Hi everybody...still moving along..in Gettysburg right now...but will fill you in about Poplar Forest...I'll mkeep trying to get current..maybe if we stay put for a few days..it might help...but?
THURSDAY, MAY 18
It was a scenic beautiful drive up and up thru the mountainside to Poplar Forest which is the final retirement home of Thomas Jefferson...The entire town is called Poplar forest because obviosly of all the Poplar trees!..In order to locate it with our GPS, it wqas necessary to drive thru many curved and winding streets thru a small settlement of somewhat contemporary appearing modest sized homes...until Lo and Behold!...Poplar Forest was sitting up on the very top of a small hill...appeaqring like a small Monticello...but being surroundede on all sides the Ocvtaganol home with it's characteristic Rotunda roof was absolutely breathtaking!...i took pictures...went to the admission office and had a guide assigned to us for an official tour...
The entire site is preswently under restoration and it has been estimated that it will take about 5 years...at a cost od about $30,000,000 for the house and a like amount to build and equip the museum! The entire project is under supervision of a prestigious Archeological group and the skilled workmen are also college educated with Historical backgrounds...wow! The tour took several hours and along with much explanation, we were able to visualize parts of the exposede understructure and the significance it haqd to Jeffersons architectural expertise and the original inventions and techniques he utilized to produce such a fabulous place....the miracle of it was that it was done while he was in the Presidency in Dc or Monticello and done by written correspondence to the builoders...we were able to see and have explained by signage the old and partially finished areas..which will be kept somewhat in that condition to better underswtand it.
I found a suare edged nail on the floor and asked one of the men if it could be one of the nails used to secure the parallel bands of lathe, and he told me No but it dated from the 1840's and then showed me the original rose headed or L-shaped nails which had been used and purchased from the Nail Factory owned by Jefferson!..He not only waqs a grat poloitician, statesman, astronomer, diplomat, architect etc...but he also was a shrewd business man!
All the rooms appeared as tho they were front rooms since the building was octaganal and each had floor to ceiling triple hung, counterbalanced sash- weighted
windows which could be used as windows or doors! The only room without windows was the very attractive Dining room which had a very ingenious sky-light...the diffuse lighting resulting was n very effective. He had a rather large contingent of slaves at both place...and don't forget his relationship with Sally Hennings!
He built the house knowing he would be inundated with hordes of visitors and wanted a retreat where he could spend time with his 2 of his young granddaughters...It took him 3 days to travel there by bHorse and carriage and 2 days by horseback from Monticello if he were in a hurry...it took us about 1 hour driving time! All the redbricks that were used to build the house were made on premises...some were the usual rectangular shape while many were curved to better allow fotr the curved walls1...There were also 2 outside "Necessarys"...constructed similarly in Octaganal shape and topped with the usual rotunda roof...They did not have pits fto collect the excrement but wood drawers instead which could be emptied by the servants and utilized for fertilizer etc...He thought thisw would be much more "SANITARY"...
we spent several hours there nand I vould tell you much more...but if possible, I would suggest a visit..it would be enjoyable to you....and of course theren will be other things learnede which I plan to write of in my book....
we left there to drive to Staunton, Virginia the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson...Earlier in the morning we placed a call to our grandaughter, Tori who is Ellen and Tony's 3rd child...She just completed her 1st year at University of Virginia...which was founded and designed by Thomas Jefferson also0...She informed us that she had just received her report card and had bee3n given all QA's!...We promised to see her at dinner time and take her to any restaurant of her choice!
We saw and filmed Wilsons birthplace house..it also was owned by the church and had some information about nhim, but the maqterial I had received in Augusta was much more useful.
We saw Tori...took she and her boy friend to dinner...and all nwqas well...to bed....
This laptop is not as easy to type on!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Upward and onward!
Wed. AM
starting to forget what the date is!...but, we had breakfast and left for the capitol of North Carolina. Raleigh is supposed to be the birthplace of Andrew Johnson who was the 3rd President born in N. Carolina..Remember, Johnson, Jackson and Polk! He became President after Lincoln was assassinated, since he was Vice-President.
It took about an hour and a half to reach Raleigh which we found to be quite busy, urban with lovely homes and in fact did have the stately appearance of a Capitol city. When we found the site ( the GPS did it!), the admission office is located in a park referred to as "Mordecai Plantation". When we purchased our admission tickets we were informed that the name was pronounced " More-Dee-Kee" by everyone and that the property which was the largest plantation in the area had been owned for several generations, dating back to the Civil War by a Jewish family!...and upon the death of the last survivor, which was somewhat recent, it was purchased by the city. They were now in the process of moving several of the pioneer buildings that were located within the city of Raleigh and attempting to re-create a visit to past history.
The house that Andrew Johnson was born and reared in was one of the structures. I took pictures of it and then entered. It was a rough planked cabin with wood floor and comprised of 2 stories, one room on each level! Andrew was born in the upper room which had a bed and a crib...The lower level consisted as a kitchen/living room and had a fire place. Andrew was 3 years of age when his father died of pneumonia, shortly after attempting to save 2 young boys from drowning in a nearby lake. His father had been a handyman and janitor in an Inn that also employed his mother as maid and cook. They used the kitchen in ithe Inn for thier meals. He also had an older brother.
When he was 14 his mother was not able to continue to support him so she had him apprenticed to a tailor, where he and another boy tried to learn the trade. They evidently had "readers" in the shop who would read to the employees while they were working which served to attempt to provide some sort of educational experience, and his mother read to him also.. He however, remained illiterate. During this period of employment, he and the other boy became infatuated with a young girl, and in the evenings they would occasionally throw pebbles at her 2nd floor window to draw her attention. One evening a pebble was thrown a bit harder and fractured the pane of glass, and they fled. They were aware that if they were apprehended and jailed for the offense, it would mean Life imprisonment, which was the rule of the law at that time! so they ran to a nearby town for a short while, and still not feeling safe, Andrew ended up in Tennessee.
In the interim, the tailor with whom he was apprenticed and needed him, offered a $10 reward for his capture...but fortunately he was never caught!
When he arrived in Tennesse he plied his tailoring trade, found thewre was need for his services and shortly after arrival, place his sign outside of his dwelling and began to prosper. He then sent for the remainder of his family to join him there. In due time, he married an educated, respectable young lady who taught him to read, write and do arithmetic! His tailor shop became a place where frequently his customers would gather to chat with him as a participant...and apparently recognizing his abilities suggested that he run for election to one of the town's offices, which he successfully did...("The rest of the story" will be written in my book)
When we left the homesite, Daras and I drove into the central part of Raleigh where the Capitol building was located. It is bounded by 4 streets and is a relatively small building surroundeed by lawn and multiple statues and plaques most of which were memorials to the Confederacy. One large bronze statue portrayed a soldier on horseback, with 3 figures beneath it ..of Jackson, Polk and Johnson...Who else, did you expect? That statement really finally firmed up for me that Jackson really was born in NORTH Carolina!
It was time to move on, so we set the GPS for Lynchburg, Virginia and took off... It was about 115 miles distant and following a winding roadway through very scenic countryside and lovely little towns, with the windows open, and being bathed in the soft, warm and aromatic breeze, it was particularly pleasant. However, surprisingly just before reaching Lynchburg, a much needed heavy downpour of rain commenced which served to wash the remainder of the bugs from my windshield and car. It stopped just as we reached Lynchburg, and since we were aware that the Rev. Jerry Falwell had died the day previous, we were not at all surprised to see many of the retail busuinesses and restaurants displaying banners and posters testifying as to his demise and proclaiming thier loss. He evidently was well thought of and loved and will be mourned, especially in this city. This was on Wednesday and plans are for him to be buried on Tuesday, so that there would be ample time to give him a really ceremonial burial...Lynchburg is not only where he lived but the home site for his University, "Liberty"...and we saw many young people waring various pieces of clothing so identified. We found an Outback restaurant for a roast beef dinner...with a nice Ramada Inn directly across the street...so to bed. Tomorrow we head for Jefferson's" Poplar Forest". ( I'm typing as fast as I can to try to catch-up"...hang on")
starting to forget what the date is!...but, we had breakfast and left for the capitol of North Carolina. Raleigh is supposed to be the birthplace of Andrew Johnson who was the 3rd President born in N. Carolina..Remember, Johnson, Jackson and Polk! He became President after Lincoln was assassinated, since he was Vice-President.
It took about an hour and a half to reach Raleigh which we found to be quite busy, urban with lovely homes and in fact did have the stately appearance of a Capitol city. When we found the site ( the GPS did it!), the admission office is located in a park referred to as "Mordecai Plantation". When we purchased our admission tickets we were informed that the name was pronounced " More-Dee-Kee" by everyone and that the property which was the largest plantation in the area had been owned for several generations, dating back to the Civil War by a Jewish family!...and upon the death of the last survivor, which was somewhat recent, it was purchased by the city. They were now in the process of moving several of the pioneer buildings that were located within the city of Raleigh and attempting to re-create a visit to past history.
The house that Andrew Johnson was born and reared in was one of the structures. I took pictures of it and then entered. It was a rough planked cabin with wood floor and comprised of 2 stories, one room on each level! Andrew was born in the upper room which had a bed and a crib...The lower level consisted as a kitchen/living room and had a fire place. Andrew was 3 years of age when his father died of pneumonia, shortly after attempting to save 2 young boys from drowning in a nearby lake. His father had been a handyman and janitor in an Inn that also employed his mother as maid and cook. They used the kitchen in ithe Inn for thier meals. He also had an older brother.
When he was 14 his mother was not able to continue to support him so she had him apprenticed to a tailor, where he and another boy tried to learn the trade. They evidently had "readers" in the shop who would read to the employees while they were working which served to attempt to provide some sort of educational experience, and his mother read to him also.. He however, remained illiterate. During this period of employment, he and the other boy became infatuated with a young girl, and in the evenings they would occasionally throw pebbles at her 2nd floor window to draw her attention. One evening a pebble was thrown a bit harder and fractured the pane of glass, and they fled. They were aware that if they were apprehended and jailed for the offense, it would mean Life imprisonment, which was the rule of the law at that time! so they ran to a nearby town for a short while, and still not feeling safe, Andrew ended up in Tennessee.
In the interim, the tailor with whom he was apprenticed and needed him, offered a $10 reward for his capture...but fortunately he was never caught!
When he arrived in Tennesse he plied his tailoring trade, found thewre was need for his services and shortly after arrival, place his sign outside of his dwelling and began to prosper. He then sent for the remainder of his family to join him there. In due time, he married an educated, respectable young lady who taught him to read, write and do arithmetic! His tailor shop became a place where frequently his customers would gather to chat with him as a participant...and apparently recognizing his abilities suggested that he run for election to one of the town's offices, which he successfully did...("The rest of the story" will be written in my book)
When we left the homesite, Daras and I drove into the central part of Raleigh where the Capitol building was located. It is bounded by 4 streets and is a relatively small building surroundeed by lawn and multiple statues and plaques most of which were memorials to the Confederacy. One large bronze statue portrayed a soldier on horseback, with 3 figures beneath it ..of Jackson, Polk and Johnson...Who else, did you expect? That statement really finally firmed up for me that Jackson really was born in NORTH Carolina!
It was time to move on, so we set the GPS for Lynchburg, Virginia and took off... It was about 115 miles distant and following a winding roadway through very scenic countryside and lovely little towns, with the windows open, and being bathed in the soft, warm and aromatic breeze, it was particularly pleasant. However, surprisingly just before reaching Lynchburg, a much needed heavy downpour of rain commenced which served to wash the remainder of the bugs from my windshield and car. It stopped just as we reached Lynchburg, and since we were aware that the Rev. Jerry Falwell had died the day previous, we were not at all surprised to see many of the retail busuinesses and restaurants displaying banners and posters testifying as to his demise and proclaiming thier loss. He evidently was well thought of and loved and will be mourned, especially in this city. This was on Wednesday and plans are for him to be buried on Tuesday, so that there would be ample time to give him a really ceremonial burial...Lynchburg is not only where he lived but the home site for his University, "Liberty"...and we saw many young people waring various pieces of clothing so identified. We found an Outback restaurant for a roast beef dinner...with a nice Ramada Inn directly across the street...so to bed. Tomorrow we head for Jefferson's" Poplar Forest". ( I'm typing as fast as I can to try to catch-up"...hang on")
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
...moving on...
May 15 10:30 AM
Arrived at boyhood home of Thomas Woodrow Wilson..it is a handsome traditional appearing 3 story red brick house on a corner lot, with a somewhat similar appearing house on the next lot.
Both homes are part of the Historic site with the adjacent home being identified as the Lamar Home. He was a Pastor of another denomination of the Protestant faith, as well as Woodrow Wilson's father who was Presbyterian minister...they lived next to each other just about at the same time, and each of thier son's became close friends.
It was necessary to enter the basement of the Lamar house to gain entrance to the Wilson home, and as we paid our entrance fee to the woman there, she informed us that she would act as our personal guide. I'm certain that you noted that President Wilson's first name was Thomas...and we learned that his mother's maiden name was Woodrow.
He lived in this home from age 1 until age 14, which of course were the formative years that helped mold his character...and just what information I was seeking! His minister father father obviously had a great influence in his rearing since he evidently instilled discipline and the need for education early on. In an upstairs bedroom which had been utiilized somewhat as a Family room, we were shown an inverted chair which his father, while being seated on the floor would lean back on it's back to support himself as he read nightly from the Bible as well as the Classic novels to all the children for thier entertainment and enlightenment...
The house was owned by the church and provided to the family, with the church at which he was Pastor was an impressive huge building on the opposite diaganal corner. He obviously was very devoted to his father, but apparently also had a strong maternal feeling...since when he was President, he was responsible for making the 2nd Sunday in May...an Official "Mother's Day"!
When he was 4 years of age, we were told, as he stood near the front fence he overheard 2 men who were passing by of the election of Abraham Lincoln as President and the fact, "that that meant war"! He dashed indoors to inquire what that meant and it was explained to him...The family being in the South had black slaves at the time. As the Civil War progressed it served to have great impact on Woodrow in his development. There being a railroad depot just up the street from the house, it was used to transport wounded Union soldiers into the church grounds for medical assistance...and when the city was siezed and the church grounds were used to billet some of the Union army. it posed a problem...At one point he, and the son of the Pastor next door were given a severe reprimand by his father when it was discovered that the 2 boys had visited and become friendly with some of the Northern soldiers!
To further corrobate the validity of the house , we were shown a pane of glass in one of his parent's bedroom on which he had etched with one of his mother's pieces of jewelry his name...It was a roughly scratched"TOM"!
I took several pictures, and having been given more information about his rearing at that location, it was time to leave. It had been a very worthwhile stop!
We then drove to Columbia, Georgia where President Wilson moved when he was about 14 since his father had accepted another Ministry there. We found the location and it was a pretty large, gray framed house trimmed in white with rectangular columns. Unfortunately, it was not open for inspection since it was closed for repairs...but pictures were taken and we had been made aware that the house had been built by Woodrow's father and it was the ONLY house he ever owned! . It was time for dinner and bed.
Now it was time to try and locate Andrew Jackson's birthplace...It was supposed to be in Waxhaw...either South or North Carolina!...so we set the GPS for Waxhaw and took off! We were aware that both towns claim Andrew Jackson as one of thier own, as to his birthplace! But as we drove merrily alongs we noted that the terrain became much more rugged and forested...and as we drove on the winding road we also noted that it was identified alternately as either being in North or South Carolina! The story we recieved that at the time of Jackson's birth this frontier area had relatively unmarked border markings. They in fact were boulders or stones set in somewhat random fashion demarcating the lines, hence today's confusion. Further we were informed that when Andrew's mother went into labor during his birth that she did so in thier house on the South Carolina side..but walked over to her sister's place on the other side and had little Andrew there!....It's "your nickel...and your choice"! at any rate when we finally reached the site, we entered the park and entered the visitors center. There were just a few artifacts and material related to President Jackson there, and on the grounds were a small group of what appeared to be reconstructed buildings simulating how the farm had appeared.
We further were informed that there was a somewhat similar tourist location on the other side of the border about 2 1/2 miles away.....but we were satisfied we had seen the "real" one!
Official North Carolina statements are made that 3 USA Presidents were born in North Carolina..Andrew Johnson, James K. Polk and Andrew Jackson..That was good enough for me!
The next drive was to the birthplace of James K. Polk. It was located in Pineville, North Carolina which had of course been on the frontier. It is now a small bustling little town, somewhat affluent appearing, with the usual stores in it's various shopping malls. Just beyond the center of town in a park-like area, up a winding lane they are in the process of refurbishing Polk's birthplace. It was constructed of rough hewn boards in a cabin fashion and had about 5 window apertures. A local carpenter, who spoke and looked the part of a "local" was busy plyiong his trade on it...and explained to me that even tho this house appeared to be so primitive, it really demonstrated that it was of a more affluent style than most which generally only had 2 windows! It was placed in a setting where they were also building reproductions of other structures such as a blacksmith shop, livery stable etc. so as to give the appearance of a small village. Pictures were taken and we left. It seemed so unlikely after these visits to such primitive and remote locations that these men could have been elected to such a prestigious office...and how much they did to serve in the development of the United States...( I hope that my book will identify adequately how this was accomplished)...We then drove out of town for about an hour until we located a suitable motel and dining facilities. Would you bellieve the best we could find was an IHOP!
Arrived at boyhood home of Thomas Woodrow Wilson..it is a handsome traditional appearing 3 story red brick house on a corner lot, with a somewhat similar appearing house on the next lot.
Both homes are part of the Historic site with the adjacent home being identified as the Lamar Home. He was a Pastor of another denomination of the Protestant faith, as well as Woodrow Wilson's father who was Presbyterian minister...they lived next to each other just about at the same time, and each of thier son's became close friends.
It was necessary to enter the basement of the Lamar house to gain entrance to the Wilson home, and as we paid our entrance fee to the woman there, she informed us that she would act as our personal guide. I'm certain that you noted that President Wilson's first name was Thomas...and we learned that his mother's maiden name was Woodrow.
He lived in this home from age 1 until age 14, which of course were the formative years that helped mold his character...and just what information I was seeking! His minister father father obviously had a great influence in his rearing since he evidently instilled discipline and the need for education early on. In an upstairs bedroom which had been utiilized somewhat as a Family room, we were shown an inverted chair which his father, while being seated on the floor would lean back on it's back to support himself as he read nightly from the Bible as well as the Classic novels to all the children for thier entertainment and enlightenment...
The house was owned by the church and provided to the family, with the church at which he was Pastor was an impressive huge building on the opposite diaganal corner. He obviously was very devoted to his father, but apparently also had a strong maternal feeling...since when he was President, he was responsible for making the 2nd Sunday in May...an Official "Mother's Day"!
When he was 4 years of age, we were told, as he stood near the front fence he overheard 2 men who were passing by of the election of Abraham Lincoln as President and the fact, "that that meant war"! He dashed indoors to inquire what that meant and it was explained to him...The family being in the South had black slaves at the time. As the Civil War progressed it served to have great impact on Woodrow in his development. There being a railroad depot just up the street from the house, it was used to transport wounded Union soldiers into the church grounds for medical assistance...and when the city was siezed and the church grounds were used to billet some of the Union army. it posed a problem...At one point he, and the son of the Pastor next door were given a severe reprimand by his father when it was discovered that the 2 boys had visited and become friendly with some of the Northern soldiers!
To further corrobate the validity of the house , we were shown a pane of glass in one of his parent's bedroom on which he had etched with one of his mother's pieces of jewelry his name...It was a roughly scratched"TOM"!
I took several pictures, and having been given more information about his rearing at that location, it was time to leave. It had been a very worthwhile stop!
We then drove to Columbia, Georgia where President Wilson moved when he was about 14 since his father had accepted another Ministry there. We found the location and it was a pretty large, gray framed house trimmed in white with rectangular columns. Unfortunately, it was not open for inspection since it was closed for repairs...but pictures were taken and we had been made aware that the house had been built by Woodrow's father and it was the ONLY house he ever owned! . It was time for dinner and bed.
Now it was time to try and locate Andrew Jackson's birthplace...It was supposed to be in Waxhaw...either South or North Carolina!...so we set the GPS for Waxhaw and took off! We were aware that both towns claim Andrew Jackson as one of thier own, as to his birthplace! But as we drove merrily alongs we noted that the terrain became much more rugged and forested...and as we drove on the winding road we also noted that it was identified alternately as either being in North or South Carolina! The story we recieved that at the time of Jackson's birth this frontier area had relatively unmarked border markings. They in fact were boulders or stones set in somewhat random fashion demarcating the lines, hence today's confusion. Further we were informed that when Andrew's mother went into labor during his birth that she did so in thier house on the South Carolina side..but walked over to her sister's place on the other side and had little Andrew there!....It's "your nickel...and your choice"! at any rate when we finally reached the site, we entered the park and entered the visitors center. There were just a few artifacts and material related to President Jackson there, and on the grounds were a small group of what appeared to be reconstructed buildings simulating how the farm had appeared.
We further were informed that there was a somewhat similar tourist location on the other side of the border about 2 1/2 miles away.....but we were satisfied we had seen the "real" one!
Official North Carolina statements are made that 3 USA Presidents were born in North Carolina..Andrew Johnson, James K. Polk and Andrew Jackson..That was good enough for me!
The next drive was to the birthplace of James K. Polk. It was located in Pineville, North Carolina which had of course been on the frontier. It is now a small bustling little town, somewhat affluent appearing, with the usual stores in it's various shopping malls. Just beyond the center of town in a park-like area, up a winding lane they are in the process of refurbishing Polk's birthplace. It was constructed of rough hewn boards in a cabin fashion and had about 5 window apertures. A local carpenter, who spoke and looked the part of a "local" was busy plyiong his trade on it...and explained to me that even tho this house appeared to be so primitive, it really demonstrated that it was of a more affluent style than most which generally only had 2 windows! It was placed in a setting where they were also building reproductions of other structures such as a blacksmith shop, livery stable etc. so as to give the appearance of a small village. Pictures were taken and we left. It seemed so unlikely after these visits to such primitive and remote locations that these men could have been elected to such a prestigious office...and how much they did to serve in the development of the United States...( I hope that my book will identify adequately how this was accomplished)...We then drove out of town for about an hour until we located a suitable motel and dining facilities. Would you bellieve the best we could find was an IHOP!
Monday, May 28, 2007
....and more saga
May 14
After leaving Warm Springs we spent the night at a nice hotel on the outskirts of Atlanta and within a few minute drive we were at Carter's Library/Museum which is the first of the National Archives supported museum we will visit. It is set in a beautifully landscaped Japanese Garden with outdoor terraces off of the cafeteria and overlooking a pretty reflecting pool. The museum is contemporary in style and the Library is functioning as a work place for the former President and his associates in all of his post-presidency activities...
The museum displays many mimentos relating to the childhood and adolescence of both he and Rosalyn and continues through all the incidents of thier education and finally thier marriage...Jimmy's report cards from elementary school (all A's) are displayed as well as items from his schooling at Annapolis, and then his time spent in Service on Submarine duty.
A very interesting (especially to me) display of large cut-out portraits of several past Presidents was wall hung with descriptive text placed adjacent to them explaining the vital part their actions did to influence the course of American history...and it's resultant effect it had on him in his decision making! The Presidents were Teddy Roosevelt, Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, FDR, Harry Truman, Eisenhower, JFK, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon...( My forthcoming book will try to explain these influences, I hope?)
The next display was really exciting. It dealt with several issues, including a very provocative one on the Nuclear Threat...It displayed the entire progression of nuclear proliferation, beginning with Truman authorizing it's use twice in Japan...and how rapidly England, Russia, France and China developed their own capabilities.
It was pointed out that Nixon and Ford negotiated the first SALT agreement in 1972 and Jimmy Carter, the 2nd in 1979!
We then had a light lunch and while Daras went back to the comfortable movie theatre, I continued to walk about and observe many more interesting exhibits. I could understand her fatigue since I too was feeling the same!
It waqs time to leave the Museum and once more we hopped? back into the van and drove a very pleasant route through extremely scenic highways on a delightful sunny day to Augusta, Georgia. Our GPS took us on a "dry run" to find the location of the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson, and finding it we realized that it would be closed since it was about 5PM...I took a few pictures and we drove to locate a nice Motel...had dinner...and to bed.
After leaving Warm Springs we spent the night at a nice hotel on the outskirts of Atlanta and within a few minute drive we were at Carter's Library/Museum which is the first of the National Archives supported museum we will visit. It is set in a beautifully landscaped Japanese Garden with outdoor terraces off of the cafeteria and overlooking a pretty reflecting pool. The museum is contemporary in style and the Library is functioning as a work place for the former President and his associates in all of his post-presidency activities...
The museum displays many mimentos relating to the childhood and adolescence of both he and Rosalyn and continues through all the incidents of thier education and finally thier marriage...Jimmy's report cards from elementary school (all A's) are displayed as well as items from his schooling at Annapolis, and then his time spent in Service on Submarine duty.
A very interesting (especially to me) display of large cut-out portraits of several past Presidents was wall hung with descriptive text placed adjacent to them explaining the vital part their actions did to influence the course of American history...and it's resultant effect it had on him in his decision making! The Presidents were Teddy Roosevelt, Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, FDR, Harry Truman, Eisenhower, JFK, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon...( My forthcoming book will try to explain these influences, I hope?)
The next display was really exciting. It dealt with several issues, including a very provocative one on the Nuclear Threat...It displayed the entire progression of nuclear proliferation, beginning with Truman authorizing it's use twice in Japan...and how rapidly England, Russia, France and China developed their own capabilities.
It was pointed out that Nixon and Ford negotiated the first SALT agreement in 1972 and Jimmy Carter, the 2nd in 1979!
We then had a light lunch and while Daras went back to the comfortable movie theatre, I continued to walk about and observe many more interesting exhibits. I could understand her fatigue since I too was feeling the same!
It waqs time to leave the Museum and once more we hopped? back into the van and drove a very pleasant route through extremely scenic highways on a delightful sunny day to Augusta, Georgia. Our GPS took us on a "dry run" to find the location of the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson, and finding it we realized that it would be closed since it was about 5PM...I took a few pictures and we drove to locate a nice Motel...had dinner...and to bed.
...more saga
Immediately after the church services we left for Warm Springs, Georgia..
only about 70 miles..and was a pleasant and sunny ride. The road was scenic and shortly we arrived at Pine Mountain which is just adjacent to Warm Springs.. It was here high on the mountain that FDR first looked down on Warm Springs and selected the location to build his cottage...pretty view, of course. We arrived at the FDR Memorial which is the site where FDR started his Polio Foundation and Rehab center..It is still functioning, however the "war springs" now need to be supplemented with additional fresh water since the springs have slowly dried!
It was here that FDR unfortunately suffered his cerebral hemorrhage and succumbed, while his portrait was being painted...We saw the original portrait hanging in a prominent location...and another which was finished subsequently. His first visit was in 1924, having been stricken with Poliomyelitis in 1921..and was still undergoing therapy when he was stricken..He felt that the warm water which appeared to make him so buoyant that he was able to stand unassisted in only chest high water and thought it might prove to be helpful to others who suffered from somewhat similar conditions. He at first made several visits staying at the old decaying hotel, but shortly afterward built his own small cottage..and inititiated the Warm Springs Foundation.
His 1939 blue Ford 4- door Convertible is on display in which he "tooled around" the town with his visiting friends and which has been pictured many times with him driving with that jaunty cigarette in it's holder in his mouth many times..It brought back memories! We met an old Park guide there, who after discovering that I was a physician related all his many vascularc maladies for which he was receiving treatment presently....and then told me he was still working in thier Orthopedic Department making all sorts of Prosthetic devices for the handicapped and that he in fact devised the various braces that FDR utilized, as well as equipping his Ford with very crude Hand controls! He showed these to us and further informed us that FDR painted the lower ends of his shiny braces with black paint so that they would remain hidden from direct view when he went into the public! He also then showed his the elongated hand forged stirrups that he made for FDR who frequently rode horseback in the area after being helped on to the horses back....
Many of FDR's personal articles were displayedincludinf the big black cape he wore at the various Summit meetings he had with Stalin and Churchill. Since they invoked memorable images to us from having seen them so many times in Newsreels and newspaper photos..we both got emotional chills!
In addition many other things displayed, reinforced the misery of the era in which he served since they dealt with the "Great Depression" and the horrendous, calamitous World War II.
It was no wonder FDR was so respected by all since he had led this country through such difficult times. It still provided that feeling of devotion to him, by us, now...since Daras and I had lived it!
We left the exhjibit with mixed emotions ...pleased that we could see all the displays, yet somewhat depressed when we realized what it all represented....and then lastly recalling that he did not live long enough to witness the soon arriving Victory in the war!
We left..back in the van, and headed toward Atlanta...
only about 70 miles..and was a pleasant and sunny ride. The road was scenic and shortly we arrived at Pine Mountain which is just adjacent to Warm Springs.. It was here high on the mountain that FDR first looked down on Warm Springs and selected the location to build his cottage...pretty view, of course. We arrived at the FDR Memorial which is the site where FDR started his Polio Foundation and Rehab center..It is still functioning, however the "war springs" now need to be supplemented with additional fresh water since the springs have slowly dried!
It was here that FDR unfortunately suffered his cerebral hemorrhage and succumbed, while his portrait was being painted...We saw the original portrait hanging in a prominent location...and another which was finished subsequently. His first visit was in 1924, having been stricken with Poliomyelitis in 1921..and was still undergoing therapy when he was stricken..He felt that the warm water which appeared to make him so buoyant that he was able to stand unassisted in only chest high water and thought it might prove to be helpful to others who suffered from somewhat similar conditions. He at first made several visits staying at the old decaying hotel, but shortly afterward built his own small cottage..and inititiated the Warm Springs Foundation.
His 1939 blue Ford 4- door Convertible is on display in which he "tooled around" the town with his visiting friends and which has been pictured many times with him driving with that jaunty cigarette in it's holder in his mouth many times..It brought back memories! We met an old Park guide there, who after discovering that I was a physician related all his many vascularc maladies for which he was receiving treatment presently....and then told me he was still working in thier Orthopedic Department making all sorts of Prosthetic devices for the handicapped and that he in fact devised the various braces that FDR utilized, as well as equipping his Ford with very crude Hand controls! He showed these to us and further informed us that FDR painted the lower ends of his shiny braces with black paint so that they would remain hidden from direct view when he went into the public! He also then showed his the elongated hand forged stirrups that he made for FDR who frequently rode horseback in the area after being helped on to the horses back....
Many of FDR's personal articles were displayedincludinf the big black cape he wore at the various Summit meetings he had with Stalin and Churchill. Since they invoked memorable images to us from having seen them so many times in Newsreels and newspaper photos..we both got emotional chills!
In addition many other things displayed, reinforced the misery of the era in which he served since they dealt with the "Great Depression" and the horrendous, calamitous World War II.
It was no wonder FDR was so respected by all since he had led this country through such difficult times. It still provided that feeling of devotion to him, by us, now...since Daras and I had lived it!
We left the exhjibit with mixed emotions ...pleased that we could see all the displays, yet somewhat depressed when we realized what it all represented....and then lastly recalling that he did not live long enough to witness the soon arriving Victory in the war!
We left..back in the van, and headed toward Atlanta...
Sunday, May 27, 2007
...the saga continues
When we crossed the little railroad line we noted a small block of tiny stores with apparent apartments on the 2nd floor...There was a small cafe/restaurant, a hardware store, a Bed and Breakfast Inn etc...There were a total of about 19 stores and this was the full complement of shops in Plains...since at last census there were still about 639 residents in total! 58% are Black...about 30% caucasian and the remainder mixed..At the diaganol corner was the abandoned train depot which became vacant several years ago when the train stopped functioning...and it was this depot that Jimmy Carter utilized as his National Headquarters when he made the run for the Presidency!
He began using the High School, but it was too small and Rosalyn suggested the Depot...Evidently it was effective. Although it is old, rustic and sort of primitive it is now being used as a small museum for Carter memorabilia. There were pictures of him during the campaign and posters relating to past experiences..very interesting...and quaint.
Down the road about 2 miles we came upon Lebanon Cemetery...After some searching in the tiny very plain appearing cemetery we were able to find at first a Carter Family plot which contained graves of Jimmy's uncles, aunts cousins etc...and then after much searching we found the plot that his parents, James Earl Carter and Lillian Cartewr were buried, in addition to the grave site of his brother Billy...There were just 3 very simple flat tablets identifying them.
Enroute we stopped at the little Maranatha Baptist Church which was set way back on a deep lawn. It was an A-Roofed red brick colonial appearing entrance with white columns on either side of the door...and we became very excited that we were scheduled to attend services there tomorrow. Driving farther we stopped at a dark brown cabin like Visitors center...and before entering Daras noticed a small dead tree with it's uplifting branches amputated and capped with brightly colored glass bottles..She thought it was attractive and once we were inside she asked of the 2 elderly women who were apparent guides what was the significance...They told her that since there were such a large population of African/American residents in the area trhat they practiced some of the customs of their ancestry..They felt that the bright bottles wouls attract the Evil Spirits and would ward them away from themselves, and in fact they told us that when the wind came up and was trapped into the bottles, they seemed to emit a moan...assuring them that the spirits were successfully trapped! Daras liked the idea so now in our travels we are looking to find a dead tree that will permit this, for our front lawn in Florida!
The 2 women were personal friends of the Carter's and filled us in with many anecdotal stories...kind of "small-town" talk.
Next we drove a oliitle farther until we reached his Boyhood Farm Home...It consisted of 170 acres and when he was a boy it did not have electricity, running water or indoor plumbing, and it was only until 1935 that it became installed. His boyhood friends as a child were only the black hired help and it was only until he started school did he have white friends since trhe school was segregated.. The school was quite primitive but apparently he was urged to read voaciously both by the teachers as well as his parents...The house was full of books and for every Holiday and his Birthday he looked forward to recieving more books as gifts.
He had the back bedroom and his 2 sisters slept in a double bed in the front..His parents had the middle bedroom and baby Billy slept in thier room until Jimmy left for college. He had his own pony called Lady which he rode bareback frquently. He was required to do his share of farm work and the family was quite frugal since his rearing occurred during the height of the Great Depression and money was scarce.
He graduated High School as Salutarian..attended a small local college for a year..another year at Georgia Tech and then since the family could not afford to finance him further, he applied and was accepted to Annapolis. Following graduation he married his girlfiend from Plains and enlisted in the Navy...After 1 year he went to a Nuclear school and was soon an officer on one of the first Nuclear subs..after a total of 7 years of service, his father died and he had to decide whether to continue his career in the Navy or return home...Rosalyn loved the Navy life and urged him to stay, , which he did.. at the end of a year he netted $200 and qualified for Low Rental Housing...They lived in it for 1 year...and after working the farm for a few years volunteered for community offices, such as school board, committees etc...He the ran for State Senator...etc..became Governor etc...and the President.
(The book I plan to write will have much more relevant detail as to these things and their significance.(I plan these writings to be just the log of our experiences...so just hang in!)
May 13 Sunday Mother's Day!
We arrived at the Maranatha Church about 7:30 AM and were the 3rd people there!..At 8:30 they opened the doors and after being frisked by the secret service we entered...Daras and I were front row and in the center! A retires school "Marm" who had taught"Jimmy" was the organizer and she explained the do's and dont's.. At about 8:45 a chubby young Minister came in and went up to the Podium with his also chubby wife seated on the stage just adjacent..He also explained the circumstances..made mwention of this being Mother's Day and then commenced with the service as Jimmy came in silently and sat a few rows back in the next section..there were about 30 seats reserved for the regulars and he took one... The service was intreresting and consisted of several melodious Hymns...
At trhe conclusion of the service, the Pastors wife introduced Jimmy who stayed at floor level and using no notes gave a very didactic lesson from the days reading while asking questions from the congregation...It was very informal, but evidently comprehensive...He paced side to side directly in front of us and we were permitted to take pictures, and he was so close to me that I did not have sufficient room to cross my legs! mHe wore a dark blue worsted jacket and dark gray trousers, brown tasseled loafers, a white blue striped shirt and Bolo tie...Prior to beginning his lesson he asked all in the audience the location of thier homes...and they were from a myriad of forign countries as well as a spread of all the states..The church only held 300 people. In attendance was the founder of Habitat for Humanity who was acknowledged and as he finished the lesson, Rosalyn walked in very quietly and took her seat. His lesson lasted about 90 minutes and then we were informed that he and Rosalyn would wait outside the Church door in the shade of some trees so that we would be able to have our pictures taken with them..on our own cameras. We were told to not try to engage in any conversation with them since that would delay the picture taking...when it was our turn, I gave my camera to one of the ushers..and stood next to the President while Daras stood next to Rosalyn..I was quiet..and had my fixed smile,,,while Daras Yacked and Yacked with Rosalyn..until Jimmy put hjis arm up in front of her..and said..."Look at the Camera, so you can get your picture taken!"...and she complied....I thought he was going to swat her!
Enough for today...I'll try to catch up a little at a time..but I realize I am 2 weeks behind...
Wait for the book..."Thank you America"
He began using the High School, but it was too small and Rosalyn suggested the Depot...Evidently it was effective. Although it is old, rustic and sort of primitive it is now being used as a small museum for Carter memorabilia. There were pictures of him during the campaign and posters relating to past experiences..very interesting...and quaint.
Down the road about 2 miles we came upon Lebanon Cemetery...After some searching in the tiny very plain appearing cemetery we were able to find at first a Carter Family plot which contained graves of Jimmy's uncles, aunts cousins etc...and then after much searching we found the plot that his parents, James Earl Carter and Lillian Cartewr were buried, in addition to the grave site of his brother Billy...There were just 3 very simple flat tablets identifying them.
Enroute we stopped at the little Maranatha Baptist Church which was set way back on a deep lawn. It was an A-Roofed red brick colonial appearing entrance with white columns on either side of the door...and we became very excited that we were scheduled to attend services there tomorrow. Driving farther we stopped at a dark brown cabin like Visitors center...and before entering Daras noticed a small dead tree with it's uplifting branches amputated and capped with brightly colored glass bottles..She thought it was attractive and once we were inside she asked of the 2 elderly women who were apparent guides what was the significance...They told her that since there were such a large population of African/American residents in the area trhat they practiced some of the customs of their ancestry..They felt that the bright bottles wouls attract the Evil Spirits and would ward them away from themselves, and in fact they told us that when the wind came up and was trapped into the bottles, they seemed to emit a moan...assuring them that the spirits were successfully trapped! Daras liked the idea so now in our travels we are looking to find a dead tree that will permit this, for our front lawn in Florida!
The 2 women were personal friends of the Carter's and filled us in with many anecdotal stories...kind of "small-town" talk.
Next we drove a oliitle farther until we reached his Boyhood Farm Home...It consisted of 170 acres and when he was a boy it did not have electricity, running water or indoor plumbing, and it was only until 1935 that it became installed. His boyhood friends as a child were only the black hired help and it was only until he started school did he have white friends since trhe school was segregated.. The school was quite primitive but apparently he was urged to read voaciously both by the teachers as well as his parents...The house was full of books and for every Holiday and his Birthday he looked forward to recieving more books as gifts.
He had the back bedroom and his 2 sisters slept in a double bed in the front..His parents had the middle bedroom and baby Billy slept in thier room until Jimmy left for college. He had his own pony called Lady which he rode bareback frquently. He was required to do his share of farm work and the family was quite frugal since his rearing occurred during the height of the Great Depression and money was scarce.
He graduated High School as Salutarian..attended a small local college for a year..another year at Georgia Tech and then since the family could not afford to finance him further, he applied and was accepted to Annapolis. Following graduation he married his girlfiend from Plains and enlisted in the Navy...After 1 year he went to a Nuclear school and was soon an officer on one of the first Nuclear subs..after a total of 7 years of service, his father died and he had to decide whether to continue his career in the Navy or return home...Rosalyn loved the Navy life and urged him to stay, , which he did.. at the end of a year he netted $200 and qualified for Low Rental Housing...They lived in it for 1 year...and after working the farm for a few years volunteered for community offices, such as school board, committees etc...He the ran for State Senator...etc..became Governor etc...and the President.
(The book I plan to write will have much more relevant detail as to these things and their significance.(I plan these writings to be just the log of our experiences...so just hang in!)
May 13 Sunday Mother's Day!
We arrived at the Maranatha Church about 7:30 AM and were the 3rd people there!..At 8:30 they opened the doors and after being frisked by the secret service we entered...Daras and I were front row and in the center! A retires school "Marm" who had taught"Jimmy" was the organizer and she explained the do's and dont's.. At about 8:45 a chubby young Minister came in and went up to the Podium with his also chubby wife seated on the stage just adjacent..He also explained the circumstances..made mwention of this being Mother's Day and then commenced with the service as Jimmy came in silently and sat a few rows back in the next section..there were about 30 seats reserved for the regulars and he took one... The service was intreresting and consisted of several melodious Hymns...
At trhe conclusion of the service, the Pastors wife introduced Jimmy who stayed at floor level and using no notes gave a very didactic lesson from the days reading while asking questions from the congregation...It was very informal, but evidently comprehensive...He paced side to side directly in front of us and we were permitted to take pictures, and he was so close to me that I did not have sufficient room to cross my legs! mHe wore a dark blue worsted jacket and dark gray trousers, brown tasseled loafers, a white blue striped shirt and Bolo tie...Prior to beginning his lesson he asked all in the audience the location of thier homes...and they were from a myriad of forign countries as well as a spread of all the states..The church only held 300 people. In attendance was the founder of Habitat for Humanity who was acknowledged and as he finished the lesson, Rosalyn walked in very quietly and took her seat. His lesson lasted about 90 minutes and then we were informed that he and Rosalyn would wait outside the Church door in the shade of some trees so that we would be able to have our pictures taken with them..on our own cameras. We were told to not try to engage in any conversation with them since that would delay the picture taking...when it was our turn, I gave my camera to one of the ushers..and stood next to the President while Daras stood next to Rosalyn..I was quiet..and had my fixed smile,,,while Daras Yacked and Yacked with Rosalyn..until Jimmy put hjis arm up in front of her..and said..."Look at the Camera, so you can get your picture taken!"...and she complied....I thought he was going to swat her!
Enough for today...I'll try to catch up a little at a time..but I realize I am 2 weeks behind...
Wait for the book..."Thank you America"
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Harold's Blog
Hi everyone... I'm going to try to catch up on our trip to date...I'll do a little more each day and maybe sometime I will become current...maybe?
May 11 8:40 AM
Full tank of gas...full of optimism...we are off!...on an adventure to pay off a debt of gratitude to all the Founders of this great country and all the leaders following.
Speedometer reading- 45,594
Arrived at Americus, Georgia at about 5:30 PM which is about 10 miles from Plains..
Uneventful, easy drive only being plagued twice by swarms of Lovebugs which smeared the windshield and front of the van..Had to clean both before commencing again...Just about 20 miles from Georgia border ran into dense smoke, as thick as fog due to Forest fires opposite the Osceola State Park..had to drive slower with headlights on...cleared as we reached the Georgia line where Daras and I had our usual "Hi-Five" celebration! As we drove north from the border we almost immediately noted the Red clay soil characteristic of Georgia..
We found a nice Jameson Inn..had dinner and looked foward to visiting Plains next morning..
Saturday, May 12
After breakfast drove to Plains...as we drove the scening became more and more farmland and obviously more rural...and then we were in town and drove directly to the High School which Jimmy Carter had attended and graduated as "Salutorian"...It is now used as a Visitor Center and Museum and it was a re-visit to our Old World in it's appearance...Old creaking wood floors, classrooms with "old-fashioned" blackboards and student one piece seat and desks and posters of geography and history of yesteryear.
The walls in the halls were adorned with photos of Jimmy and his classmates in all the expected situations..posing in class pictures..partaking in sports..school dances and other functions etc..it was very sentimental and then there were many quotations attributed to the President stating how much the school and education received there had influenced his life.
In particular he paid great homage to the Principal of the school who was also his English teacher...She was referred to as "Miss Julia", and when later becoming President he returned to the school and bestowed some type of Honor Ceremonnial to her!
In the customary School Auditorium we were then shown a documentary film narrated by Charles Kurault that presented a biography of his entire boyhood in this farming community...It stirred the emotions.
Next, we drove a short distance somewhat on the edge of town where there appeared to be a white frame house within a high metal fenced in area that was more formally landscaped than the rural area adjacent...It was the secret service residence which serves to protect his personal residence which is beyond it. It is located on 160 acres of farmed land and he built the modest one story ranch house there in 1965 which affords he and Rosalyn to apparently live a reasonable quiet life-style in these familiar surroundings....Entrance was not permitted here..
As we continued our drive a short distance we came upon the only Traffic Light in Plains which was a "blinker"....and we noted a sign in a somewhat dilapidated gas station which was labelled as " Billy Carter's Gas Station"!
( I must dress for our today's Adventure" now..and continue to catch up a little later...)
May 11 8:40 AM
Full tank of gas...full of optimism...we are off!...on an adventure to pay off a debt of gratitude to all the Founders of this great country and all the leaders following.
Speedometer reading- 45,594
Arrived at Americus, Georgia at about 5:30 PM which is about 10 miles from Plains..
Uneventful, easy drive only being plagued twice by swarms of Lovebugs which smeared the windshield and front of the van..Had to clean both before commencing again...Just about 20 miles from Georgia border ran into dense smoke, as thick as fog due to Forest fires opposite the Osceola State Park..had to drive slower with headlights on...cleared as we reached the Georgia line where Daras and I had our usual "Hi-Five" celebration! As we drove north from the border we almost immediately noted the Red clay soil characteristic of Georgia..
We found a nice Jameson Inn..had dinner and looked foward to visiting Plains next morning..
Saturday, May 12
After breakfast drove to Plains...as we drove the scening became more and more farmland and obviously more rural...and then we were in town and drove directly to the High School which Jimmy Carter had attended and graduated as "Salutorian"...It is now used as a Visitor Center and Museum and it was a re-visit to our Old World in it's appearance...Old creaking wood floors, classrooms with "old-fashioned" blackboards and student one piece seat and desks and posters of geography and history of yesteryear.
The walls in the halls were adorned with photos of Jimmy and his classmates in all the expected situations..posing in class pictures..partaking in sports..school dances and other functions etc..it was very sentimental and then there were many quotations attributed to the President stating how much the school and education received there had influenced his life.
In particular he paid great homage to the Principal of the school who was also his English teacher...She was referred to as "Miss Julia", and when later becoming President he returned to the school and bestowed some type of Honor Ceremonnial to her!
In the customary School Auditorium we were then shown a documentary film narrated by Charles Kurault that presented a biography of his entire boyhood in this farming community...It stirred the emotions.
Next, we drove a short distance somewhat on the edge of town where there appeared to be a white frame house within a high metal fenced in area that was more formally landscaped than the rural area adjacent...It was the secret service residence which serves to protect his personal residence which is beyond it. It is located on 160 acres of farmed land and he built the modest one story ranch house there in 1965 which affords he and Rosalyn to apparently live a reasonable quiet life-style in these familiar surroundings....Entrance was not permitted here..
As we continued our drive a short distance we came upon the only Traffic Light in Plains which was a "blinker"....and we noted a sign in a somewhat dilapidated gas station which was labelled as " Billy Carter's Gas Station"!
( I must dress for our today's Adventure" now..and continue to catch up a little later...)
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