PORT ANGELES — Little has been documented about former President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 8,100-mile, two-week trip across the Pacific Northwest in 1937.
Scott Larsen arrived at this discovery while researching what he dubs “The Trip.”
The Roosevelt impersonator and historian will arrive in Port Angeles on Saturday — the 80th anniversary of FDR’s visits — as he retraces the 32nd president’s journey from Hyde Park, N.Y., to Victoria to the Olympic Peninsula and back to New York.
Not the amateur to all-things-Roosevelt, Larsen will don the proper attire: a dark suit, fedora and pince nez glasses — plus a second pair in the case of an emergency. He also plans to walk with a cane and utter FDR’s signature phrases while mimicking that unmistakable baritone voice.
Larsen’s interest in Roosevelt began at 13 years old, more than 40 years ago now. His friend came home from school, Larsen recalled, and said the teacher “badmouthed” FDR. So, he vowed to investigate the president for himself.
“I was that one student in junior or high school history class who loved history when almost all of the others were bored to tears,” he said.
It launched quite the research endeavor.
Peninsula residents who wish to explore Larsen’s knowledge and sources, including a collection of inaugural programs, buttons, ticket stubs to various political events, a letter from Roosevelt’s son and about a hundred other items, can attend four talks between Saturday and Monday in Port Angeles.
Larsen also invites attendees to comb through any trunks, attics or newspaper clippings that might contain FDR history.
“History is too important to leave in the dusty, old history books,” Larsen said. “That is why bringing it alive through talks and writings hopefully will instill curiosity around local history.”
All talks are free to the public. Larsen will speak at the following places during his stay:
Lake Crescent Lodge
In honor of Roosevelt’s lodging at Lake Crescent Tavern, now Lake Crescent Lodge, Larsen also will stay there.
But he’s hoping the weather will be dry and sunny, unlike 80 years ago when Roosevelt and first lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited.
A gale-force wind almost made the presidential party head for Tacoma instead of Port Angeles. And the torrential downpour made the press traveling with FDR uncomfortable: Their lodging at Lake Crescent was cold with rain coming through the roof.
“They said it hadn’t rained on Sept. 30 for 12 years,” Larsen said. “But it rained and rained. It rained so hard, reporters had to sleep in their clothes.”
However, the president remained warm and dry in a cottage behind the tavern.
On Saturday at 6:45 p.m., Larsen will talk about Roosevelt’s visit to the lakeside resort in the lobby at 416 Lake Crescent Road.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Roosevelt’s Episcopalian faith remains “long unexplored” to this day, Larsen said.
After St. Andrew’s’ 10 a.m. service at 510 E. Park St., Larsen will present “FDR and His Faith” around 11:30 a.m.
He speculated Roosevelt’s faith was likely “deep within him,” but subtle hints showed up in his public life. For example, he participated in several prayer services, including one after his inauguration.
“I want to reveal more of the man,” Larsen said.
United Methodist Church
Larsen will be the guest speaker for History Tales, the monthly Clallam County Historical Society program, in the social hall of United Methodist Church, 110 E. Seventh St., at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Larsen said the talk will delve into Roosevelt’s visit to Port Angeles, including an “intense tug of war” about a proposed park on the Peninsula — what would become Olympic National Park nine months later.
When Roosevelt arrived in Port Angeles, his caravan drove through downtown, making an impromptu stop when it came across a sign atop the Clallam County Courthouse, Larsen said.
It read, “Mr. President, we children need your help. Give us our Olympic National Park.”
But it was a ruse, Larsen said.
“It was put by proponents of a new park, not school children,” he said.
Nevertheless, Roosevelt vocalized his support on that day.
“I am inclined to think it counts more to have the children want that park than all the rest of us put together,” Roosevelt said, according to a transcript of FDR’s remarks from the FDR Library and Museum in Hyde Park, N.Y.
“And so, you boys and girls, I think you can count on my help in getting that national park,” he continued.
Lake Quinault Lodge
Larsen will both speak and dine at Lake Quinault Lodge, 245 S. Shore Road, on Monday. The talk begins at 1 p.m., and Larsen will eat lunch in the lodge at 2 p.m.
The talk will center on what Roosevelt’s coming to the Pacific Northwest meant to the former president, Larsen said.
Although it’s not set, Larsen hopes to dine in the Roosevelt Room of the lodge. Others are invited to join the FDR impersonator for his final visit.
To follow Larsen’s trip across the Pacific Northwest, visit his Facebook page, “FDR in the PNW.”
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Reporter Sarah Sharp can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or at ssharp@peninsuladailynews.com.
