Our first tour was at President & Mrs. Dwight Eisenhower's home in Gettysburg. I found it interesting that Mrs. Eisenhower had curio cabinets chock-full of trinkets they received as gifts. There were portraits, family photos and even drawings and paintings done by Ike after they left the White House. The home was not grand at all, but was very comfortable. I found it fascinating that Mamie kept a guest book out at the entrance and everyone was required to sign it, even the grandchildren.
The farm was a short helicopter ride from Washington, so the President would go there as a retreat and even took dignitaries there to spend a more relaxed time with them. It seems to me Eisenhower was a very practical man and the impression I have of them is they were very gracious and loved family.
The rest of the day was spent touring the battlefield. Imagining the thousands of men and boys who marched into battle there delivers an air of sadness and realization that they were so dedicated to their beliefs.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete