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Published: July 26th 2012
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Chapter 5: Presidents and Cousins
April 1: I left Plains and drove on to Newnan to my Cousin Anita's home. We spent some time decided where to park the RV, since her driveway had a pretty good slant to it. Finally, I just parked in the street in front of her house and hoped none of her neighbors would mind too much! (They didn't.)
Bootsie—Not much to see out the windows, here. Just a lot of houses and street. I think I am going to be bored! Wonder how long we will stay here? It was good to see Anita again. The last time was at the Oklahoma City family reunion two summers ago. She hadn't changed, still a beautiful lady who looks ten years younger that her real age. (Nope, not going to tell you!) She is into getting a lot of exercise and eating healthy, as well as using some health food supplements. It sure seems to work for her!
April 2: Today Anita confessed she had never been to see the Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta, so we planned to visit that. On the way there I got to see the dome of the
Moose Sculpture
One of the impressive sculptures on the grounds of the Carter Presidential Library Georgia capitol building and the Atlanta skyline. The library is near the center of downtown Atlanta. One can see the skyline from the grounds. The library itself if on a par with all of the other libraries. I wonder sometimes if each president tries to outdo the others! The buildings of Carter's enclave are all round. The museum is set apart from the Carter Center and administration buildings. The best thing about the library are it's grounds. They are beautifully landscaped. When we were there the azaleas were still in bloom, although the dogwood were past. There were many other lovely flowers, though.
Inside the museum were the usual displays, including a replica of the Oval Office, a series of photographs representing the life and times of the Carters from children to the Office of the President and beyond. The areas I found particularly interesting was a “Day in the Life of the President” showing an average day (if there was such a thing) of President Carter while he was in the White House. A day usually starting at 6:00 am and ending about midnight! I will have to say I admire anyone who has been president, simply for
Library Gardens
The landscaping at the Carter Library were beautiful. their stamina, if nothing else.
I also enjoyed learning about the Nobel Peace Prize and actually seeing the coin which is given as a symbol of the Prize.
In the post-presidency area, there were photos and items of the Carters' continuing activities. Chief among these is the Carter Foundation which fights diseases all over the world.
Anita and I had lunch at the museum cafe. I was extremely disappointed in this. It operated more like a pre-packaged snack shack. I felt it should have been a little more in keeping with the ambiance of the Library and its grounds. We did enjoy eating on the terrace, however, and watching a momma duck with several little ones swimming around the pond.
After leaving the library we toured part of the downtown area. Anita wanted me to see the Fox Theater. This Atlanta landmark was built in 1929. Originally intended as headquarters for a large Shriner's it is designed as a mosque. When the Shriners were unable to finance the completion of the building, William Fox finished it for a movie palace. It has survived several threats to be destroyed and is now protected by a
Momma's Family
Momma and baby ducks take advantage of the pond behind the Carter Library. Anita and I enjoyed watching them swim all around as we ate lunch on the terrace non-profit organization and serves as a premier theater for a variety of of shows, ballet, opera, symphonies, etc. The interior is supposed to be just as lavish-looking as the outside. The auditorium resembles an Arabian courtyard with a night sky for a ceiling. Unfortunately, we missed the theater tour, so I didn't get to see this fabulous place inside. I will have to visit Anita again and do that!
The final stop of the day was Varsity, which bills itself as the “World's Largest Drive-in”. It opened in 1928, This another Atlanta landmark which sits near the Atlanta Olympics site and the stadium of Georgia Tech. I wore their paper hat and ordered a hamburger and and F.O. (Frosted Varsity Orange), joining many other notable visitors such as presidents, movie stars and famous sports figures. Quite a place! Quite a day!
April 3: Just chilled and visited.
April 4: Today Carl (Anita's friend), Anita and I drove down to Warm Springs to visit Roosevelt's Little White House. This house, located in some of the pretty rolling hills to the south of Atlanta, was FDR's summer home and the place where he died. He came here especially for
The Oval Office
A replica of the Oval Office as it looked when Carter was President. the mineral springs which helped relieve the pain from his polio. Most people don't know or realize that Roosevelt was totally paralyzed from the waist down from the polio he contracted before he became president. He was careful to hide the extent of his disability from the public. The only known four photos of him in a wheelchair are displayed at the museum here.
In today's society with the microscopic scrutiny of the press and other media, a presidential candidate as severely disabled as FDR wouldn't stand a chance of being elected. Popular sentiment would declare him incapable of doing the job. His courage, stamina and fortitude are simple awesome when one thinks of all he accomplished in spite of his handicap. Food for thought here.
The museum also displays some of his braces and wheelchairs, as well as his hand-operated 1938 Ford convertible. One of the most compelling items displayed is the unfinished portrait which was in process when he suffered his fatal stroke. This can be compared to the finished one which hangs nearby.
The spring-fed pools in which FDR swam are about a mile away. The water has been drained from the pools to
The Nobel Peace Prize Medallion
Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the Middle East. deter damage to them, but visitors can walk around and in the pools and feel the warm water coming from one of the springs. There are various displays and information about polio, including the infamous “iron lung.” The iron lung was invented to help a polio victim breathe. Some victims spent 24/7 in one, but for most it was more a rehab tool to train the muscles used in breathing to work again. I can't imagine the horror of having to spend time in one.
There isn't much to the town of Warm Springs, but several of the old buildings have been restored and feature some interesting stores. We ate at one of the cafes before heading back to Newman and home.
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Anita
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Hi Martha Sue, I enjoyed the pictures. Just wanted to comment on the Varsity one of you standing at the counter; on the news yesterday, they were filming one of the oldest workers at the counter (they are paid and treated so well that they stay until they can't work anymore) and the phrase they all use to help the next customer is: Whatalyahave, whatalyahave? Always an interesting place to visit, just bring the Tums with you! I do hope you get to visit again and we can actually take in a play at the Fox. Love ya,