Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Untitled German Poem
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Copyright not held by FDR Library

Untitled German Poem

Artifact IDMO 1972.24.57
Object Type Poem
Author
Maker (American, 1884 - 1962)
Mediumpencil on paper
Dimensionsoverall H 8 in x W 5 in (20.3 cm x 12.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionA seven-line poem, untitled and by an unknown author, handwritten in German by Eleanor Roosevelt in pencil on a sheet of paper. The first line reads: Der Mensch braucht ein Plätzchen. Written in the upper right corner: Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt. A rough translation of the poem is as follows: Man needs a little place / And even though it be small / One can say of it / See here, this is mine / Here I live, this I love / Here I am at peace / Here is my dwelling place, here I am at home.

Historical NoteThis poem was among the items found inside Eleanor Roosevelt’s wallet after her death. A facsimile of the poem is displayed alongside other items found in the wallet in the Museum’s FIRST LADY OF THE WORLD gallery.
Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
On view
Related Links