We drove to Independence, MO to go learn more about President Harry S Truman. For breakfast, we found a doughnut shop close-by. It warmed our hearts because of its name. The grandchildren all called Dean's father Poppy. We definitely miss him!
Presidential Library #3 - Harry S Truman in Independence, MO
After we ate our doughnuts, we went to the Harry S Truman Presidential Museum and Library. It was very attractive with its tall, white columns making a striking contrast with the large, green, grassy front yard. We walked up the driveway to a large white tent at the bottom of the steps. It was from an event held that weekend. We went inside, got our Presidential Library passports stamped, and then headed to the movie since it was about to begin. It was an overview of just who Harry S Truman really was.
One of the things we quickly learned about Harry S Truman was that most people incorrectly write his name. They think that he has a middle name and just used S. as his official name. Actually, according to his autobiography, he said his middle name really was just "S" with no period. He was named after both grandfathers, Anderson Shipp Truman and Solomon Young. His parents decided S would allow him to have a part of both grandfathers' names. However, since most don't think S is a name by itself, both with and without a period after the S are considered correct.
After the movie, we began to go through the exhibits. There were 3 floors, an office in another building, plus a gorgeous courtyard to explore.
These were some of the exhibits in the main museum. Many of them were great reminders of some of the events and policies that President Truman was responsible for during his presidency.
Harry S Truman saw many changes in transportation during his lifetime. Some of these involved his presidency, but others were in his personal life. Harry and Bess had matching color cars. Hers was little fancier than his.
Robin was very excited to see the Add-a-pearl necklace that Harry gave to his daughter, Margaret. Robin's father had given her the same thing every year on her birthday until it was completed when she was 21.
We went out in the courtyard next. The graves of Harry and Bess as well as Margaret and her husband are there. There is an eternal flame for President Truman in the courtyard as well.
National Historic Site #32 - Harry S Truman National Historic Site
Upon leaving the Presidential Library, we went to the National Historic Site for Harry S Truman run by the National Park Service. We went to the Visitor Center which had a few displays, but the whole town was part of this historic site. We did take the time to watch the movie and get our NPS passports stamped.
Then, we drove down to the Truman home and met a Park Ranger for a tour. This was Bess' family home. As with the other historic homes we had visited, we were only allowed to tour the first floor with the Park Ranger and were not allowed to take photos inside. The second floor was off limits out of respect to the family as they still come to visit. However, by agreement with the National Park Service, they may not spend the night in the home. We heard some really interesting facts during this tour. Bess and Harry met when they were 6 years old. His mother sent him to her house to return a cake plate. Harry asked Bess to marry him and she said no. They dated for 9 years. Fortunately, he asked her again and she accepted. They were married for 62 years. Our Park Ranger (on left) took our photo outside of the house. We did find a bird nesting in the eaves. We also learned that the fence was put up around the home because people were helping themselves to pieces of the house.
We spent a little time talking with the Park Ranger who told us about 2 of the houses across the street. One was the Nolan House, which was the home of Truman's cousins. We actually walked across the street with him and quickly went through it. He was locking it up for the night.
The other house was a red brick house on the corner. President Johnson sent the Secret Service to protect former President Truman and his family back in Independence, MO. Harry and Bess had lived 12 years on their own without any Secret Service protection. President Johnson felt there was a need because of world situation. President Truman refused the Secret Service and told President Johnson that they would not set foot on his property. So the red brick house across the street was forcibly purchased through eminent domain. The Secret Service protected the Trumans from there. The Park Ranger did show us a buzzer inside the Truman home by the front door that could summon the Secret Service, if needed.
Next, we drove around the town to see some of the other sights in the National Historic Site. We found the First Presbyterian Church where Harry and Bess were married.
We also drove to the Truman Depot. Not only was this depot the last stop on Truman's 1948 campaign for President, but it also was where he came after leaving office in January of 1953. He was met by more than 10,000 supporters.
We drove around town a little more and saw a few more sights.
When we were driving into town, we saw a huge spiral tower, rising above the tree line. Before we left town, we found it. The spiral was actually a steeple on a Mormon temple. It was very unique and quite a landmark. We drove through the campus and then left Independence.
We set out for Columbia, MO, but found ourselves driving 2 hours straight in the pouring rain. Traffic was really backed up going the other direction because of the weather. Our side kept moving, but the rain was blinding many times. We found a Cracker Barrell for dinner before arriving at our Courtyard Marriott. It didn't take us long to get ready for bed. The long day of learning, the rainy weather, and the heavy traffic had all taken their toll. We were ready for sleep.
