Independence, MO

J's favorite part of the exhibit- the guns used in the Truman assassination attempt where White House police officer Leslie was killed.

Truman left the White House very unpopular because people felt he was not paying enough attention to the threat of communism and America was recovering from the war to peace economy fast enough. He did not go back to Washington until the Kennedy's invited him to the White House over eight years later.

We didn't realize Independence was such a huge Mormon outpost, but smack dab in the middle of town is a huge Temple, convention center, school and visitor center.

Truman was quite partial to the color green. He chose it for the Oval, his presidential china pattern and the kitchen in the Summer White House. He also was a snazzy dresser owning over 490 ties! You can see the famous "The Buck Stops Here" sign, even though it is not clear how long the original stayed on his desk. He is probably the most quoted person you don't know you are quoting, coining not only "The buck stops..", but also "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen", "I didn't give them hell, I just told them the truth and they thought it was hell." and the ever popular "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog!"