Road trips - 'cause who doesn't like a reprieve from nonstop chaos

 I've lived in MO since 1970...

catch a breath ...

it's a lot for me to take in too!

I think I'm familiar with many of the sights throughout the state.

Despite living on the East side of the state 

(centered around St Louis),

I had a child who attended undergraduate school in Kansas City

and he's lived there, on and off, for decades,

so I'm no stranger to the Western side and all points in between.

But, when a friend asked me to go with her to see the Truman Library in Independence,

I realized I had never been there before.

 The trip started in snow and temps in the 20's

and finished (just the next day) with sun and temps on the 70's,

so it was a typical MO spring.

 

There was all the homespun, down to earth-ness you'd expect

but also exhibits which were reminders of worldwide issues that plagued him -

which, not coincidentally, continue to plague the world today -

a war in a divided Korea,

use of the atomic bomb,

concerns about Russia and its influence,

citizens rights - civil and legal,

fear of "communism" 

and how much federal government should interfere and monitor

 in personal and political beliefs of its citizens.

There also was a section devoted to the creation of Israel

and the problems that would be created in Palestine with displaced Arab refugees.

(Prescient and troubling with the predictions and lack of answers.)

 

It was a fascinating look into a period of history that I actually lived through

but, as a child, was, for the most part, blissfully unaware.

There was a beautiful display of letters he and Bess had written to each other

as well as a display of paper peace cranes

made by a child survivor of the bomb dropped at Hiroshimo

that she made 10 years later as she was dying of radiation poisoning.

Each crane was a prayer for peace.

The displays were tastefully done and instructive 

and, while it was 'wordy' and not geared to children or teens,

it was definitely worth the trip.

The Oval Office of Truman.

Don't know about you but I miss the simplicity! 

 It wouldn't be Missouri without a mural 

by Thomas Hart Benton.

 

 Truman also worked in his Library on site 

EVERY DAY 

after his term ended -

because he didn't have any savings;

there was NO Secret Service protection offered 

and he lived on his meager income

from a failed haberdashery earlier in his career

and a small pension from his military service. 

AND, Good Lord, he was a reader!

Remember when we had leaders who were interested in history and biographies 

of other famous historical figures.

(Insert deep sad sigh here)

 

I will also admit I had NO idea he and Bess are actually buried on the grounds.

THE TRUTH IS ALL I WANT FOR HISTORY.

(Me too, Harry. 

Me too.) 

Oh ... and if you head into town -

stop by a fabulous 'throwback' diner for a wonderful hotdog!

It was a great trip!

Ps - If Mexican is more your style,

there's also a terrific option

which we experienced the night before.

Always good to have options!