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When Anna Lee was in high school, she went with a youth group to a convention in Kansas City. The highlight, and only thing she remembers, is going to the newly opened Truman Library, listening to Former President Harry S. Truman talk and shaking his hand. She was eager to return.
The mural in the entry lobby was designed under Truman’s direction and he painted the blue sky in the upper right corner of the part showing the Santa Fe trail west.
We started our visit with a movie giving background on his personal life and political career. A Truman impersonator then held a news conference answering our questions in view of the 1950s but with a hint of current times.
We had an excellent volunteer guide take us through the museum where outstanding displays tell of his romance with Bess that started when they were five but did not blossom until after high school. The issues he faced with dropping the bomb, restoring Europe, recognizing Israel, the Korean War and the firing of General MacArthur are discussed in detail. The area showing his Whistle Stop tour for reelection includes excerpts from speeches he made throughout the country.
The Oval Office contains the real items from his own office.
His sign, "The Buck Stops Here", was carved by prisoners and says “I’m from Missouri” on the back.
The area regarding the establishment of Israel contains a Torah presented by Chaim Weitzman.
Truman had an office in the museum and was there almost everyday meeting people, writing or reading from his large personal library.
He, Bess, and his daughter and son-in-law are buried there. His grandsons are still active in working on behalf of the museum.
We wanted to have lunch at the Clinton Soda Shop where Truman worked as a teenager but it was closed.
Bess’ great-grandparents built the family home in 1867 and her grandparents enlarged it. Bess’ mother moved back there with her children after the father’s suicide. This was the home Harry Truman moved into after he married Bess and the home where they raised Margaret.
Two homes nearby were built for Bess’s brothers. Bess’ mother lived in the home with the Trumans and also in the White House though she did not consider Harry good enough for her daughter. When Bess died she gave the home and everything in it to the United States. The Trumans kept everything and there are over 50,000 items from the four story home (basement, main floor, bedroom floor and attic) being sorted and stored.
Tours are of the main floor only and photography is not allowed. We entered from the back porch into the very 1950s small kitchen. The dining room was set for a formal dinner of that time. Harry’s office was lined with books and music. The parlor was the only room where guests, such as Churchill and Nixon, were allowed and they could only stay for a little while. Most touching of all was Harry’s coats and cane still on the rack near the back door. He used them on his daily walks and Bess asked that they remain as he left them. The home was for the family and they treasured their privacy letting bushes grow tall to keep rude strangers from peering in.
Our visit enhanced our respect for this great President who made his decisions based on a deep understanding of history, respect for the Constitution, and concern for all the people in the US.
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