A while back, I posted about my visit to Dwight Eisenhower's birthplace. And so it felt natural to go to the Eisenhower National Historic site while I was in Gettysburg. After all, I had seen where his life started, why not take a look at how he lived his prominent years?
While Eisenhower was born in Denison, TX, he grew up in Abilene Kansas. He originally applied for admission to the Naval Academy, but due to family issues, by the time he was able to go, was too old to start. He instead attended West Point and graduated in 1914. He rose through the ranks and, while not serving in battle during World War I, ultimately became the a five star general and commander of the Army in World War II and oversaw the D-Day invasion and the liberation of Europe.
Ike (a nickname from childhood) was President of the United States for two terms, serving from 1953-1961. Among his accomplishments were the Interstate Highway System, expansion of Social Security and the end of McCarthyism.
But even presidents and generals need down time. George W. Bush had his Crawford, TX ranch, LBJ had his ranch in Johnson City, and Reagan had one in California. Eisenhower's "second home" was his farm in Gettysburg.
A little history here. Eisenhower's first command was at Camp Colt during World War I. The camp was located on what is now the Gettysburg Battlefield National Military Park. In 1950, Ike and Mamie purchased a "run down" farm and 189 acres adjacent to the park with the intention of retiring there after his military service.
Ike loved the farm, and loved farming. He once said " I tell all the same thing - I just want to be a one mule farmer in Virginia or Georgia or Tennessee." He was interested in soil conservation methods, and the worn out soil of the farm in Gettysburg was a prime spot for him to study and develop methods.
His retirement was interrupted when he was named the first Supreme Commander of NATO, but Eisenhower still made use of the farm. He hired retired Brigadier General Arthur Nevins to run the farm while he and Mamie were overseas. General Nevins continued the role even after Ike was elected president. And since Gettysburg is less than an hour by helicopter from Washington, in addition to retreating to the farm to get away from the pressures of a Cold War presidency, Ike would bring world leaders to the farm for summits, or just relaxation.
But Ike's farming didn't stop all together while he was in office. Family friends purchased additional acreage surrounding the farm in order to help ensure the Eisenhower's privacy, and together they started Eisenhower farms, which continued the operation of the farm as a business enterprise.
Side note #1. Ike was constantly in touch with the farm for updates. One farm manager once said that he had listened to Eisenhower's state of the union address on the radio, only to have his phone ring 10 minutes later. It was the president asking about the horses.
Eisenhower's success on the farm is evidenced in two major ways. The Pennsylvania State Farmer's Association named him their first "Honorary Master Farmer" and his prize winning show herd of angus cattle has left a permanent mark on the specialized world of cattle breeding.
Ike and Mamie donated the farm to the National Park service in 1967. Today, the house is preserved just the way it was while the President and First Lady were in residence. Some of the things a visitor can see are gifts to the president from world leaders, the barbecue pit where Ike would hold court on nice days, a putting green and a helicopter pad.
You can also see the many barns and outbuildings Ike used for his cattle and horses, as well as a garage with one of his official cars, golf carts and a runabout he used on the farm. Also around the house are several rose beds, that include many varieties that were planted with the Eisenhower's were living there. Look for the Eisenhower, a special one developed for Mamie.
Side note #3 (I'm on a roll). Ike was a terrible driver. That comes from not driving himself for so many years as a general and a president. It was so bad that when he and Mamie would take in a movie at the local theater, the manager would clear out all the cars in front so that Ike could park without hitting anything.
The house was closed when I was there, but the grounds were open, and a cell phone tour helps one understand the details about the farm and Ike's and Mamie's life there. And the park's website links to a virtual tour of the house.
That's it for this week. I've got more to tell about Gettysburg and the surrounding areas, some bloody and some divine. But that will keep for another day. So, until then...
Later, folks.
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