The First Presidential Library

Bellevue, Ohio
Gotta Getaway RV Park

Today we visited Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Library & Museum and his home in Fremont, Ohio.  We've have been nearby many times but for some reason or another we've never stopped to visit.  

We were both surprised by the number of cars in the parking lot.  Admission was $6.50 senior rate or $12.00 for the combo ticket.  Once again we found this is a state historic site, not a national one. Tours of the mansion are every 30 minutes so we didn't have long to wait.  

I was surprised that our group had 7 people in it.  Our docent was very knowledgeable but talked way too fast.  Of course, when you only have an hour to show and talk about a 21,000 square foot home, I can understand why she talked so fast. 

And yes, I didn't add an extra zero on the square footage.  This mansion has 18 bedrooms and 15 fireplaces.  Photos were not allowed but it truly was a mansion.

The Spiegel Grove is on 25 acres and the grounds are gorgeous.  After touring the home we decided to walk through the gardens over to the tomb.

There are beautiful paved walking paths to each section of the grounds.  

Bill and I thought we had visited all but one of the Presidential Libraries and Museums but now realize there are more than those listed on the National list of libraries.  This one is the nation's first presidential library.  

We started on the lower level and found a quilt show. No photos were allowed. The first section had exhibits on the early years of Hayes, his role in the Civil War, and was followed by a diorama.

Bill noticed that President Rutherford Hayes was a Free and Accepted Mason.

This is the actual wedding dress that Lucy wore when she married President Hayes.

The Weapon's room was nicely done, but I was surprised how much of it was artifacts from Webb C Hayes, son of Rutherford and Lucy Hayes.  

Notice the weapons on my right.  That one is used for beheading.  These items were collected around 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion in China by Webb C. Hayes.

Lucy loved flora and animals and had the Presidential china made depicting flowers and animals.  

I was surprised to learn that in those days the newly elected President had to purchase his own vehicle for the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.  $2,531.00 was a lot of money in those days for a carriage and accessories.

The upper floor was a rotunda with a dome.  There was a special dollhouse exhibit in one area.  

These gloves were worn by Abraham Lincoln the night he was assassinated.  The gloves are signed "A Lincoln" on the inside.

These slippers were worn by Abraham Lincoln.

It's amazing how different every presidential library is, but there is usually a desk and a podium for a photo in every one.

We learned a lot about our 25th president.










Bill and I stopped at a nice Mexican restaurant for a late lunch.  Pioneer Days are being held here this weekend and we talked about going but it was getting very late.  We were both tired from all the walking and stairs.  I also didn't mention that while it was a gorgeous day it was still in the 60's and the winds were kicking up. 

I think we'll probably head over to the Elkhart Fairgrounds tomorrow in Goshen.  We need a couple of days to veg before the Montana Owners Club Rally begins.  

Turtle Safely.........