Local Boy Makes Good, part II

From PCJ Editor Wayne Senville:

Coincidentally, less than a week after touring the Reagan boyhood home in Dixon, Illinois, I had the chance to visit another home of a former President -- Harry S. Truman. (I squeezed this in right before giving a talk to Kansas City area planners and planning commissioners a few weeks ago).

The house at 219 North Delaware Avenue in Independence, Missouri, was where Bess Truman grew up. Her grandparents bought it in 1904.

After marrying Bess on June 28, 1919, the couple lived there (also using it as the Summer White House during Truman's presidential years) for the rest of their lives: until Harry's death in 1972, and Bess' death (in her home) in 1982, at the age of 97. [See photo below of Harry and Bess on their wedding day].

The house is now a National Historic Site, and maintained just as it was when Harry and Bess lived there.

The interior is both dignified and comfortable. Truman's study is a cozy room, and makes it easier to understand how he could have read almost a book a day there. The family room was also a special place for the Trumans, with its piano and large collection of music. As a small concession to modernity, there's also a TV tucked away in one corner -- but apparently it was seldom used.

The living room is more formal. That's where visiting dignitaries from around the world usually met with Truman after his Presidency. [See photo below from the NPS web site; the Park Service does not allow visitors to take photos inside].

Occupying a central spot on a wall in the foyer is a portrait of their daughter Margaret (Now 83, Margaret's the author of a best-selling series of murder mysteries, and several other books). And you'll also find one of Truman's coats and hat still hanging, tucked away under the stairwell.

After Truman's term ended and he returned with Bess to live year round at 219 North Delaware, visitors regularly roamed the streets to try to catch a glimpse of the Trumans.

The admiration that many Americans have for Truman continues, with over one million people having visited the house since it opened to the public after Bess' death.

About a mile down Delaware Avenue is the site of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum. Truman also had an office there after he retired. And as an aside, there's also a time capsule out front -- for those of you who recall my post about time capsules.