By Laura Lane

Return of the 'Summer White House'

Sagamore Hill reopening reveals a ‘bully’ restoration

Posted

The doors of Theodore Roosevelt’s summer home, Sagamore Hill, considered to be a Long Island treasure in nearby Oyster Bay Cove, were reopened July 12, after undergoing over three years of a nearly $10 million restoration. Nearly 4000 people stopped by to participate in the momentous occasion, including Teddy Roosevelt himself, portrayed by James Foote. “I’m delighted to see everyone here,” TR said, with a wave of his hat. “There isn’t anyplace like home … my Sagamore Hill.”
Then he joined Sagamore Hill Superintendent Kelly Fuhrmann and curator Susan Sarna to officially cut the red, white and blue ribbon that stretched across the entrance of the house. A group of about 50 people clapped before Sarna, who had been instrumental in the success of the house’s restoration said, “Mr. Roosevelt, welcome back.”
And thus the long awaited celebratory day began.
People waited all day on lines in hot humid weather but no one appeared to mind, intent on viewing the first floor of our 26th president’s summer home, a place that also served as the Summer White House. On opening day only the first floor was available for viewing, but now visitors can see all three floors and the word “see” is key to the experience.
The house is much brighter now after undergoing a new electrical system, which Sarna said was time consuming and tedious, but also worth every inconvenience. The North Room, fondly known as the Trophy Room, is perhaps the room that has benefitted most, now lit in areas that were previously lost in the shadows.
“The visitor has no idea how long it took to get the electrical in place,” Sarna said. “We had all the lamps rewired. Before most of them didn’t plug in anyway because we didn’t have outlets. And we took out all of the old wiring [in the house].”
All day long Sarna helped ensure that the public enjoyed their first look at the restored mansion. The biggest change people seemed to be talking about was the improved lighting as well as the personal touches like the flowers. 

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