April 16, 2013--Eleanor Roosevelt and Bertha Brodsky

I have finally gotten around to reading Joseph Lash's Eleanor and Franklin: The Story of Their Relationship. This 1971 biography, based largely on Eleanor Roosevelt's private papers, focuses mainly on Eleanor and presents her in a generally, and deservedly, positive light.

It includes many stories about this remarkable First Lady who, arguably, had more to do with advancing women's rights in America than anyone in history. Other accounts are about how she showed extraordinary concern for the plight of the poor and people of color. She was, in these regards, decades ahead of her time.

One story stands out. It involves Eleanor Roosevelt's relationship with Bertha Brodsky, who could easily have been my own Aunt Bertha. Here it is from Eleanor and Franklin--

Among the many letters she received when she entered the White House was one from a young woman, Bertha Brodsky, who, in wishing her and the president well, added apologetically that she had found it difficult to write because her back was crooked and she had to walk "bent sideways."  

Eleanor immediately replied with words of encouragement, her whole being alive with pity and sympathy. She sent the letter to the doctor in charge at the Orthopedic Hospital in New York, asking whether a free bed could not be found for Bertha. It was, and when Eleanor came to New York she visited the young woman, who was almost entirely encased in a plaster cast, although her eyes and mouth showed "a determined cheerfulness."  

The girl came from a very poor Jewish family, her father eking out an existence with a small paper route, and before the visit ended it was as if Bertha had become one of Eleanor's children. 

She visited her faithfully and sent flowers regularly. There was a package at Christmas time, and flowers were sent to Bertha's mother at Passover. When Bertha was released from the hospital, Eleanor called Pauline Newman of the Women's Trade Union League, who found a job for her. She also helped Bertha's brother find a job, and when Bertha acquired a serious boyfriend she brought him to Eleanor to have her look him over. Eleanor attended Bertha's wedding, counseled her in moments of marital strain, and was godmother to her child. 

"Dear messenger of God," Bertha addressed her.

When I read this to Rona the other morning, she said--"Now that's how to use power."