Margaret L. Suckley Papers, 1941-1962 | Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum

Title: Margaret L. Suckley Papers, 1941-1962

Primary Creator: Suckley, Margaret (1891-1991)

Extent: 0.0

Arrangement: The collection is arranged alphabetically by subject.

The papers of Margaret L. Suckley are comprised of correspondence between reporters, American people, the FDR Library Director, and President Roosevelt, pertaining to subjects which include the FDR Presidential Library, Dutchess County history, the President's genealogy and family, the Roosevelt Estate, and Fala.

A distant cousin of both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret “Daisy” Suckley was born and raised in her family’s Rhinebeck, New York, home known as Wilderstein. Daisy first became acquainted with FDR in 1922 when she was invited to Hyde Park to keep him company during his polio rehabilitation exercises.  The two developed a great affection for each other that lasted the rest of FDR’s life.  Daisy was undemanding, eager to please, witty, and utterly discreet.  Daisy helped FDR design his Top Cottage retreat, and after the 1940 election, she increasingly took on the role of companion and confidante.  FDR gave her a job as an archivist at his presidential library, and she gave him his little Scotty dog, Fala.  Daisy often traveled with FDR, and she was with him when he died in Warm Springs on April 12, 1945.  Daisy continued to work at the Roosevelt Library until she retired in 1963.  Following her death at Wilderstein at the age of 100, it was discovered that Daisy had kept detailed diaries and dozens of letters chronicling her time with FDR.