“The basis of world peace is the teaching which runs through almost all the great religions of the world. ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself.’”
- Eleanor Roosevelt
At a time when racism pervaded American society, a young African-American girl from Hyde Park, NY, developed a close relationship with the wife of one of the most powerful world leaders of her time. While Eleanor Roosevelt is remembered by many as the first lady of our country, a compelling humanitarian, and a champion for women’s rights, she extended the same down-to-earth warmth, kindness, and hospitality to Shirley, as she did royalty, dignitaries and other neighbors. One of the few books documenting an African-American youth’s experiences with the First Lady, Hot Dogs for the Queen is a collection of Shirley’s treasured childhood memories of her family relationship with “Mrs. Eleanor.”
PRAISE
"Hot Dogs for the Queen" is a delight! It is a marvelous personal recollection of life at Val Kill. Grandmere provided the perfect playground for all us youngsters - swimming, or playhouse, boating, picnics, tennis, ping pong, and even horses. What grand times we had while the rest of the world was consumed by WWII and its aftermath. I immediately recognized your picture. And you are a handsome woman today! We are only months different in age - both 75 this year. I feel sure "Hot Dogs" is for sale at the visitor center. It should be. Gertrude and Alice would be thrilled to be included in your book, as am I."
— RUTH CHANDLER ROOSEVELT,
GRAND-DAUGHTER OF PRESIDENT
& MRS. FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT, 06.22.09
"I was a member of Session II of the Girl's Leadership Workshop that you visited and spoke to. I just want to thank you for taking the time to come spend an evening with all of us! I feel glad that you were able to pass on a little bit of Eleanor Roosevelt's inluence to us. She was a truly amazing woman and I think that her legacy needs to be spread. Thanks for providing a glimpse into her profound existence."
— JAIMIE ROGNER, ATTENDEE,
VAL KILL GIRL'S LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP, 07.20.09
BIO
The righteous will flourish. They will still yield fruit in old age to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock!
Psalm 92:12-15
Shirley Vaughn Jackson resided on Violet Avenue in Hyde Park, New York, from 1934 to 1967. She matriculated through the Hyde Park public schools, graduating from F. D. Roosevelt High School as valedictorian in June 1951. She was one of the Hyde Park school children who passed out programs to the attendees of President Roosevelt’s Rose Garden burial on April 15, 1945. She was hired as the first Black office employee at the general headquarters of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Company.
In December of 1967 she married the Rev. Dr. Belvie H. Jackson, Jr., who was pastor of the historic Smith Street African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. They were transferred to the Greater Centennial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y. in June 1968. Included in her many religious and civic endeavors, she was employed by the City of Mount Vernon in the Career Center at Mount Vernon High School for 30 years.
After the passing of Rev. Jackson in July 2005, she continued to reside in Mount Vernon where she remained an active member of the church and community. Shirley Mae Vaughn Jackson passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Calvary Hospital – Bronx, NY. All who had even a brief encounter with Shirley can attest to her boundless energy, genuine smile, and firm guidance.
Shirley Vaughn Jackson leaves to cherish her memory her youngest daughter, Belinda Marie Jackson; her oldest daughter, Christina Beth Penrose (Clint Penrose); her grandsons of whom she was so proud, Tyson Kamal Jackson Penrose and Josiah Vaughn Jackson Penrose; her sister-in-law Emma Gomes of Charlotte, NC; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; godchildren and a host of friends.
Shirley dedicated much of her time in her final years to sharing favorite recipes and photos with her grandsons and writing a historical cookbook that her family will publish in her memory.
Bring Hot Dogs for the Queen into your classroom or school library. Download the elementary lesson plan here.
IN THE PRESS
United Nations Association (USA) Westchester Chapter | Honoree
Meet Shirley at the International Women's Day 2020, Conference on Women, March 3, 2020.
Shirley shares with students about her friendship with Mrs. Roosevelt in a talk show format.
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Visiting Mrs. Roosevelt | Sound & Story Project of the Hudson Valley
Shirley's story was recorded as a part of this oral history project capturing the rich heritage and diversity of the Hudson Valley.
Photo Credit: Yorktown Patch
You were a big hit! The librarians were amazed by your story. Thanks for getting us off to a great workshop.