I Like Ike!

 We knew the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum was located in Abilene KS and we planned to stop because it was also the location of a geocaching Adventure Lab. What we did not know was how little we knew about the 34th President and his accomplishments as President (1953-1961). 

the campus covers 22 acres and has 5 buildings open to visitors

Dwight David's parents lived in this house from 1898-1946

this is its original location

the house is getting an update so we could not see it

Dwight was born in Denison TX (1890) and moved to Abilene in 1892. He was named David Dwight at birth, but changed his name legally to Dwight David because his father was also David J. Eisenhower.

This building completed in 1954 was in the planning works before Eisenhower became President. It houses a wealth of information about his growing up years, his military years, and of course as president.

The Eisenhower Presidential Library houses his many military and presidential papers available only to researchers.

Place of Meditation is the burial site of Dwight, Mamie and their first born son, Doud, who died at age 3 in 1921 as a result of scarlet fever.

Dwight David died in March 28, 1969 of congestive heart failure. He had seven heart attacks from 1955 to his death. Mamie passed away in 1979.

the Eisenhowers designed the Place of Meditation

Champion of Peace

The 11' bronze statue was designed by Robert L. Dean, Jr.

Dwight and Mamie married July 1, 1916

Becoming Ike & Mamie

Plans are worthless, but planning is everything. ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower

another of his quotes

Their second son John (1922-2013) married Barbara Thompson. They have 4 children: David (who married Julie Nixon), Barbara, Susan and Mary. John graduated from West Point, served in the US Army and retired as brigadier general, was an author, and Ambassador to Belgium. Camp David is named after their first born grandson David. Spending time with family was very important to Ike and Mamie while they were in the White House and at their home in Gettysburg PA.

(click on the photo to enlarge)

Ike & Mamie purchased the working farm in 1950 when he retired from military service. Mamie undertook the total remodeling of the farm house. It became the gathering place for family events, a weekend retreat during presidential life, the meeting place for foreign dignitaries and leaders.

The Gettysburg home is now park of Eisenhower National Historic Site and adjacent to the Gettysburg national Military Park.

School Desegregation during his presidency

responsible for our Interstate Roadway system

He admired the German's autobahn roadways during his time in Germany and the need to move military equipment quickly. He wanted the same concept, moving across the country quickly, applied to the US.

I spent lots of time in the section devoted to Mamie and the Mamie look: hats, shoes, dresses. 

If you are ever in the area of Abilene KS, take the time to visit the Eisenhower Presidential Museum and Library campus. The 20 minute video at the Visitor's Center and Gift Shop gave good background information. The museum is well designed and also an excellent place to visit. And then there is Wikipedia. Although we all know it is not the all knowing source of info, I did read some interesting information about our 34th president. Did you know Ike...

 -was an avid Bridge player?

-was also quite the poker player at West Point?

-was also a heavy smoker while at West Point?

-also liked to play golf?

-had a winter home in FL after his retirement? 

-was an avid painter of pastoral scenes? 

-was president of Columbia University for 2 years?

-was the Supreme Commander of NATO?

-was an avid fisherman? 

-was on the maiden voyage flight of Air Force One?

-created the cabinet level Department of Education, Health and Welfare?

-was president when Alaska and Hawaii were admitted to the Union?

-insisted on heavy movie and still photo documentation of the Nazi Death Camps in 1945?

-was a college football coach?

-enjoyed reading Zane Grey's westerns?