Another Presidential Library

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Following our Truman Library visit, we went to see his successor’s boyhood home and museum. Though born in Texas, Eisenhower spent his youth in Abilene, Kansas. Unlike many of the historical small towns we have visited, this town is well maintained and charming. However, life was not charming for the Eisenhower family.

The family of six boys (one died in childhood) was poor. To get an education, Eisenhower applied to the Naval Academy but was rejected because they did not admit new midshipmen who were 20 years or older. He was 20. He was accepted at West Point and after that only returned to the family home for visits. It remains as it was when his mother died there in 1947. It then became part of the Eisenhower Foundation. The homes that used to be nearby have been replaced by the museum and library.

The entry to the visitor’s center is ringed with a set of murals of Eisenhower’s life.

President Eisenhower, Mamie Eisenhower and one infant son are buried in the lovely Place of Meditation.

The Museum chronicles Eisenhower’s early military role for the Army before Pearl Harbor. Then it goes on to show his role as Supreme Commander of Allied Forces. This was his actual Cadillac staff car.

Mamie is given her own area showing her clothing and dinner services.

Both the Democrats and Republicans wanted him to run on their ticket for president in 1952. Truman and Eisenhower had been friends since their youth and Truman wanted Ike to run as a Democrat. His choice of the Republicans caused a rift with Truman.

Along with the issues he faced as President, exhibits show the changes occurring in America in the 1950s. The growth of suburbia and the increasing role of television were part of the politics of the era.

He is praised for guiding the US into a position of international leadership, the beginning of NASA, and the interstate highway system. His position on Civil Rights is generally criticized as lacking leadership as it was his belief that the plight of minorities would resolve with the passage of time.

His final speech as President is both quoted and shown. His warning to beware of the military-industrial complex went unheeded as retired military persons went to work for defense contractors. His warning about business’ strong influence on research in universities rings ever more true today.

Visiting the museums and libraries of the men who were Presidents during our formative years gave us an opportunity to reflect on how the country and the world has changed.