Published in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was born January 30, 1882, this book is an attempt to reveal some ofwhat made Campobello a special place for the president, who called it his "beloved island."

No matter how independent I like to think myself, I could not have completed this book or the master's degree thesis which led to it without the help of many other people to whom I owe at least a debt of gratitude.

At the top of the list must be my wife, Lexi, whose patience and support never wavered over the seven years this project required. She accepted the great amount of time and money spent on the project with rarely a complaint. In fact, I think I complained more than she did.

My father was the first person to tell me about Campobello: a place where he feels completely relaxed and at home. If he hadn't been so enthusiastic about the island, I probably never would have gone there and discovered its magic for myself.

Of course the book would never have been published if it weren't for the support of the Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission, especially James Rowe, an American member, and Roland Frazee, a Canadian member. To all of them I owe a special thank you. In their continuing, unselfish donation of their time and energy to maintain and improve the park they consistently demonstrate their affection for Campobello Island.

Three other people associated with the Roosevelt Park were also helpful. The late Rad Pike, former naturalist consultant to the park, and park superintendent Harry Stevens provided me with places to stay while I visited the area. I will always appreciate their advice and friendship. A former employee, Vera Calder, sometimes cooked for me, provided information about the island, and always had a smile, which was especially helpful whenever I felt frustrated about my work's progress.

Although I have thanked them before, in a less public way, I also want to recognize the support which many other people contributed to the completion of my original master of fine arts thesis project, upon which this book is based. Joe Albritton, Arnold Picker, and Edward Pizek provided invaluable support during and following my graduate school work. My three thesis advisors, Charlie Arnold, Mike Lewis, and Dave Robertson, contributed their time and suggestions which greatly improved the final thesis project. My former employer, Brian Thayer, and other friends at the Biddeford-Saco Journal Tribune provided support and many hours of assistance. Lou Jacques and Rita Murphy were especially helpful in setting the original thesis type. Kiki O'Connell and Mike Lafavore helped straighten out the narrative of the introduction.

Thanks go to all these people and many others I met at Campobello and Lubec, who helped in small but important ways.