Writing America’s Story
At end of the 900-mile Santa Fe Trail is the largest adobe building in use in the U.S. A stone’s throw from the wagon-rutted historic trail, the Old Santa FeTrail Building is considered a masterpiece of Spanish Pueblo Revival architecture. Its courtyards, fountain, patio and stone walkways were all built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1937 and 1939—largely by hand, using local materials. Native American and Hispanic New Mexican corpsmen applied traditional crafts and designs throughout the building and produced many of its furnishings. The landmark building serves as the Regional Headquarters for the National Park Service and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site is temporarily closed to the public for repairs. Coming full circle, New Mexican members of the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps are taking part in the restoration.
— Susan Ives
FDR may be best remembered for leading the country though the Great Depression and winning the war against fascism, but some consider his repeal of Prohibition to be a pivotal achievement. Upon signing the 21st Amendment in 1933, (ending the nation’s thirteen years of illegal alcohol consumption), Roosevelt said, “I believe this would be a good time for a beer.” But, in fact, it was the gin martini that the president preferred. The Roosevelt Martini was testimony to his questionable mixology skills. Despite FDR’s late grandson, Curtis Roosevelt, describing FDR’s martinis as “the worst” tasting, FDR often enjoyed drinking more than one, which, at times, would inspire him to burst into his college fight song. Pinning down the exact recipe for the president’s signature drink is bit of a headache. A variety of recipes have been documented. (A common complaint is that the Roosevelt Martini is too heavy on the vermouth).
The Roosevelt Martini (Courtesy of Culinary Historians of Chicago)
Add ice to a mixing glass
Pour in 50ml of gin, 25ml vermouth (These amounts were sometimes reversed)
Splash of olive brine
Stir for 30 seconds
Strain into a cocktail glass
Garnish with an olive and lemon twist
(179 calories)