March 18, 2020 Independence, Missouri

After a short drive...200 miles, we arrived in Independence, MO.  #33...Harry S Truman was born, raised and died in Missouri. Later after he was succeeded by Eisenhower, he returned to Independence, Missouri where he spent his last 2 decades writing memoirs and spending daily time at the Truman Library which was finished in 1957.

Truman, who was raised on a farm, replaced FDR upon his death.  Several hours after learning of Roosevelt’s death, a stunned Truman was given the oath of office in the White House by Chief Justice Harlan Stone (1872-1946). The new president later told reporters, “I don’t know if you fellas ever had a load of hay fall on you, but when they told me what happened yesterday, I felt like the moon, the stars and all the planets had fallen on me."

The Truman in library in Independence is undergoing renovations, hopefully to be finished this Fall.

We were invited inside to have lunch with one of the Jewels in the research department.  No, we didn't have to make our own lunch as we brought our own.  This kitchen inside the Library and Museum has remained as it was when Truman was there.  Although he lived a very short distance from home, Bess didn't wan't him home for lunch.

This cartoon was done by Lou Grant, and appeared in the Oakland Tribune  It was given to President Truman as a birthday gift.

The "Jewel" has an office with audiovisual equipment all around the room; however, through the door in the background was a side entrance to Truman's office in the library.

After our wonderful, but abbreviated tour, we left to do a little sightseeing in Kansas City.  This Statue is called The Scout.  Although it was created in 1910 and depicts a Sioux Indian, it became a permanent fixture in the city to honor local Indian Tribes.

The Liberty Monument was finished in November 1921 as a memorial to honor those that fought in World War I.

The inscription at the base of the Memorial.

Overlooking the back wall of the monument looking down towards the city.  The building on the left is the Union Station.

As we were leaving the Liberty Memorial area, we passed the Money Museum.

With 2 museums down, we had a chance to visit a mini museum of sorts.  These belong to a well known artist in the Kansas City (Nokomis Graduate) area and although they are still used, probably won't make it in to a museum.

Grammie and escort are healthy.