The Gatekeeper: Missy LeHand, FDR, and the Untold Story of the Partnership That Defined a Presidency

I stumbled across 'The GateKeeper' while doing family research of the Farwell and LeHand families, and used the book and resultant correspondence with Kathryn Smith, the book's author, to try and figure out more details about this family that started out in Potsdam, New York and by way of its involvement in government, affected so much of what happened during FDR's time as governor and as president.The book is a well researched look at Marguerite Alice (Missy) LeHand's life, from beginning to end, and along the way we get to see a lot of the national and international political activities going on during the WW II time period. I think perhaps because the book was written by an investigative journalist (Smith), it probably has many microscopic details of the 'behind the scenes activities' of what I suspect we all now view as a very controversial time period in American life.Even though I was born during FDR's reign of presidency, he has always been a controversial figure to me, probably because of what I have learned about the political shenanigans of that time period. Did FDR know about the attack on Pearl Harbor ahead of time? Was he trying to support the European Jews in his actions? Were the Americans dragged into a war they did not want to be involved in? What about FDR's health problems? Etc, etc., etc. Surprisingly, Smith addresses many of these questions, but from the backside of the story. So, if as Paul Harvey would suggest, you want the rest of the story, this is it. If this book does not end up in FDR's library in Hyde Park, NY, I will be extremely disappointed. Missy LeHand was well loved and respected by both FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt.BTW, from the Lehand family history perspective, Marguerite Alice "Missy" LeHand was born in Potsdam, New York on Sep 13, 1896 to Daniel J. LeHand and Mary Jane (Graffin) LeHand, who were the children of Irish Catholic immigrants. Margeurite was the youngest of five children born to the couple. Her siblings were Arthur H LeHand (b. Feb, 1879), Daniel (Dan) James LeHand (b. Aug, 1880), Bernard John LeHand (b. Jul 31, 1883), and Anna M LeHand (b. Sep 1889).When Marguerite was a young child, the family relocated to Somerville, a working class suburb of Boston, Massachusetts, where LeHand was struck by rheumatic fever at age fifteen. It permanently damaged her heart, causing episodes of atrial fibrillation and eventually leading to her premature death. Eleanor Roosevelt later stated that the disease had left her delicate and barred from strenuous exercise. She graduated from Somerville High School in 1917 at the age of 21, where she had taken secretarial courses in preparation for a career. Although she never attended college, in 1937 Rosary College (now called Dominican University) recognized her professional achievements with an honorary Doctor of Laws, presented at the White House on Jun 11, 1937.The exact nature of LeHand's relationship with FDR has been discussed and debated by historians for years. It is generally accepted that their relationship contained a romantic element, though scholars remain divided on whether the pair had a sexual relationship. LeHand was, however, romantically involved with William C. Bullitt Jr., U.S. ambassador to Russia and later France, from 1933 to 1940, but apparently never contemplated marriage to him. Her devotion to the Roosevelt family and dedication to her career were the most likely impediments to marriage, though she once asked a friend, "How could anyone ever come up to FDR?In return for LeHand's devotion to him, President Roosevelt paid all of LeHand's later medical bills. He left half the annual income of his estate to his wife, the other half to "my friend, Marguerite A. Le Hand... for medical attention, care and treatment during her lifetime." However, LeHand died in 1944, preceding FDR in death by less than a year. Missy LeHand died in Chelsea Naval Hospital on July 31, 1944, and is buried in Cambridge's Mount Auburn Cemetery.There is much, much more. Buy the book and read it. It's a keeper.

The entire Roosevelt presidency was a fascinating time in politics and society. Missy seems to be the first chief of staff--a position not so named at that time. But she guarded all who saw Franklin and was approved by Eleanor who, in the latter years of the presidency, had her own agenda and travel plans that rarely included her husband. She happily let Missy handle this side of the duties of the office. Missy was devoted to the Roosevelts and their loyalty to her was returned.

If you enjoy biographies, history, politics or well-written prose, pick up a copy of Kathryn Smith’s “The Gatekeeper: Missy LeHand, FDR, and the Untold Story of the Partnership That Defined a Presidency.”It is clear Smith was thorough in researching and providing this first and long-overdue in-depth look into the woman who spent more time than any other individual with FDR over the course of 20 years. An adept multi-tasker and quick study, Missy possessed a keen ability to accurately size-up people, understood the value of discretion and was fiercely loyal. With these skills, she proved to be a most effective and efficient gatekeeper who earned FDR’s complete trust and dependence.As a history major and avid biography reader, much of the story was familiar to me. However, I found great interest in the tidbits of the behind-the-scenes goings-on as well as learning more about one of Franklin Roosevelt’s closest advisors and confidants. Though Missy has been somewhat forgotten or marginalized through the years, Smith shines the spotlight on a clearly capable woman and the key role she and all staffers play in making great leaders exactly that. Any who have served in “staff” roles as have I will find Missy’s story especially relatable. As a child of the Depression whose mother was an FDR devotee, my husband enjoyed reconnecting with the memories of events and names from his youth.No conclusive evidence exists nor is presented as to the true level of intimacy of their relationship. While Smith concludes it was merely a close working relationship, I’m not convinced. Missy provided more than the duties normally ascribed to her professional position often filling in as FDR’s hostess and travel companion due to the void left by Eleanor Roosevelt’s absences. And, the Roosevelt’s had from early in their marriage reached an agreement for peaceful co-existence while leading separate private lives to preserve public image and positions of power. The complexity of such a marital détente does cause one to draw parallels to others in this political season.The Gatekeeper is a breezy, informative read, and I highly recommend it. It took a bit longer for me as I was reading it aloud to my husband who suffers from macular degeneration. He provided a strong endorsement for the book when I asked if he’d like for us to finish “Missy’s book” or listen to football on TV Sunday afternoon. He opted for Missy. Trust me when I say, that speaks volumes.

Certainly very well researched and reveals lots about FDR's personal life as well as Missy LeHand's especially at a time when women, especially those without significant education, weren't given much responsibility. It sometimes feels like there is a lot of "routine events" information embedded in the story. I had hoped that there would be more insight on FDR's thoughts and actions in the time leading up to WW2 such as his dealings with Churchill. However, this may not have been a fair expectation given the book is about LeHand.

I thorough enjoyed this book. Having read so many excellent book about FDR and the constant reference to Missy Lehand it was uplifting to read a well written, well researched book on her life and times. Highly recommend.