Imagine our surprise when American humorist, essayist, storyteller and radio personality Garrison Keillor stopped by the Little White House on Saturday for a tour with our own Bob Wolz. As one of America’s greatest storytellers, it was quite an honor for us to share our stories of Harry S. Truman and the history of the Little White House. 
Archive for the ‘Harry S Truman Little White House’ Category
The Prarie Home Companion comes to the Little White House
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
Truman & Hoover
Thursday, February 25th, 2010Harry Truman and Herbert Hoover worked on opposite sides of the political aisle, but were smart enough not to let that keep them apart. In Truman, Hoover saw a chance to re-enter the public service arena he so loved. In Hoover, Truman saw a brilliant and dedicated public servant who could help rebuild Europe in the aftermath of World War II. Together, they forged a partnership and close friendship that would endure for 20 years.
On Saturday, March 27, Margaret Hoover, President Hoover’s great-granddaughter, and Clifton Truman Daniel, President Truman’s grandson, will discuss the Hoover-Truman friendship, how it began, how it endured, what it meant to the men themselves, and what it brought to the nation and the world. They will be joined by Ms. Hoover’s husband, John Avlon, for a follow-up discussion on the current polarization in American politics. The dinner event will be held as a fundraiser for the Harry S. Truman Key West Foundation at the Marriott Beachside Resort. Tickets are available by calling (305)294-9911.
Happy Birthday Mrs. Truman!
Friday, February 5th, 2010In honor of the 125th birthday of Bess Truman, the Harry S. Truman Little White House will be serving birthday cake visitors to the house on Saturday, February 13, 2010. Mrs. Truman was a frequent visitor to Key West, accompanying her husband during five of his visits to the Southernmost City. Saturday, February 13 will also mark the debut of a new exhibit Bess Truman.
Elizabeth Virginia Wallace Truman was born on February 13, 1885 in Independence, MO. She first met Harry Truman in the first grade and married him on June 28, 1919. Their only child, Margaret was born in 1924. In 1934, Truman was elected to the US Senate and in 1944, as Vice President of the United States. Upon the death of President Roosevelt in 1945, Bess Truman became First Lady when her husband became the 33rdPresident of the United States. An extremely private person, Mrs. Truman would spend much of her husband’s presidency in Missouri, returning to Washington only for the social season.
Bess Truman died in 1982 of congestive heart failure at the age of 97 and is the longest lived First Lady in US history. Mrs. Truman is buried next to her husband at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri.
Harry & Bess Truman on their wedding day June 28, 1919.
Join Us!
Friday, December 11th, 2009The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation is hosting its annual Holiday party for its members on Sunday, December 20 at the Little White House from 5 to 7 pm. In addition to tasty holiday treats and libations, Key West’s own Bobby Nesbit will be performing. Admission is complementary for all Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation and guests can purchase memberships at the door
Harry’s Girls, the Little White House’s auxiliary group, decorated the Little White House for the holidays. The former Winter White House of Harry S. Truman is filled with lovely red silk amaryllises, bows and greenery. Two Christmas trees one in the south porch is decorated in a 1950’s style and the living room tree in a 1940’s style. Many of the antique ornaments are on loan from Denison Temple and John Brett Buchanan and Jay.Charles Walker. Completing the festive décor is the dining room that will be set with the china and stemware of the Truman era that was donated by Harry’s Girls.
Harry's Girls decorating the tree
2009 White House Christmas Ornament Has Arrived
Monday, August 3rd, 2009
2009 White House Christmas Ornament
The 2009 White House Christmas Ornaments have arrived at the Little White House. We were one of only three retailers to received the first shipment of the ornament. This year’s is called the Grover Cleveland Ornament and a view of the south lawn and facade of the White House on a crispy winter evening. Inside the window, a Christmas tree with bright lights and decorations illuminates the starry night from the Oval Room. These lights pay tribute to the first Christmas tree in the White House to have electric lights. The back of the ornament shows a glance of one of many famous Christmas parties that the Cleveland family was known to throw. Grover Cleveland is the only person to have served two non-executive terms as President of the United States. It is his image that is on the the front of the $1000 bill. The Little White House has the White House Ornaments dating back to 1999 available for sale.
Little White House Featured on the Today Show
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Check our the Little White House on NBC’s Today Show! We had a great time with the Al Roker and the crew while they filmed the house.The show had a weeklong series called Today Takes a Vacation and we scored with Key West being one of four cities they featured.
President Obama with His New Truman Little White House T-Shirt
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
Photo courtesy of Kendrick Meeks
President Obama has heard about the Little White House. Congressman Kendrick Meeks was here a few weeks ago and purchased one of our presidential vacation shirts for the President. On board Air Force One , the Meeks presented our shirt to the president and the president’s smile says it all !!!!
Little White House Hosts Board of Directors from Ronald Reagan Ranch
Thursday, May 21st, 2009
The Little White House recently hosted the the board of directors from the Ronald Reagan Ranch. They group was visiting Key West on a cruise and I had the opportunity to take them on a tour. Included in the group was former United States Attorney General Edwin Meese, who serves today on the Ronald Reagan Ranch’s board of directors.
Harry’s Girls
Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
Harry’s Girls members Mary Haffenreffer and Marny Heinen inside the foyer of the Little White House with Clifton.
We are really lucky at the Harry S. Truman Little White House to have an auxiliary group called Harry’s Girls. (more…)
Restoration Work at the Little White House
Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
Bob Wolz standing by the new wallpaper at the Truman Little White House.
We have been busy working on the restoration of the Little White House. As you can imagine a wooden house in a hot and humid climate needs lots of TLC and especially one that hosts thousands of visitors each week. Scalamandre recently recreated new wallpaper matching the design exactly as it was in 1949. (more…)