My research for my forthcoming novel has brought me to Albany at the turn of the century and into the 1910s. It was apparently a rather squalid place, and Frances wasn’t much impressed by the condition of the state capitol building, which was stained with cigar ashes and tobacco spit.
Video about the Capitol’s history
I’ve also been learning about her good friend and political mentor, Al Smith. It’s so much fun to be able to actually see pictures of my heroes and heroines and hear them. There’s just the teeny-tiniest Irish accent in his speech and it’s delightful.
