The Eisenhower Center
Abilene, Kansas
Well, the Eisenhower Center is really a nice place. Shady, well-tended, clean. I stopped at the house first. Knocked on the door. Ike wasn't there, but the tour guide was, and she showed me around the different rooms. Ike actually lived here from soon after he was born, 1890, until he left for West Point, 1911. His family continued to live here.
The house is furnished with items left in the house by Ike's mother when she died in 1946. It is on its original site.
The five pylons are dedicated to Ike's parents, his brothers, military personnel, civilians, and democracy. The statue is 11' tall, made of bronze.
Ike got better press than most presidents. This cartoon on display in the museum pokes gentle fun at him on the occasion of Hawaii becoming the 50th state.
The Library is for the use of scholars and historians, which is the purpose of presidential libraries.
The Meditation Chapel houses the remains of President Eisenhower and Mamie, and their infant son.
Photos and text
©D.L. Mark 2002
Home Page
