Stop 4: Playground Seesaw

Winthrop found himself amongst the youngest of the Rockefeller brothers and in the awkward position of middle child – three years younger than Laurence and two years older than the baby, David (photo 1). Winthrop refers to being teased by his older brothers growing up, and talks about how his fights with Laurence and Nelson helped him learn to control his temper.

Photograph of Winthrop and Sibilings, from left to right:

Abby Rockefeller, John D. Rockefeller 3rd, Nelson Rockefeller, Laurence Rockefeller, and Winthrop Rockefeller

Look over at the seesaw and imagine Winthrop and Nelson at play (photo 2). Winthrop tells a story about losing his temper with Nelson:

“I had an extraordinarily bad temper and when they were teasing me, I used to fly off the handle. When that happened, one of them would sit on my head, and the other on my feet until I cooled off. But one Sunday morning they didn’t quite catch me in time. Nelson and I were playing seesaw. He was much heavier than I, and every time he’d get me up in the air, he’d jump off, and let me go banging to the ground. A more mature person would have decided there was no sense in continuing that game, but each time Nelson assured me he wouldn’t do it again, and I’d start the game again. About the third or fourth time he let me drop, I grabbed a pitchfork which someone had left nearby, and started after him. Nelson turned and ran. I don’t know how I was able to catch him, but I did - and jabbed him in the knee.”

Winthrop, in “A Letter to My Son” tells the story of learning to control his temper and advises his young son against letting his temper get the best of him.

“Losing one’s temper, Win, is a luxury that no one can afford. You gain nothing by it – and you may lose a lot.