May 11th, Thursday, The Truman Presidential Library, Independence, MO

May 11th, Thursday,  The Truman Presidential Library, Independence, MO
Our next presidential library was the Truman Library in Independence Mo. which was a 3 hour drive from our campsite in Des Moines. Nothing of note about our campsite Wednesday night at Walnut Woods State Park just outside Des Moines. The dandelions were about a foot high and plenty of them.  The park is on the approach path for the Des Moines airport, but only two planes went by during our stay.  It does have about the best dump station I have used so far. (this last comment is for our rv readers). I am writing this Friday morning after sleeping in till 8am.  I think I am finally getting into the groove of vacation.

 Our campsite at Walnut Woods State Park.

 Entrance to the Truman library.

 They had a display of vinyl records and Elaine recognized the South Pacific album as one she had growing up.

 This is a map of Truman's whistle stop presidential campaign tours via the railroads. We thought this was similar to our cross country treks.

 As you will read above health care was an issue even 65 years ago.

 My traditional pose with the Harry Truman.

 Bess and Harry Truman's gravesite at the library.

 Elaine liked this quote.

 The next group of photos are of the office Truman maintained at the library for many years after leaving Washington and a replica of his Oval office.

 A desk made from wood when they rebuilt the White House in the early 1950's.  It has nail marks and burn marks from when the White House was burned in the 1800's.

 This seems to be a theme this week: atomic bombs.  This is the safety plug for the Nagasaki bomb. It was given to Truman as he had made the final decision to use the bomb. Interesting display as to whether the bomb should have been used was also at the library.

The Trumans lived a few blocks from the Presidential Library and this is their house was built by Bess Truman's grandfather.