Harry S Truman

National Historic Site Missouri Harry S Truman A Most Uncommon Common Man As a child he dreamed of being a concert pianist and of going to college. Instead, at 17 he had to start working full time. At 33 he deemed himself a failure. By 38 his clothing business was bank­ rupt. Determined to succeed at something he entered politics, eventually becoming a US senator. At 60 he was suddenly President of the United States, facing decisions that held worldwide consequences. Who was this common man abruptly thrust into this un­ common role? Harry S Truman, 33rd President. Portrait by Greta Kempton, 1947. WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOC. Midwestern Values Harry S Truman was born in rural Missouri but claimed Independence as his home town. The family moved there when he was six. That year Harry met five-year-old Bess Wallace, daughter of a prominent family. All his school years Harry adored Bess, the “beautiful young lady with the blue eyes and golden hair,” a popular girl and an accomplished athlete. But the frail-looking boy with thick glasses did not appeal to Bess. It took years for Harry to overcome his shyness and strike up a true friendship. Truman’s mother, Martha, instilled in Harry a love of music and books. He practiced the piano before school and by 14 had “read all the books in the Independence Public Library.” Truman’s father, John, taught him the worth of hard work and of Midwestern values—honesty, courage, and perseverance. In 1900 Truman got his first taste of politics when his father took him to the Democratic National Convention in Kansas City. Truman loved the excitement of the nominations and the promises of better times in the new century. But better times did not include young Truman. In 1901 his father dashed his dreams of college by losing the family savings in risky investments. Truman eventually found a good job as a bank clerk in Kansas City. He went to concerts and joined the National Guard. At 22 his life changed again when Truman’s father summoned him to help on the farm in Grandview. Truman heeded the call. He had never farmed before, and it was arduous work for someone used to city life. By 1917, 33-year-old Truman was in the midst of World War I as an officer in the US Army. Captain Harry inspired his troops in France with his courage and determination. He brooked no insubordination, and he lost no man in battle. Finally Truman felt successful. His persistence paid off too when Bess Wallace agreed to marry him on June 28, 1919. Truman opened a clothing store in Kansas City, and business thrived until a depression closed the shop. By 1922 Truman was looking for work. Truman’s next job, politics, turned into a lifelong career. “Boss” Tom Pendergast, whose nephew knew Harry from Army days, backed Truman’s run for eastern district judge (administrative position) of Jackson County. Truman campaigned hard, won, and loved the job. His reputation for integrity and hard work impressed voters enough to win him a US Senate seat. The Truman family moved to Washington, DC, in 1935 but all remained Missourians at heart. In January 1945 Truman became Franklin D. Roosevelt’s vice president. Roosevelt died on April 12 and, at 7:09 pm, Harry S Truman became the 33rd US president. The Buck Stops Here The new president faced monumental decisions. First he carried on the drive to end World War II. He then turned to rebuilding wartorn Europe and halting Communist expansion. A series of crises, the Korean War in particular, kept Truman away from Independence even more than during his senate years. Truman did not seek a third term. “I have had all of Washington I want,” he wrote. “I prefer my life in Missouri.” Back home Truman enjoyed his walks and being with his family and friends once more. Harry S. Truman Library Daughter Margaret, Harry, and Bess in backyard of 219 N. Delaware, 1934, (second left); Gen. Dwight D. Eisen­­hower, Gen. George Patton, and President Truman at ceremony, Berlin, Germany, July 21, 1945, (left). The symbol of the United Nations, adopted in 1947, (below left) and a menorah, official emblem of the State of Israel (below right). On May, 14, 1948, Truman was the first world leader to recognize the new State of Israel. Harry Truman rides a cultivator on the Grandview farm, 1910 (above); Truman sworn in as presiding judge of Jackson County, 1931 (right). Determination and Patience In 1910 Harry and Bess crossed paths again. While visiting his aunt and uncle, the Nolands in Independence, Truman volunteered to return a cake plate to a neighbor, Mrs. Madge Wallace. Bess greeted him at the door, and their courtship began. He wrote Bess letters from Grand­­view and, in 1911, proposed marriage. She turned him down. Harry S. Truman Library HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY Harry Truman age 19, 1903 (left oval); Independence Square early 1900s (background); Truman in Missouri National Guard uniform about 1905 (below). HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior I tried never to forget who I was and where I’d come from and where I was going back to. . . . After nearly eight years in the White House and ten years in the Senate, I found myself right back where I started in Independence, Missouri. Harry S Truman: 1884–1972 NPS Truman’s official badge as presiding judge (above right) and his Missouri Democratic Convention pin, April 15, 1940 (above left); Bess Wallace age 12 (below). HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY 1884 Born May 8 in Lamar, MO, to John and Martha Truman; named Harry S; given a middle initial only to honor his grandfathers Solomon Young and Anderson Shipp Truman. 1885 Bess Wallace, Truman’s future wife, born February 13 in Independence, MO; christened Elizabeth Virginia. 1890 Family moves to Independence; Harry, six, meets Bess, five, at Sunday school. 1901 Harry and Bess graduate from Independence High School; his father loses savings in grain-futures speculation; Truman begins series of jobs in Kansas City area to help support family. 1904 Bess and brothers move with their mother into grandparents’ house at 219 N. Delaware Ave. 1906 Truman moves to Grandview to help Grand­­mother Young and Truman family on 600-acre farm. 1910 Truman (in Grandview) and Bess Wallace (in Independence) begin nine-year courtship. 1934 Elected to US Senate. to Blair House as White House renovations begin (lives there until 1952). 1922 Business fails; is elected eastern district judge of Jackson County Court. 1938–41 Mortgage 1950 Orders US forces to foreclosure of Grandjoin South Korean troops view farm; Congress passes Wheeler-Truman in fight against invading Transportation Act (rail- North Korean Commuroad reform); elected to nists; proclaims state of second term, US senator. emergency when China aids North Korea. 1944 Elected vice presi1951 Popularity ratings dent of US; Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) elected drop as US effort in Korean War grows; fires to fourth presidential Far East commander term. Gen. Douglas MacArthur for criticizing Truman’s 1945 Becomes 33rd president April 12 upon foreign policies. FDR’s death; announces end of war in Europe on 1953–57 Korean War May 8; attends Potsdam, ends; retires to Independence; dedicates Harry Germany, conference S. Truman Library. with Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill; au1972 Dies December 26 thorizes use of atomic bombs; Japan surrenders at age 88; is buried at Harry S. Truman Library. on August 14. 1924 Daughter Margaret born February 17; Truman loses reelection as eastern district judge. 1947 Issues Truman Doctrine; signs National Security Act that establishes CIA; mother dies. 1914­–16 Father dies; Truman dabbles, unsuccessfully, in mining, oil, and land ventures. 1917–18 Joins US Army; and fights in WW I; is captain of Battery D 129th Field Artillery, 35th Div.; serves in France. 1919 Harry and Bess marry June 28; he moves in with her family; opens men’s clothing store with Army friend Eddie Jacobson. 1926–34 Elected presiding judge of Jackson County Court, serves two four-year terms; is active in Field Artillery Reserve. 1982 Bess Truman dies October 18 at age 97; is buried next to Harry. December 8, Congress designates Harry S Tru1948 Desegregates the man National Historic Site armed forces; orders air- to preserve the Truman legacy and its inspiration lift against the Soviet Union’s blockade of Ber- for future generations. lin; is elected to second term as president; moves NPS © BRADLEY SMITH Truman returned to Grand­­view in 1906 to help on the 600-acre family farm. The house had no electricity or indoor plumbing. Backbreaking labor began at 5 am and lasted 12 to 14 hours. “There is always something the matter with a crop,” he wrote to Bess in 1913. “It’s either too dry or too wet or too short or too long or too much or not enough. If is the largest word in a farmer’s language.” Truman’s father died in 1914, and the full responsibility for running the farm fell upon 30-year-old Harry. Truman accepted the challenge, and it taught him what be­came his best-known quality—common sense. “It was on the farm that Harry got his common sense,” his mother Martha once said. “He didn’t get it in town.” Visiting the Farm Today Harry S Truman National Historic Site includes the old Grandview farm house and 11 acres of the original 600-acre farm where Harry Truman lived from age 22–33 (1906–1917). These years represent a lesser-known period of Truman’s life. Here he grew from a young man of modest ambitions into the person that would become the President of the US. A visit here can provide a more complete picture of this man who held the nation’s highest office. © Janet Bonsall This cozy study, filled with over 1,000 books, was a favorite room for Harry and Bess. He enjoyed biographies, histories, and political studies. She loved mysteries. Harry and Bess Truman lived in this Victorian home for over 50 years (above). The home across the street is where Harry’s favorite cousins, Nellie and Ethel Noland, lived (left). Directions to Grand­view Truman Farm • From I-435, take US 71 exit; go south 2.2 miles; turn right (west) onto Blue Ridge Blvd.; farm is 0.6 mile on left. • From US 71, proceed as above. • From I-70, take exit 8A onto I-435; exit onto US 71 (left lane exit); proceed as above. The Close-Knit Families of Harry and Bess Visiting the Truman Home and Historic Independence Viewing the Family Homes Today Harry had help in winning Bess’ heart. By coincidence his relatives, The Truman home at 219 N. Delaware Ave. is open by guided tour the Nolands, lived across the street from the Wallaces. During only. The Noland home at 216 N. a visit in 1910, Harry happily vol- Delaware and the Wallace homes unteered to return a cake plate to at 601 and 605 W. Truman Road 219 N. Delaware, where Bess had are not open to the public. Please enjoy viewing them from the sidelived since 1904. This encounter walk. changed their lives forever. Truman Visitor Center (ticketsinformation) Begin your visit at the park visitor center at 223 N. Main Street. It has ticket sales for the Truman home tour, information, a film, exhibits, and a bookstore. Harry began regular visits from Grandview, and to save a roundtrip, he often slept in the Noland parlor. In 1919 Truman married Bess and moved into the Wallace home. Bess’ mother Madge lived Touring the Farm The grounds are in the home, and her brothers open year-round, dawn to dusk. Frank and George had cottages Explore on your own. Cell phone behind the main house. The famitour and brochures available. lies enjoyed being together. The Buildings are closed. No restroom Trumans never allowed fame to facilities. Located at 12301 Blue come between them and their Ridge Blvd., Grandview, MO. dearest friends—their family. 216 N. Delaware Avenue The Nolands, Truman’s aunt, uncle, and cousins, lived here. For nine years it was a vital link for Harry between the Grand­view farm and Indepen­dence as he courted Bess. 601 and 605 W. Truman Road Bess’ brothers and their wives lived in these homes. Frank and Natalie lived in the brown one; George and May in the green. NPS Guided Tours of Truman’s Home The Truman home is at 219 N. Delaware Avenue; guided tours only. Buy tickets at the visitor center (five blocks east). Each tour is limited to eight people; there may be a waiting period. There is an introductory film shown at the visitor center. View exhibits and browse the bookstore before your tour begins. Accessibility We strive to make our facilities, services, and programs accessible to all. For infor- mation go to a visitor center, ask a ranger, call, or check our website. Tips for a Great Guided Home Tour Get your Truman home tickets early! Tickets are sold the day of the tour, first-come, firstserved (no advance reservations). • Tours begin promptly at the front gate of the Truman home at the time stamped on your ticket. Allow 10 minutes to walk from the visitor center to the Truman home. • Be extra careful on stairs. • Smoking, drinking, eat­ ing, pets, chewing gum, and photography are not allowed on the grounds or in the home. • Restrooms are located in the visitor center only! • Please stay on the dark gray carpet, and do not touch walls, furniture, or objects. • For firearms and other regulations ask a ranger or check the park website. • All historic and natural features are protected by federal law. More Information Harry S Truman National Historic Site 223 North Main Street Independence, MO 64050 816-254-9929 www.nps.gov/hstr Harry S Truman Historic Site is one of over 400 parks in the National Park System. To learn more about national parksand National Park Service programs in America’s communities, visit www.nps.gov. Seeing Independence Strolling around Independence is like stepping back in time. Its small down­town area and historic neighborhood are largely unchanged from the time when Truman walked these streets over 40 years ago. Be sure to see Inde­ pendence Square, Jackson County Courthouse, the Truman statue, and Clinton’s Drugstore. Neighborhood highlights include the Noland, Truman, and Wallace homes on Delaware Ave. and Truman Rd. At the park visitor center get the free, self-guiding Harry S Truman Walking Trail brochure that tells you about over 40 sites in the historic district. It is a short drive to the Truman Presidential Museum and Library, where Harry and Bess Truman are buried. US 24 and Delaware Ave. Independence, MO 64050 816-268-8200 www.trumanlibrary.org Tourist information: Independence Tourism Dept. 111 E. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 816-325-7111, 800-748-7323 www.ci.independence.mo.us ✩GPO:20xx—xxx-xxx/xxxxx Reprint 20xx Printed on recycled paper. In 1940 creditors forced the sale of the farm. A sheriff ordered Truman’s mother and sister to leave. Truman lamented to Bess that his mother “has been calling that farm home since 1868. She helped her father set out those maple trees in the fall of that year. . . .” Harry S. Truman Library The Truman Farm—Then and Now NPS Today the Truman Farm Home and 11 acres are all that remain of the family farm. Harry wrote letters to Bess on a desk like this one in the farm’s dining room. nps / Brian Hoduski Farm–NPS; DESK–© Janet Bonsall Dear Bessie: Would you wear a solitaire on your left hand should I get it? . . . You know, were I an Italian or a poet I would commence and use all the luscious language of two continents. I am not either but only . . . [an] American farmer . . . . I’ve been crazy about you ever since we went to Sunday school together. But I never had the nerve to think you’d even look at me. More than sincerely, Harry Harry S. Truman Library Directions to the Truman Visitor Center (tickets and information) • From I-435, take Tru­man Rd. exit 60; go east 3½ miles to the visitor center at Truman Rd. and Main St. • From I-70, take Noland Rd. exit 12; go north four miles; turn west onto Tru­man Rd.; go two blocks to the visitor center. Grandview, Mo. June 22, 1911 Young Bess Wallace poses on the railing of her home at 219 N. Dela­ware. Years later, on the eve of their 23rd wedding anniversary in 1942, Truman wrote that his sweetheart is “as good looking and lovable as when she was sixteen.”