter’s desire to preserve her family’s history. 

Ethel Carow Roosevelt Derby, the daughter of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt’s life was focused on civic morality and the preservation of history. She possessed the heart of a public servant and historian, though she never sought or held elected office or paid employment.

President Teddy Roosevelt with family (including Ethel on far right), circa 1903. 

Ethel’s devotion to her hometown of Oyster Bay, New York through her quiet, yet important commitment to create a National Historic Site of Sagamore Hill was a significant deed.   

Travel throughout the United States and you are likely to encounter many historic homes, grand structures from bygone eras.  Most of them have either fallen into states of disrepair or have been reclaimed by new owners and refurbished with all the modern conveniences.  Some  of these historic treasure-troves have been lovingly preserved and maintained as National Historic Sites.  

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