<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" > <channel> <title>James A. Garfield – THROUGH THE EYES OF JEFFERSON</title> <atom:link href="https://eyesofjefferson.com/tag/james-a-garfield/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://eyesofjefferson.com</link> <description>Presidential site adventures as told by a bobble head</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 27 Nov 2024 22:35:51 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1</generator> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">167670250</site> <item> <title>319: THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD OF THE GARFIELD TRAIL LED US TO THE WIZARD OF MENTOR FARM</title> <link>https://eyesofjefferson.com/319-the-yellow-brick-road-of-the-garfield-trail-led-us-to-the-wizard-of-mentor-farm/</link> <comments>https://eyesofjefferson.com/319-the-yellow-brick-road-of-the-garfield-trail-led-us-to-the-wizard-of-mentor-farm/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Thomas Watson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 27 Nov 2024 15:52:10 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Helen Newell Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James A. Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James A. Garfield Memorial]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James R. Garfield grave]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joseph Stanley-Brown]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lake View Cemetery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Levi Schofield mausoleum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lucretia Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mentor Municipal Cemetery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mollie Garfield Stanley-Brown]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reese Fiscelli]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson bobble head]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tim Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vicki Watson]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyesofjefferson.com/?p=43921</guid> <description><![CDATA[My photographer’s wife was behind the wheel of our Jeep Grand Cherokee, and I was inside the padded camera case in the back seat alongside Tom’s granddaughter, Reese Fiscelli, when we left the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">My photographer’s wife was behind the wheel of our Jeep Grand Cherokee, and I was inside the padded camera case in the back seat alongside Tom’s granddaughter, Reese Fiscelli, when we left the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in the rearview mirror. Timewise, we were a little bit behind schedule, but that was perfectly fine because the extra time we spent at Lawnfield with Reese was worth it. The ten-year-old absolutely loved the Garfield’s ‘Mentor Farm’ and it was priceless to see the enthusiasm on her face.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It was just about 12:30pm on Saturday November 16, 2024 and we had one final stop left on our ‘Life of Garfield Tour’ – we were headed to the James A. Garfield Memorial in Lake View Cemetery. And while I absolutely love visiting Presidential gravesites, I admit, that tomb gives me the heebie-jeebies. And for good reason – Tom has taken me to the Garfield Memorial five times over the years, and each time something mysterious or unexplained has happened to me, including me getting decapitated in 2013 by an unknown someone or something.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">My sixth visit to Lake View Cemetery would have to wait, however, as Tom decided to make a quick detour to another burial ground that was just a little over two miles down the road from Lawnfield. When my photographer asked his wife to pull into the Mentor Municipal Cemetery, he told Vicki there was a special gravesite he wanted to visit with his granddaughter.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Once parked, Tom carried me on foot to a pair of rectangular shaped granite markers that were very low to the ground. When he placed me on one of the headstones, I saw it was the final resting place of James Garfield – James Rudolph Garfield, that is. As my photographer snapped a few images of me posing on the gravesite, he explained to Reese that James R. Garfield was the President’s son and the great-grandfather of Tim Garfield, whom she met the day before at Hiram College.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">James R. Garfield was fifteen years old when he and his older brother, Harry, heard gunshots ring out at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station on July 2, 1881. Their father, the President of the United States, had just been shot as the boys waited for the train and their trip to Williams College in Massachusetts. Eighty days later, James and Harry, along with their three siblings, would become fatherless.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">After passing the Ohio bar and establishing the Garfield and Garfield law firm in Cleveland, James R. was elected to the Ohio State Senate at the age of 31. A few years later, Garfield became a friend and huge supporter of President Theordore Roosevelt, and during TR’s second term in office, James accepted the position of Secretary of the Interior. Following Roosevelt’s second term, Garfield returned to his law practice; but campaigned heavily for Roosevelt during his bid for a third term in the 1912 Presidential election. When his friend lost the election to Woodrow Wilson, Garfield made an unsuccessful bid to be elected as Governor of Ohio in 1914. That defeat spelled the end of James’ political aspirations.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">James R. Garfield lived to the age of 84 when he passed away in Cleveland on March 24, 1950. He was laid to rest alongside his wife of 40 years, Helen Newell Garfield, who died in 1930 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Usually, my photographer and I do not go out of our way to visit the final-resting places of Presidential children, unless of course they are buried with their famous father. But in the case of James R. Garfield, I heard Tom tell Reese he felt a special bond to James Rudolph after spending most of the previous day with his great-grandson Tim Garfield. This visit was meant as our personal salute to Tim as much as it was to Tim’s great-grandfather.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-93.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43928" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-93.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-93.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-93.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-93.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-93.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-93.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Posing on the grave marker of James Rudolph Garfield was a pleasure for me as James was the son of a President and a Cabinet member of another President. But more importantly, at least to Tom, Reese, and me, James was the great-grandfather of our new friend, Tim Garfield.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-94.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43929" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-94.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-94.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-94.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-94.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-94.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-94.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When James R. Garfield passed away on March 24, 1950, he had survived his father by 68 1/2 years. Garfield was also the last surviving member of President Theodore Roosevelt’s cabinet.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="800" height="1112" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JAMES-R-GARFIELD.jpg?resize=800%2C1112&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43931" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JAMES-R-GARFIELD.jpg?w=1079&ssl=1 1079w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JAMES-R-GARFIELD.jpg?resize=216%2C300&ssl=1 216w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JAMES-R-GARFIELD.jpg?resize=737%2C1024&ssl=1 737w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JAMES-R-GARFIELD.jpg?resize=768%2C1068&ssl=1 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">James Rudolph Garfield, son of James A.; great-grandfather of Tim Garfield; and good friend of Theodore Roosevelt.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-AT-JAMES-R-GRAVE.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43930" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-AT-JAMES-R-GRAVE.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-AT-JAMES-R-GRAVE.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-AT-JAMES-R-GRAVE.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-AT-JAMES-R-GRAVE.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-AT-JAMES-R-GRAVE.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-AT-JAMES-R-GRAVE.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reese wanted to pay her respects at the gravesite by placing ‘Mollie’ on the headstone.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">When our fifteen-minute visit to Mentor Municipal Cemetery had ended, Reese picked up Mollie; my photographer grabbed me; and the four of us were back in the Jeep with Vicki for the 23-mile drive to Lake View Cemetery. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It was a few minutes after one o’clock in the afternoon when my photographer’s wife drove through the front gates of Lake View Cemetery, which had been founded in 1869. Because most of the leaves had fallen from the trees within the large burial ground, it didn’t take long before we saw the 180-foot-tall Garfield Memorial as it stood majestically above the barren trees in the distance. As soon as we were close enough for the impressive final-resting place of our 20th President to fill the entire windshield of our Jeep, I heard Reese say to her grandfather from the backseat, “That’s a gravesite? Oh my gosh, I can’t believe how big it is. Now I see why it’s your favorite, Papa.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">At that moment, as my photographer’s wife was parking the Jeep along the roadway near the backside of the memorial, I wondered if Tom would tell his granddaughter about all of our “weird encounters” we’ve experienced over the years at this site. But he didn’t, and I thought that was a good decision as the stories may have kept Reese from wanting to venture inside. And the more I thought about it, I was nervous to go back inside the tomb myself.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">With a spring in her step, a gleam in her eyes, and a toy squirrel in her hands, the young ten-year-old bounced up the twenty steps of the memorial where she patiently waited for her grandparents and me by the twin black steel doors at the entrance. Both Tom and Vic ascended the steps slowly, with their bad knees and achy joints reminding the pair they weren’t children anymore. And due to my cracked, glued, puttied, and wrapped legs, I was thankful I got to ride along in my photographer’s camera bag.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The steel doors were closed, but when Reese knocked on one of them, the echo made it seem like we were in the scene from the movie ‘The Wizard of Oz’ when Dorothy and her friends first arrived at the Emerald City. Suddenly, the large metallic door slowly opened, and we were welcomed into the memorial. Reese and Mollie played the part of Dorothy and Toto, Vicki was the Cowardly Lion, Tom was cast in the role of the brainless Scarecrow, and I was stuck portraying the heartless tin guy. The five of us had arrived to visit the Wizard of Mentor Farm.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Inside, Reese was Immediately awestruck when she saw the twelve-foot-tall white Carrara marble statue of Congressman James A. Garfield, which was positioned in the center of the memorial beneath a circular chandelier and surrounded by 14 stained-glass windows. In my mind, had the statue been able to speak, it would likely say, “I am James, the great and powerful. Now bring me the broomstick of the wicked Guiteau and I will grant your requests.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">While the statue of the Wizard of Mentor Farm was impressive, and the interior of the memorial was architecturally stunning, I couldn’t help but wonder what lied in store for us down in the lower crypt room. I also wondered whether or not Reese would be hesitant to venture down the marble spiral staircase as the lower level is not overly well-lit.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Without a care in the world, the ten-year-old bounced down the winding marble steps and into the abyss. The rest of us followed her, but with a little more caution – the last thing my photographer needed was to slip and fall; or worse yet, drop me to my death.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The crypt room was dimly lit, eerily quiet, and it featured eight barred openings which allowed us to see the caskets of James and Lucretia Garfield, as well as the urns containing the cremated ashes of Mollie Garfield and her husband Joseph Stanley-Brown. Tom positioned me at several of the openings where I once again posed for photos, like I had done during our previous five visits.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">But on that Saturday afternoon, something felt different. A calmness filled the room, and gone was the trepidation I’ve experienced in the past. Perhaps the spirits were finally at peace, knowing our group had developed an amazing relationship with the slain President’s great-great-grandson. As a matter of fact, Tim Garfield was scheduled to deliver a speech at the memorial on November 19th during a military wreath laying ceremony in honor of the President Garfield’s 193rd birthday.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Reese was surprised when she learned the Garfield’s were the only President and First Lady whose caskets were in full view – as if lying in state for eternity. At one point, the youngster stood in silence with her toy Mollie and gazed in tribute at the casket of Lucretia Garfield and the urn of daughter Mollie Garfield Stanley-Brown. For little Reese, as well as for the rest of us, our ‘Life of Garfield Tour’ had come full circle. And even though we were never able to obtain the broomstick, our wish for eternal peace for James A. Garfield had seemingly been granted.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-96.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43940" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-96.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-96.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-96.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-96.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-96.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 180-foot-tall James A. Garfield Memorial towered over me as Tom carried me to the front of the tomb.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-1-1.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43959" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-1-1.jpg?w=1207&ssl=1 1207w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-1-1.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-1-1.jpg?resize=731%2C1024&ssl=1 731w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-1-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-1-1.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Although President Garfield died on September 19, 1881, he wasn’t laid to rest inside this impressive memorial until May 19, 1890. First Lady Lucretia Garfield was interred inside the memorial seven days after her death on March 14, 1918.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-97.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43974" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-97.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-97.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-97.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-97.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-97.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This was my sixth visit to the James A. Garfield Memorial. The other five times were in 2013, 2015, 2019, 2022, and 2023.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-2.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43946" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-2.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-2.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-2.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-2.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reese didn’t hesitate to walk up the twenty newly renovated steps to the front doors of the memorial. The ten-year-old was obviously excited to visit her first Presidential gravesite.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1121" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-6.jpg?resize=800%2C1121&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43960" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-6.jpg?w=1285&ssl=1 1285w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-6.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-6.jpg?resize=731%2C1024&ssl=1 731w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-6.jpg?resize=768%2C1076&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-6.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Once we were inside the memorial, my photographer placed me on the floor in front of the 12-foot-tall Carrara marble statue of James Garfield. In my mind, I thought I heard someone say, “Come forward, Tin Man!”</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-2.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43961" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-2.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-2.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-2.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-2.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As I gazed into the eyes of the Wizard of Mentor Farm, I waited for him to say, “You dare to come to me for a heart, do you? You clinking, clanking, clattering, collection of collagenous junk.”</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-7.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43962" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-7.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-7.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-7.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-7.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-7.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reese’s toy squirrel, Mollie, posed in front of the statue as well. (Photo by Reese Fiscelli)</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-3.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43945" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-3.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-3.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-3.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-3.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-3.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">“Just follow the Yellow Brick Road”. Reese smiled with anticipation as she descended the winding stairs down to the crypt room.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1121" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-9.jpg?resize=800%2C1121&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43967" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-9.jpg?w=1285&ssl=1 1285w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-9.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-9.jpg?resize=731%2C1024&ssl=1 731w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-9.jpg?resize=768%2C1076&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-9.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">My photographer captured this image of his granddaughter the moment she first saw the caskets of James and Lucretia Garfield.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-8.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43966" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-8.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-8.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-8.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-8.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-8.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-8.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This was the crypt chamber in the basement of the James A. Garfield Memorial. The flag-draped casket contained the remains of President Garfield; the other coffin held the remains of First Lady Lucretia Garfield; the smaller of the two urns contained the cremated ashes of their daughter Mollie Garfield Stanley-Brown; and the taller urn held the ashes of Mollie’s husband Joseph Stanley-Brown.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-10.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43968" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-10.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-10.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-10.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-10.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-10.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-10.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing in the exact same location where a woman held me and felt an unknown spiritual force all around me on August 17, 2015.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-11.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43969" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-11.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-11.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-11.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-11.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-11.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-11.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ten-year-old Reese Fiscelli was photographed as she paid her respects to the Garfield’s.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-5.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43950" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-5.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-5.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-5.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-5.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-5.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TOMB-5.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This was Reese as she captured her first image of a Presidential gravesite. Seconds later, I heard Tom say, “Well, Reese, you only have thirty-eight more to go to catch up to your Papa!”</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-12.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43970" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-12.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-12.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-12.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-12.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-12.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-12.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reese did her best to photograph Mollie the Squirrel near the urn of Mollie the Garfield. (Photo by Reese Fiscelli)</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-3.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43963" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-3.jpg?w=1279&ssl=1 1279w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-3.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-3.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-3.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-3.jpg?resize=1098%2C1536&ssl=1 1098w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Back outside, my photographer snapped this image of his wife and granddaughter as they posed on the observation deck.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-4.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43964" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-4.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-4.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-4.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-4.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-4.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-4.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reese and Vicki as they looked out at downtown Cleveland, Ohio from the Observation Deck.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-5.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43965" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-5.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-5.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-5.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-5.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-5.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When I posed for this final image on the sacred grounds of the James A. Garfield Memorial, I thought about the memorial’s dedication ceremony held on May 30, 1890 that was attended by President Benjamin Harrison, former President Rutherford B. Hayes, future President William McKinley, and the Garfield family.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">When our visit to the James A. Garfield Memorial ended at a few minutes before two o’clock, I figured it was time to hit the road back to Michigan. My straw-filled, brainless photographer had other ideas – he wanted his granddaughter to see the mausoleum where the President’s remains were protected while the permanent memorial was being constructed. Even though I knew Vicki was afraid the extra stop in the cemetery would cause us to get home later than her 6:30pm deadline, I didn’t have the heart to say she was probably right. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The last two times Tom and I tried to find the Levi Schofield mausoleum, my photographer took us on a wild goose chase all around Lake View Cemetery before we found it. But since the clock was not on our side, my camera guy finally used his brain and let GPS technology guide us directly to the site, which was in the older section of the 285-acre burial ground. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Vicki remained in the Jeep while Tom, Reese, Mollie, and I walked through the leaf-strewn lawn towards the Schofield mausoleum. Even though there was still plenty of daylight, the overcast sky made the burial vault look extremely creepy. The facade of the mausoleum, which butted up against a hill, resembled an old castle with the letters SCHOFIELD emblazoned in stone above the steel doors. At one point, I heard my photographer ask Reese to try and open the doors to the crypt as he wanted to take me inside. I thought to myself, “I’ll have monkey’s flying out of my resin butt before I go inside that scary vault.” Luckily for me, the doors were locked shut; but for some strange reason, I think Reese was disappointed she couldn’t participate in one of Tom’s “illegal activities”. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">After Tom propped me up on one of the granite columns alongside the doors, I envisioned the casket of our 20th President as it was carried to that mausoleum on September 26, 1881. For nearly nine years, Garfield’s remains stayed within the walls of that vault until they were moved to the permanent memorial on May 19, 1890. In my mind, the Schofield mausoleum reminded me of a wicked witch’s castle. In reality, however, it was a Presidential site; the not-so-final resting place of James A. Garfield.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-113.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43976" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-113.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-113.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-113.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-113.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-113.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing near the Levi Schofield mausoleum at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio. The mortal remains of President James A. Garfield laid in repose inside this structure from September 26, 1881 until May 19, 1890.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-13.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43983" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-13.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-13.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-13.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-13.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-13.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FINAL-VIEW-13.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When my photographer told Reese that Lucretia Garfield likely visited this vault on a regular basis, the ten-year-old decided to portray the former First Lady by praying near the door.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-3.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43978" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-3.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-3.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-3.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-3.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-3.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inspired by my photographer’s well-known “illegal activities”, Reese tried to gain access to the burial chamber, but unfortunately the doors were locked.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-2.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43979" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-2.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-2.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-2.jpg?resize=768%2C576&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-2.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-2.jpg?resize=120%2C90&ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAKEVIEW-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Even though I was happy when Reese couldn’t open the doors, I was still in peril when Tom wedged me between the column and the wall where there was a good chance I’d fall to my death.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-TEMP-TOMB.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43980" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-TEMP-TOMB.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-TEMP-TOMB.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-TEMP-TOMB.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-TEMP-TOMB.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-TEMP-TOMB.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-TEMP-TOMB.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Before we went back to the Jeep, Reese captured one final photo of her toy squirrel at Lake View Cemetery. (Photo by Reese Fiscelli)</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Tom placed me back in the camera bag and Reese clutched Mollie in her hand as the four of us made our way back to the Jeep. The youngster asked her grandfather how long it would take to get home. My smart-aleck photographer replied, “Unless a woman in a pink bubble appears and asks you click your heels together three times, it’ll take about three-and-a-half hours for us to get home.” With no ruby slippers on “Dorothy’s” feet, Vicki navigated our vehicle out of Lake View Cemetery for the 225-mile journey to Reese’s house where her mother anxiously awaited the ten-year-old’s arrival.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The mind-numbing ride along the Ohio Turnpike gave me time to reflect on the incredible sites we had visited, as well as the amazing people we had met in the past two days. But the star of the show, and the person who was the center of our universe for two entire days, was James Abram Garfield.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It’s difficult to imagine and even harder to know for sure what impact President Garfield would’ve had on our nation had he not been shot within his first four months in office. There’s little doubt the President was an advocate for the less fortunate, the downtrodden, which may have been spawned by his own humble beginnings. One of his initiatives from the moment he stepped foot in the White House was to promote for better education for former slaves, which would’ve been a huge step in improving their lives. But when Garfield’s life and Presidency was cut short, that initiative fell by the wayside – and it would take nearly eight decades before Civil Rights in our nation would be once again at the forefront.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It was exactly 6:38pm when we arrived at Reese’s home; we had twenty-two minutes to spare. The four of us had logged 557 miles during our two-day adventure, which put me at 78,236 miles of travel since July 2013. While both Tom and I would’ve loved to have witnessed Tim Garfield’s speech during the wreath laying ceremony at the Garfield Memorial on November 19th, there was no way that was going to happen this year. But in my resin mind, there was always 2025 – and I’d love for the two of us, and Reese, to get an invitation from Tim himself.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Reese looked tired when she walked into her house with Mollie in one hand and the gift bag Mr. Garfield had given her in the other hand. The ten-year-old hugged her mother and sister, then she said to her grandparents in a solemn voice, “I loved going on that trip with you, but I’m also glad to be back. Oh Nana, there’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="571" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/THE-END.jpg?resize=800%2C571&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43982" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/THE-END.jpg?w=1476&ssl=1 1476w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/THE-END.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/THE-END.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/THE-END.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://eyesofjefferson.com/319-the-yellow-brick-road-of-the-garfield-trail-led-us-to-the-wizard-of-mentor-farm/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43921</post-id> </item> <item> <title>318: A TEN-YEAR-OLD’S LOVE FOR HISTORY, AND SQUIRRELS, BECAME ENRICHED AT LAWNFIELD</title> <link>https://eyesofjefferson.com/318-a-ten-year-olds-love-for-history-and-squirrels-became-enriched-at-lawnfield/</link> <comments>https://eyesofjefferson.com/318-a-ten-year-olds-love-for-history-and-squirrels-became-enriched-at-lawnfield/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Thomas Watson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 24 Nov 2024 13:43:34 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Eliza Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Front Porch Campaign]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James A. Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James A. Garfield National Historic Site]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lawnfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Life of Garfield Tour]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lucretia Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mentor Farm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mentor Ohio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mollie Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reese Fiscelli]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Garfield Trail]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson bobble head]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyesofjefferson.com/?p=43841</guid> <description><![CDATA[My photographer was up and at ’em by the dawn’s early light on Saturday morning November 16. 2024. From my position alongside the television set in our room at the Holiday Inn Express in Mentor, Ohio, I watched as Tom…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">My photographer was up and at ’em by the dawn’s early light on Saturday morning November 16. 2024. From my position alongside the television set in our room at the Holiday Inn Express in Mentor, Ohio, I watched as Tom quietly got ready to take on the day. He did his best to stay stealth as his wife, Vicki, and ten-year-old granddaughter, Reese Fiscelli, were still sound asleep.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">While my cameraman and I are accustomed to non-stop stimulation during our Presidential adventures, an incredible day like we experienced at Hiram College on Friday had put the two girls into history overload. But since the day’s first scheduled stop, which was the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, didn’t open until ten o’clock, we had more than enough time for Vicki and Reese to recharge their batteries.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Although Vicki has accompanied my photographer and I on a countless number of trips since 2013, this ‘Life of Garfield Tour’ was Reese’s first adventure with her grandfather and me. I loved watching the fourth grader as she interacted with Tim Garfield and his friends during the previous day’s visit at Hiram College. And now, as Day Two was about to begin, I was anxious to see her reaction when we visit the other two sites left on the Garfield Trail, which was the President’s ‘Mentor Farm’ known as Lawnfield, and the Garfield Memorial in Lake View Cemetery.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">From the moment Tom’s wife rolled out of the sack around eight-fifteen until we left the hotel, it seemed as though “Nana” was moving in slow motion. I laughed to myself when my photographer kept mentioning she needed to pick up the pace, which was followed by, “We’re only two miles from the house. We have plenty of time to get there by ten o’clock. See Reese, this is what we have to put up with when we travel with your Papa.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Finally, at 9:42am, we were in the Jeep and ready to rock and roll. Miraculously, everything seemed to be back on schedule, until I heard a voice from the driver’s seat say, “We need to find Reese something to eat, and they didn’t have free breakfast at that hotel. Please find a place where we can pick up a couple of bagels.” I nearly fell out of my camera case. But Tom kept his cool; he scoured the internet for a minute or so, and he set his GPS for a place called Bruegger’s Bagels, which was roughly five miles down the road.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Once the two girls had their bagels in hand, we arrived at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site at 9:58am. That’s right – even with all of the foot-dragging, lollygagging, and a visit to an out-of-the-way bagel shop, we were still two minutes early. And in a sense, we were even earlier than that as the first tour of the home didn’t start until 10:15am.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Reese shook with anticipation as our tour guide, Jeff, led us from the Visitor Center Museum to Lawnfield, the historic home of President James A. Garfield and his family. I was excited as well; after all, it had been over five years since my last visit to the historic home and I wondered what changes to the decor had been made to the interior.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">After moving his growing family out of the Hiram home, James Garfield purchased the large farmhouse in front of us in 1876. Garfield not only needed the extra room so he could teach his young sons about farming, but he also moved to a different county for political reasons as well. A year or so after moving in, Garfield had an additional eleven rooms added to the home to accommodate his ever-expanding family, which included his mother, Eliza. During the Presidential election of 1880, James conducted what became the first successful ‘Front Porch Campaign’ from the home, which became dubbed ‘Lawnfield’ by the media who camped out on the lawn to cover the campaign. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">On February 28, 1881, President-elect Garfield walked out of the front door of Lawnfield for the last time as he boarded a train for Washington and into the history books. Before he left, Garfield stood before a large and enthusiastic crowd of admirers and said, “What awaits me I cannot now speak of; but I shall carry to the discharge of duties that lie before me, to the problems and dangers I may meet, a sense of your confidence and your love, which will always be answered by my gratitude. Neighbors, friends, constituents… farewell.” James A. Garfield left his home, and Mentor, behind for good.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Following the President’s death from an assassin’s bullet on September 19, 1881, Lucretia Garfield, now a 49-year-old widow, returned to her Mentor farmhouse where she continued to raise their children. Four years after the assassination, the former First Lady and her family added a Memorial Library wing to the home, which set a precedent for Presidential libraries. Mrs. Garfield lived on and off at Lawnfield for the rest of her life, which ended in California on March 14, 1918. Joseph Rudolph, who was Lucretia’s brother, lived in the home until his death in 1934. Two years later, the Garfield children donated the house and its furnishings to the Western Reserve Historical Society to use as a museum.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Once we had followed Jeff into the home, I thought Reese was going to faint from excitement. At one point, I heard the ten-year-old say to her grandmother, “I can’t believe how big and beautiful this house is. I need to ask my daddy to build us a house like this one. It’s the most amazing home I’ve ever seen.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">There were a handful of rooms inside Lawnfield that were decorated for Christmas, including the Parlor and Memorial Library. But it was when we entered the decorated Dining Room that I nearly fell out of Tom’s hand from laughter. As we stood in the room where the Garfield’s ate their meals, Reese commented on the food on the Garfield’s table. Seconds later, I heard my photographer say, “I don’t think that’s a ham, Reese. I think that might be squirrel.” The youngster was stunned and replied, “Awwwww, don’t say that. I love squirrels.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Since a photo is worth a thousand words, please take a moment to check out our morning at Lawnfield, as well as the Visitor Center Museum behind the home, with 37,000 words-worth of images.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-79.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43847" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-79.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-79.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-79.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-79.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-79.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-79.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">James A. Garfield purchased his “Mentor Farm” in 1876, which consisted of 118 acres. Within a year, the Congressman added 11 rooms and an additional 40 acres of land.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-82.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43849" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-82.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-82.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-82.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-82.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-82.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-82.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing on the impressive porch of Lawnfield. It was from this same porch where Congressman James Garfield delivered dozens of campaign speeches during the summer and fall of 1880, which helped him get elected as our 20th President.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="533" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-FRONT-WITH-TJ.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43907" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-FRONT-WITH-TJ.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-FRONT-WITH-TJ.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-FRONT-WITH-TJ.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-FRONT-WITH-TJ.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-FRONT-WITH-TJ.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-FRONT-WITH-TJ.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">On October 25, 1880, Congressman Garfield stood on the porch behind me and delivered a speech to a large group of Black Civil War veterans. Garfield said, “You were not made free merely to be allowed to vote, but in order to enjoy an equality of opportunity in the race of life, and to stand equal before the law.”</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-85-1.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43852" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-85-1.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-85-1.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-85-1.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-85-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-85-1.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After being inspired by ‘Lucretia Garfield’ the previous day at Hiram College, Reese wanted to stand in the footsteps of Mrs. Garfield on the porch of Lawnfield.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="928" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JAG-ON-PORCH.jpg?resize=800%2C928&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43853" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JAG-ON-PORCH.jpg?w=1380&ssl=1 1380w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JAG-ON-PORCH.jpg?resize=259%2C300&ssl=1 259w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JAG-ON-PORCH.jpg?resize=883%2C1024&ssl=1 883w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JAG-ON-PORCH.jpg?resize=768%2C890&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JAG-ON-PORCH.jpg?resize=1325%2C1536&ssl=1 1325w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">During the campaign of 1880, Congressman Garfield posed with his family on the porch of his “Mentor Farm”. Garfield was flanked by his mother Eliza and wife Lucretia, while 13-year-old daughter Mollie stood behind her parents.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-84.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43854" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-84.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-84.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-84.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-84.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-84.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-84.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">James Garfield once stood on this spot late in his campaign and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, all the doors of my house are open to you. The hand of every member of my family is outstretched to you. Our hearts greet you, and we ask you to come in.”</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-80.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43855" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-80.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-80.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-80.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-80.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-80.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">My photographer’s granddaughter took a moment to reflect on the historic porch where she stood. Now let’s follow Reese inside the home where we were welcomed into the world of James and Lucretia Garfield.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-61.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43856" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-61.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-61.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-61.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-61.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-61.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This was the Entrance Hallway inside Lawnfield. During the 1880 campaign, Lucretia stood in this hallway and greeted visitors, including former President Ulysses S. Grant, who had come to see her husband.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-58.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43857" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-58.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-58.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-58.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-58.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-58.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-58.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing in the Summer Bedroom used by James and Lucretia. The secretary desk in the corner was owned and used by the President.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-60.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43859" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-60.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-60.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-60.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-60.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-60.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our tour guide, Jeff, said he believed this ornate hat rack in the Entrance Hallway was owned by the Garfield’s.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-62.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43860" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-62.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-62.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-62.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-62.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-62.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-62.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Decorated for Christmas, this room where I’m standing was the Parlor. In September 1880, James Garfield sat in this room with Ulysses S. Grant, Senator Roscoe Conklin, and Senator John Logan and “hammered-out” their differences within the Republican Party. The meeting was called ‘The Treaty of Mentor’.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-63.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43861" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-63.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-63.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-63.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-63.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-63.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-63.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The piano in the far corner of the Parlor was a 13th birthday present to daughter Mollie.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-64-1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43915" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-64-1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-64-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-64-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-64-1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-64-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-64-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m in the first-floor bedroom of Eliza Garfield, the President’s mother. Eliza was the first mother of a President to live in the White House with her son. There were seven images of James Garfield in this room.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-66-1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43916" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-66-1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-66-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-66-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-66-1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-66-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-66-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Garfield’s Dining Room table was outfitted with Christmas dinner. James often gave his kids spelling tests while the family sat at this table for dinner. This was the moment when my photographer asked Reese if she could spell “Squirrel Stew”.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-67.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43864" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-67.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-67.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-67.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-67.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-67.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tiles around the Dining Room fireplace were original and painted by Lucretia Garfield and several of her children. The plates and dishes in the cabinet were used by the Garfield’s in the White House.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-68.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43865" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-68.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-68.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-68.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-68.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-68.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-68.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Once Jeff led us upstairs, our first stop was in the Memorial Library, which was added by Lucretia in 1885. The piano directly behind me belonged to the Garfield’s oldest son, Harry.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-69.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43866" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-69.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-69.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-69.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-69.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-69.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-69.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The ornated desk to my far left was a Wooton Desk, created for President Garfield by the Wooton Desk Company. Owner William Wooton had made similar desks for Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-70.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43867" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-70.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-70.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-70.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-70.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-70.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-70.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m always impressed by a nice bust and the bust of James Garfield behind me was created by American artist Preston Powers and presented to the President’s widow following the assassination.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-71.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43868" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-71.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-71.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-71.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-71.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-71.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing in the fireproof vault Lucretia had constructed in the Memorial Library. The wreath above me was sent to the family by Queen Victoria on behalf of the English people and displayed during President Garfield’s funeral. Lucretia had the wreath sent to Chicago where it was preserved in wax.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1121" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-73.jpg?resize=800%2C1121&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43870" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-73.jpg?w=1285&ssl=1 1285w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-73.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-73.jpg?resize=731%2C1024&ssl=1 731w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-73.jpg?resize=768%2C1076&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-73.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The area where the Christmas tree stood in front of the bay window was where a dual family wedding took place on June 14, 1888. Mollie Garfield married Joseph Stanley-Brown, and Harry Garfield married Belle Mason in the ceremony held in the Memorial Library.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-74.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43871" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-74.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-74.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-74.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-74.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-74.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-74.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This upstairs bedroom was where the Garfield’s youngest sons, Irvin and Abram, slept. The boys were 8 and 10 years old when their father was elected President.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-75-1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43873" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-75-1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-75-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-75-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-75-1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-75-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-75-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Now I’m in the Garfield’s Winter Bedroom, which was located on the second floor of Lawnfield. The portrait directly above me was of Eliza, who died at the age of three from diphtheria. The portrait on the far wall was Edward, who died before the age of two from whooping cough.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-76.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43874" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-76.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-76.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-76.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-76.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-76.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-76.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When Lucretia returned to Lawnfield following the death of her husband, she used this room as her primary bedroom. </figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-MOLLIE-ROOM-1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43882" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-MOLLIE-ROOM-1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-MOLLIE-ROOM-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-MOLLIE-ROOM-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-MOLLIE-ROOM-1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-MOLLIE-ROOM-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-MOLLIE-ROOM-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tom’s granddaughter Reese was fascinated by Mollie Garfield, especially the size of her bedroom. Reese used her camera to snap this image of the room. (Photo by Reese Fiscelli)</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-78.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43876" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-78.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-78.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-78.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-78.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-78.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-78.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing in the upstairs Snuggery, which was used as James Garfield’s office and study. The Congressman went to this room to escape the reporters, and he loved to sit in his favorite reading chair to relax with a good book.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-1.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43877" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-1.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-1.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-1.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-1.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As our tour group returned to the first floor, Reese suggested she pose on the landing above the Reception Hall for a photo. This image was exactly how Reese had described what she wanted to her grandfather.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-large-font-size"><strong>**********</strong></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-5-1.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43884" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-5-1.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-5-1.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-5-1.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-5-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-5-1.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the Visitor Center Museum, I posed next to a display which replicated the inauguration of James A. Garfield on March 4, 1881. Garfield was administered the oath by Chief Justice Morrison Waite.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="533" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-OATH-OF-OFFICE.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43904" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-OATH-OF-OFFICE.jpg?w=1678&ssl=1 1678w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-OATH-OF-OFFICE.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-OATH-OF-OFFICE.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-OATH-OF-OFFICE.jpg?resize=768%2C511&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-OATH-OF-OFFICE.jpg?resize=1536%2C1022&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-OATH-OF-OFFICE.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">“I, James Abram Garfield, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-50-1.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43888" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-50-1.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-50-1.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-50-1.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-50-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-50-1.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing above the Bible used during the inauguration of President Garfield on March 4, 1881.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-1-1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43887" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-1-1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-1-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-1-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-1-1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-1-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-1-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">During the inauguration, this Bible was open to Proverbs 21:1 – the verse reads, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes”.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="812" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-57-4.jpg?resize=800%2C812&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43894" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-57-4.jpg?w=1675&ssl=1 1675w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-57-4.jpg?resize=296%2C300&ssl=1 296w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-57-4.jpg?resize=1009%2C1024&ssl=1 1009w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-57-4.jpg?resize=768%2C779&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-57-4.jpg?resize=1513%2C1536&ssl=1 1513w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-57-4.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The leather boots and top hat below me were worn by President Garfield.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-53.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43895" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-53.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-53.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-53.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-53.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-53.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-53.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This rubber stamp of Garfield’s signature was used by the President.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-55-1.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43914" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-55-1.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-55-1.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-55-1.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-55-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-55-1.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The display I’m standing above featured a program for Garfield’s Inaugural Ball on March 4, 1881, as well as the President’s Inaugural Address inscribed by Rutherford B. Hayes.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-92.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43898" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-92.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-92.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-92.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-92.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-92.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-92.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This haunting recreation featured the mortally wounded President Garfield lying in bed while First Lady Lucretia Garfield held a bedside vigil for her husband.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-91.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43899" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-91.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-91.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-91.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-91.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-91.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-91.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After struggling for life for two months, Garfield left the White House for good on September 5, 1881. He was transported to Elberon, New Jersey in a specially cushioned rail car. This bed I’m standing alongside was designed for the President to lay on during transport, but he refused to use it.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-90.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-90.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-90.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-90.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-90.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-90.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-90.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This well-worn field desk alongside me accompanied James Garfield through Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi as he served in the Western Theater of the American Civil War.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-89.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43901" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-89.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-89.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-89.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-89.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-89.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">It was a very somber moment for me when I stood above the top hat worn by President Garfield on the morning of July 2, 1881. The hat was returned to the White House after the assassination.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="571" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-SHOT.jpg?resize=800%2C571&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43902" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-SHOT.jpg?w=1106&ssl=1 1106w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-SHOT.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-SHOT.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-SHOT.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This illustration depicts the moment just seconds after President Garfield was shot by Charles Guiteau at 9:30am on July 2, 1881 inside the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington D.C. </figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-4.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43903" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-4.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-4.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-4.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-4.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-4.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MUSEUM-4.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reese was also taken aback when she had a closeup look at President Garfield’s hat. This was the moment when the assassination became more than just a footnote in a history book for the ten-year-old.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">At roughly 12:20pm, our time at Lawnfield had come to an end. To commemorate the visit, Vicki asked Reese what she wanted as a souvenir from the gift shop. The youngster didn’t hesitate – she selected a stuffed toy squirrel, which she named Mollie. “I’ll save one squirrel from becoming stew”, Reese said with a big smile.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">For me, the visit to the historic home was a memorable experience. After having met Tim Garfield the previous day, I was honored to stand in the footsteps of not only his great-great-grandfather who became President, but his great-grandfather, James R. Garfield, as well. I agreed with Reese when she said Lawnfield was one of the most beautiful homes she had ever seen.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">As beautiful as the interior was, filled with furnishings and belongings of which eighty percent were owned and used by the Garfield’s, it was the front porch I loved the most. When I stood there and looked out towards Mentor Road, I envisioned thousands of people standing in front of me. They were hooked on every word emitted from my resin mouth. Suddenly, it was as though I could hear the voice of Republican candidate Garfield as he spoke to his friends, neighbors, and countrymen who had come to his home.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">“Here are the school-fellows of twenty-eight years ago. Here are men and women who were my pupils twenty-five years ago… I see others who were soldiers in the old regiment which I had the honor to command… How can I forget all these things, and all that has followed? How can I forget…the people of Portage County, when I see men and women from all its townships standing at my door? I cannot forget these things while life and consciousness remain. The freshness of youth, the very springtide of life… all was with you, and of you, my neighbors, my friends, my cherished comrades… You are here, so close to my heart… whatever may befall me hereafter…”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">To be Continued…</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong>** THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO REESE FISCELLI, WHOSE ENTHUSIASM AND LOVE FOR HISTORY HAS MADE HER PAPA PROUD. ANOTHER TORCH HAS BEEN PASSED! ** </strong></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-2-1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43917" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-2-1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-2-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-2-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-2-1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-2-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LAWNFIELD-2-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://eyesofjefferson.com/318-a-ten-year-olds-love-for-history-and-squirrels-became-enriched-at-lawnfield/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43841</post-id> </item> <item> <title>317: THE SPIRIT OF JAMES GARFIELD CAME TO LIFE AT HIRAM COLLEGE; THANKS TO THE EFFORTS OF TIM GARFIELD AND HIS FRIENDS</title> <link>https://eyesofjefferson.com/317-the-spirit-of-james-garfield-came-to-life-at-hiram-college-thanks-to-the-efforts-of-tim-garfield-and-his-friends/</link> <comments>https://eyesofjefferson.com/317-the-spirit-of-james-garfield-came-to-life-at-hiram-college-thanks-to-the-efforts-of-tim-garfield-and-his-friends/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Thomas Watson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:18:54 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Andria Morningstar-Gray]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Buckingham Place]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Debbie Weinkamer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Garfield-Robbins-Zimmerman House]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hiram College]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James A. Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James Thompson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kathy Luschek]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Katie Buzard]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Koritansky Hall]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lucretia Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mecca Meeting House]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Peggy Painley]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reese Fiscelli]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tessa Laeli]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson bobble head]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tim Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Western Reserve Ecletic Institute]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyesofjefferson.com/?p=43752</guid> <description><![CDATA[The morning of Friday November 15, 2024 couldn’t have started better; but Tom, Vicki, their granddaughter Reese, and I knew the best was yet to come. One could cut the anticipation in our Jeep with a knife throughout the entire…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The morning of Friday November 15, 2024 couldn’t have started better; but Tom, Vicki, their granddaughter Reese, and I knew the best was yet to come. One could cut the anticipation in our Jeep with a knife throughout the entire 24-mile drive from the James A. Garfield Birth Site Park in Moreland Hills to Hiram, Ohio and that was all because of one person – Mr. Tim Garfield. The great-great-grandson of James A. Garfield had arranged to meet us at the first site, Hiram College’s Buckingham Place, and then spend the remainder of the day with the four of us as we followed in the footsteps of our 20th President.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">We were a little over ten minutes early for our eleven o’clock rendezvous time when Vicki pulled our vehicle into the long driveway of Buckingham Place, which was on the northern side of the expansive Hiram College campus. Since we were the first ones there, it gave my photographer extra time to capture images of the exterior of the historic home.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Buckingham Place was built in 1852 as the home for Colonel John and Esther Buckingham in the newly established Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, now known as Hiram College. Because the home had seven bedrooms, the Buckingham’s transformed their residence into a dorm room for students at the college. The historic dwelling remained in the Buckingham family until 1935 when it was deeded to the college to serve as the President’s residence, a capacity of which it remained until 2011 when the home was transformed into an Alumni Welcome Center.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">But the reason for our visit didn’t have anything to do with the Presidents of Hiram College. Our tour did, however, center on a particular student at the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute who helped build the historic home in 1852 – and that was 20-year-old James Abram Garfield.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The primary carpenter of the Buckingham’s new home was Deacon Zeb Rudolph, whose eldest daughter, Lucretia, was a student at the college and was very smitten with Garfield. Because of James’ work ethic and strength, Zeb hired Garfield to be his helper. And my gosh, what a valuable helper he was. Tradition has it that Garfield’s strength was so great that he tongue-and-grooved the oak plank flooring by himself, even though that task was always considered a two-man job – one to push and the other to pull the heavy plane.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">As Tom carried me around the front of the home where I posed for several photos, it was easy to see the historic home had fallen into some disrepair over the past decade or so. Just as my photographer snapped his final image of the exterior, two cars pulled into the driveway – our hosts had arrived at precisely eleven o’clock. It was show time!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-1-3.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43824" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-1-3.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-1-3.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-1-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-1-3.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-1-3.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-1-3.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing beneath the portico of Buckingham Place in Hiram, Ohio. For the past 172 years, this home has served as a family residence, housing for students, and the residence of many Hiram College Presidents.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-10-1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43825" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-10-1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-10-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-10-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-10-1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-10-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-10-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A decade ago, the home became the Alumni Welcome Center for the college, but today it sits empty – waiting for much-needed donations to restore the place back to its glory days.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-12.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43756" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-12.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-12.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-12.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-12.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-12.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As I stood on the front portico of Buckingham Place, it was easy to envision 20-year-old James Garfield walking up the same steps to help his future father-in-law build this house.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">When my photographer carried me around to the back of the house where Vicki was helping Reese put on her 1860s-style dress, the four of us met an enthusiastic woman who graciously volunteered to serve as our host at Buckingham Place. Peggy Painley is the Chief of Staff for the office of the Hiram College President and is an expert on the history of the two homes on our agenda – Buckingham Place, and the Garfield-Robbins-Zimmerman House, which was our next stop at noon.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Moments after we were greeted by Peggy, I looked to my right and saw the door of the second vehicle open. I waited with bated breath, especially after I saw the SUV’s license plate, which read T GARF. Nearly 172 years after James A. Garfield had walked the grounds where we were standing, I got my first glimpse of the tall, bearded man who bore an uncanny resemblance to our 20th President.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">In my painted eyes, we were in the presence of United States Presidential Royalty. Tim Garfield was the great-great-grandson of President James A. Garfield, and the great-grandson of James Rudolph Garfield, who served as Secretary of the Interior during Theodore Roosevelt’s administration. At first, I wanted to bow my head and scream out, “We’re not worthy. We’re not worthy”, like Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar did when they met Alice Cooper in the movie <em>Wayne’s World</em>. But the stately-looking man, who sported tan trousers and a beige sweater, quickly put the four of us at ease with his calm demeanor and humble personality. As a matter of fact, Tim quickly took a liking to Reese and complimented the ten-year-old on her dress.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Once inside the historic home, Peggy led our group through the two-story home as she explained the significance of each room. While the building holds a special place in the heart of Hiram College, it was the James Garfield connection that piqued my interest the most – especially the moment when Tom placed me on the oak flooring near the fireplace in the living room. As I stood on the floor and thought about the future President as he laid the boards in place one by one, I looked to the other side of the room and saw Tim Garfield standing on the same flooring. A flood of emotion streamed through my resin head – and I had to believe our host was feeling the same emotions as well.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-14-1.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43760" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-14-1.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-14-1.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-14-1.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-14-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-14-1.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The oak floorboards where I’m standing inside Buckingham Place were tongue-and-grooved and installed by 20-year-old student James A. Garfield in 1852.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-15-2.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43762" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-15-2.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-15-2.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-15-2.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-15-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-15-2.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The James Garfield tribute hanging above the fireplace was dedicated to the man who was a student, teacher, and President of the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-2.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43763" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-2.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-2.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-2.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-2.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">From my position on the floor, I couldn’t take my eyes off of Tim Garfield, who was standing on the same floorboards his famous ancestor had installed.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-PLACE-REESE-PIC.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43764" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-PLACE-REESE-PIC.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-PLACE-REESE-PIC.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-PLACE-REESE-PIC.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-PLACE-REESE-PIC.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BUCKINGHAM-PLACE-REESE-PIC.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tom’s granddaughter, Reese, did her best to capture a low-angle view of me standing on the floor. (Photo by Reese Fiscelli)</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">We had been inside Buckingham Place for roughly 45 minutes when I heard Peggy say to my photographer, “Are you ready to head for the GRZ House?” I think that’s the moment when my resin heart skipped a beat because I knew that house was the primary focus of our entire trip. Not only did James and Lucretia Garfield own that home from 1863 to 1872, but there’s also been alleged paranormal activity within its historic walls as well. While I ain’t ‘fraid of no ghosts, it didn’t matter – the spirits who still go bump in the night on Hinsdale Street have been reported to be very friendly. And that was important since we had a very impressionable ten-year-old girl in our tour group, and she didn’t need to be afraid. As a matter of fact, I overhead Tom mention to his wife he wasn’t going to tell Reese about the possibility of the Garfield House being haunted – he wanted to see if the youngster experienced any paranormal activity on her own.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">At roughly 12 noon, we arrived at the Garfield-Robbins-Zimmerman House, which was located on Hinsdale Street next to Hiram College’s Henry Hall. With me tucked comfortably inside Tom’s camera case, our small group followed Peggy Painley into the home through the backdoor. Upon Tim Garfield’s suggestion, we headed through the entire house, bypassing the modern addition, and we began our tour in the original living room of the home. I had to admit, my senses were on high alert for anything out of the ordinary; but nothing ever happened – at least to me or my photographer.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The historic house was built in 1853 for the original owner Horace Brown. Nine years later, in November 1862, Brown rented the house to the newly elected Congressman from Ohio, James Garfield, and his wife Lucretia. Before he got involved in politics, James became a self-taught lawyer; plus, he was also an instructor at the college and served as its President until the outbreak of the Civil War.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The Garfield’s loved the place and purchased the home in April 1863, while the Congressman/General was still in battle during the Civil War. By December 1863, General Garfield resigned his commission and took his seat in the United States House of Representatives. Suring his early years in Congress, at the end of the Civil War, Garfield was a radical Republican and supported a movement to exile or execute Confederate leaders. And while he reluctantly supported President Lincoln’s re-election, Garfield refused to campaign for Honest Abe.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Even though Congressman Garfield lived in a rented house on Washington’s I Street, alongside Franklin Park, he did his best to return to Hiram whenever possible. As a matter of fact, three of the Garfield’s first five children were born in the house on Hinsdale Street, including James Rudolph Garfield, the great-grandfather of our host, Tim Garfield.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The Garfield children adored their father, who did his best to provide them everything he didn’t have as a child himself. In 1892, daughter Mollie wrote an article in ‘The Youth’s Companion’ where she began by saying, “My father was not only our guide and counsellor; he was our comrade. He was interested in all we were thinking about and doing. He was the director of our work, the willing sharer of our play.” </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">At one point during our visit, Tom set me down on the original living room floor. A minute or two later, I saw Tim standing nearby as he talked with my photographer. Then I had an epiphany; the revelation struck me like nothing before. At that moment, as I looked up at the 72-year-old Automobile Service Manager from Twinsburg, Ohio, I thought to myself, “The last Garfield to stand where Tim is standing was James A. Garfield himself.” That immediately sent shivers up and down my stainless-steel spine.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">But what struck me as even more phenomenal, and I know my photographer felt the same way, was the way Tim interacted with Reese. Mr. Garfield made the youngster feel special, and I know in my resin heart Tim’s great-great-grandfather would’ve been very proud. And for some strange reason, I felt James was there as he watched our every move – and he definitely approved.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-27-1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43831" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-27-1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-27-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-27-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-27-1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-27-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-27-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">James and Lucretia Garfield lived in the house behind from 1862 until they sold the place in 1872.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-31-1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43832" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-31-1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-31-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-31-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-31-1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-31-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-31-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Three of the Garfield’s first five children were born in this house, including James Rudolph Garfield, who became the Secretary of the Interior in the Theodore Roosevelt administration.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-32-1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43833" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-32-1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-32-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-32-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-32-1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-32-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-32-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As I stood in front of the historic Garfield home, I couldn’t wait to go inside where I wanted to stand in the footsteps of James A. Garfield; and experience some paranormal activity at the same time.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-19.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43788" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-19.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-19.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-19.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-19.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-19.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-19.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When my photographer set me on top of the baby grand piano, I had hoped a spirit might tickle some ivories. The only thing tickled was Reese when Tim asked her to pose alongside me.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-17.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43776" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-17.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-17.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-17.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-17.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-17.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-17.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I love posing on fireplace mantels because they are usually original to the home. Did the future President ever light a stogie from a burning ember in this fireplace?</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-18.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43777" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-18.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-18.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-18.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-18.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-18.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-18.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">It was at this moment, as I looked at Tim Garfield standing nearby, when I thought about his famous ancestor standing on the same hardwood floor.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-20.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43778" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-20.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-20.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-20.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-20.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-20.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-20.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I can’t take my painted eyes off a good bust and the bay window in the Garfield House was filled with Presidential busts.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-21.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43779" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-21.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-21.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-21.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-21.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-21.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-21.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When Peggy led our group up the staircase to this upstairs bedroom, Tim believed this may have been the Master Bedroom where his great-great-grandfather and grandmother once slept. I couldn’t believe my luck when Tom placed me in an original antique chamber pot.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-22.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43780" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-22.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-22.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-22.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-22.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-22.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-22.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing on the floor of a second bedroom in the upstairs of the GRZ House.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-24.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43781" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-24.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-24.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-24.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-24.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-24.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-24.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reese and I took a moment to pose in a pair of antique chairs. While the pieces of furniture looked cool and were very old, they were never owned by the Garfield family.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-26.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43782" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-26.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-26.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-26.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-26.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-26.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">No trip would be complete without me posing with a group of bobbleheads. In this image, I’m sandwiched between my doppelganger and George W. Bush.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-DOOR-BELL.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43785" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-DOOR-BELL.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-DOOR-BELL.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-DOOR-BELL.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-DOOR-BELL.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-DOOR-BELL.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REESE-DOOR-BELL.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reese was extremely proud to have guessed the purpose of the backdoor’s chain. It was to ring the doorbell. To celebrate her wisdom, the ten-year-old snapped this image. (Photo by Reese Fiscelli)</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TIM-AND-REESE.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43784" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TIM-AND-REESE.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TIM-AND-REESE.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TIM-AND-REESE.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TIM-AND-REESE.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TIM-AND-REESE.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TIM-AND-REESE.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tim Garfield and Reese Fiscelli posed on the porch of the Garfield-Robbins-Zimmerman House. At first, I thought they looked like the real James and Lucretia Garfield. In reality, James stood 6′ 0″ tall, while his wife Lucretia measured 5’3″ in height.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-PORCH-POST-1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43836" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-PORCH-POST-1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-PORCH-POST-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-PORCH-POST-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-PORCH-POST-1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-PORCH-POST-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-PORCH-POST-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alone with my thoughts on the porch before our group headed for lunch, I wondered if I would see a curtain move, or a face looking out from behind the glass. But that never happened.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">During our tour of the home, which lasted about 40 minutes or so, Tom and I got to know Tim Garfield a bit better. The first thing I realized was how humble the man was, even though his bloodline flows through our history books. I listened as Tim said, “My great-great-grandfather, as President, was known for one thing – and that’s for being assassinated. He wasn’t in office long enough to get anything accomplished.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Then our host paused, and said, “But the more I’ve read and researched about the man, the more I realized how much more he did besides being elected President. He was a teacher, an amazing orator, a man of faith, and we still feel his impact at Hiram College today. My great-great-grandfather served our country during the Civil War, and he also served our nation in Congress for over fifteen years. And most importantly, at least in my eyes, was the fact he helped raise some pretty incredible children who went on to do some great things in their own right. Because of all those factors, that’s the reason we started <em>The Garfield Trail;</em> it was to keep James A. Garfield’s amazing legacy alive for future generations, such as Reese.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Near the tail-end of our visit, while the others were in a separate room in the house, my photographer pulled Peggy aside to ask her about the alleged paranormal activity in the home that had been reported in the past. Tom wanted to keep his question on the downlow as not to frighten his granddaughter. Peggy smiled and said, “It’s all true. I’ve never personally experienced anything in this house, but I know others who have. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of buildings in Hiram that are filled with paranormal activity; my office included. But the good thing is – the spirits are very friendly. They don’t do anything to harm anyone; they just let you know they’re still around.” And with that, we met up with the others and headed outside.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Before we went to lunch, Mr. Garfield took a moment to pose with his newfound ten-year-old admirer on the porch of the historic home. It was a touching moment; one that will go down in the annals of my travels. After all, Tim Garfield was the first direct descendent of a President my photographer had ever met in person – and his granddaughter Reese got the opportunity to meet one on her first-ever historical trip. And the funny thing was, she wouldn’t have been able to experience any of it had she gone to school that day instead of traveling with us.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Back in the Jeep, Vicki followed Tim’s vehicle as he led us to the Kennedy Center. No, this wasn’t the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; that building is in Washington D.C. This Kennedy Center happens to be the epicenter of student activity at Hiram College, and it was where the Kennedy Center Bistro was located, which was where Mr. Garfield had arranged for us to have lunch.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Once inside the Bistro, Tim introduced us to three folks from Hiram College who graciously took time to join us for lunch. The first was James Thompson, who’s the Professor of Political Science at the college and the Director of the James A. Garfield Center for Public Leadership. James was escorted by two women, Katie Buzard and Tessa Leali, both of whom were Major Gift Officers for the college.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">While I listened to my photographer converse with Thompson as the pair discussed political topics, the highlight for me was watching James interact with Tom’s granddaughter. The professor used his passionate and energetic teaching style, and tested Reese’s Presidential knowledge; while at the same time, the youngster munched on a chicken wrap. I had to admit, I was impressed with the kid’s knowledge, especially since she’s been interested in history for only the past year or so.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">There was one thing Thompson mentioned that really stuck with me, and I know my photographer agreed with James’ philosophy, and that was when James said he was trying to train his students to have civil conversations when the topic was centered around politics. He said there is too much anger in our country today when it comes to the political arena, and his goal was to help change that mindset – even if it’s one person at a time.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">With full stomachs, and with even fuller minds, our group bid farewell to Katie and Tessa and followed Tim and James on foot to our next stop – Koritansky Hall. Today, Koritansky Hall is used as a college classroom for political science. As a matter of fact, James Thompson’s office was located in the building’s basement, nearly next door to the office of our host Kathy Luschek, who is the Associate Director of the Garfield Institute.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The historic building I saw standing in front of me was built in 1842 as the Mecca Community Church in Mecca, Ohio. That white, wooden structure had a huge connection with James A. Garfield, which was right up my alley. It turned out Garfield, who later became known as The Preacher President, once delivered sermons at that church in Mecca in the late 1850s or early 1860s.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Due to its Garfield connection, Hiram College purchased the building in 2007; they had it disassembled a year later and then had the building moved 25 miles west to the college campus in Hiram where it was painstakingly reassembled board by board before being dedicated as the James A. Garfield Meeting House in 2009. On May 12, 2012, the meeting house was renamed Koritansky Hall in honor of Hiram’s Political Science Professor John C. Koritansky.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-44-1.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43795" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-44-1.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-44-1.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-44-1.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-44-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-44-1.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing in front of Koritansky Hall on the campus of Hiram College. Built in 1842, this historic meeting house originally stood in Mecca, Ohio until 2007 and is now part of James A. Garfield’s legacy in Hiram.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-37.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43796" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-37.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-37.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-37.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-37.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-37.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When Tom placed me on a table inside the historic building, it was easy to see the original oak support beams throughout the structure. And since that church was constructed in 1842, I figured the trees which the beams had been cut from were alive when the Declaration of Independence was signed.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-39.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43797" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-39.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-39.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-39.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-39.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-39.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As I posed for another photo, I had the feeling there was a Garfield standing near me. And there was!</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Once Kathy had led our group into the historic structure through the basement-level office area, the director took us on a tour of the meeting house itself. Although the building featured an upper loft, which was used as an area for students to kick back and relax, the lower grand hall was filled with tables where the students learned political science from James Thompson.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">But during our visit, I saw more than just a classroom. I looked at the original oak wooden beams and knew if they could talk, they would tell a story of a future President’s faith inside that building. As I stood on a table and envisioned James Garfield preaching to the Mecca congregation, his great-great-grandson came into the room and silently took his place.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Then she appeared, almost out of thin air. Even though we didn’t experience any apparitions at the GRZ House, I wondered if this one had followed us to Koritansky Hall. The mysterious woman walked silently across the wooden floor before she slowly turned to face her audience. The woman, who stood roughly 5′ 3″ tall, wore a black dress, black hat, and she carried a small, black handbag. I noticed a small, round Red Cross pin on her right lapel; and a broach with President Garfield’s likeness was pinned at the woman’s neckline. At first, I thought the lady was looking at me through her small, oval-shaped wire-rimmed glasses. But once again, I took a back seat to a cute ten-year-old girl. Suddenly, I noticed a shy grin appear on the woman’s face; she looked at Reese and said, “Hello, I’m Lucretia Garfield. Who may I have the pleasure of meeting?” By the look on the youngster’s face, especially when I saw her mouth drop open in total awe, I knew my photographer’s granddaughter was instantly star-struck. Reese loves learning about the Presidents, but she loves learning and hearing stories about the women in history equally as much – and I think that’s very cool.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LUCRETIA-FROM-VIDEO-1.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43800" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LUCRETIA-FROM-VIDEO-1.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LUCRETIA-FROM-VIDEO-1.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LUCRETIA-FROM-VIDEO-1.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LUCRETIA-FROM-VIDEO-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LUCRETIA-FROM-VIDEO-1.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lucretia Garfield, portrayed by historian Debbie Weinkamer, had a great look on her face when she talked about Teddy Roosevelt’s visit to her Mentor Farm, which actually happened on September 27, 1914.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11-MECCA-CHURCH-2.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43829" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11-MECCA-CHURCH-2.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11-MECCA-CHURCH-2.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11-MECCA-CHURCH-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11-MECCA-CHURCH-2.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11-MECCA-CHURCH-2.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11-MECCA-CHURCH-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reese wanted to capture the moment when Lucretia stood at the pulpit to pose for a picture. (Photo by Reese Fiscelli)</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-40-1.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43837" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-40-1.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-40-1.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-40-1.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-40-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-40-1.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reese was all smiles when she met former First Lady Lucretia Garfield inside the Mecca Church.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-41.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43802" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-41.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-41.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-41.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-41.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-41.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Earlier in the day, I had been held in the hands of Tim Garfield. Inside the Mecca Church, I found my way into the hands of Tim’s great-great-grandmother, Lucretia Garfield.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-46.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43805" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-46.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-46.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-46.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-46.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-46.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-46.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Before we left the grounds where Koritansky Hall stood, I took a moment to pose with the sandstone sculpture of James A. Garfield, who was wearing sunglasses on an overcast afternoon.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-45.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43806" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-45.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-45.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-45.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-45.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-45.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This statue of Garfield became famous in 2009 when unknown assailants decapitated the 20th President. When the head was found after an intense investigation, Garfield’s “melon” was reattached and now contains a GPS tracking chip to discourage copycat vandals.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">During the twenty minutes or so Lucretia stood and talked with our group, I looked to my left and saw Reese sitting next to her grandfather. The funny thing was – I couldn’t tell which one was more awestruck. To be honest, so was I. Debbie has an incredible gift, and that was to bring this relatively unknown woman to life in such a way that made it feel like we were transported back in time to 1910. The portrayal made us realize what an intelligent and strong woman Lucretia was, and how she taught her children and grandkids to have a hopeful outlook on life – even after the tragic death of her husband. But the one nugget of information Lucretia had shared with Reese that took the youngster aback was when Mrs. Garfield shared her secret of the President’s favorite meal, one which James preferred when Lucretia cooked for him at home. When Reese heard the words “squirrel stew” come out of Lucretia’s mouth, the ten-year-old let out a slight gasp in disgust. As for me, I envisioned the Garfield boys, Hal, James, Irvin, and Abram, as they set peanuts out as bate for their father’s stew.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">As the hands on the clock moved closer to the three o’clock hour, Tim finished our visit at Koritansky Hall by telling a story about the sandstone sculpture of his great-great-grandfather which was erected in 2009 in the courtyard just outside the historic meeting house. Shortly after the statue was put in place, the President’s head was severed from his neck, and there were no clues as to who the perpetrators were. Was it a student prank? Were the assailants from another town? After months of head-scratching by local officials, word leaked out as to the head’s whereabouts, and it finally made its way back onto the shoulders of our 20th President. In an effort to discourage thieves from committing a copycat crime, a GPS tracking chip was embedded into the head. I laughed and thought to myself, “It’s one thing to get ahead in school, but not at the expense of James A. Garfield.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Our final stop of the day was scheduled for the Hiram College Library where Tim had arranged a behind-the-scenes tour of the school’s archives, which he said contained some interesting artifacts associated with his famous ancestor. Since the library was located across the street from Koritansky Hall, our entire group, which consisted of Tim Garfield, Kathy Luschek, Lucretia Garfield, Tom, Vicki, Reese, and of course, me, made the short pilgrimage to the large, brick building where we met up with Library Director Andria Morningstar-Gray.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Once we had made it to the coveted archival room inside a section of the library, Andria went to work as she showed us a very impressive display of artifact associated with our 20th President. And let me tell you, my resin jaw nearly dropped to the floor when I saw what Andria had set out for us.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">After we examined some original Garfield family lithographs, Andria brought out the heavy artillery, which included a silver water pitcher that was gifted to James Garfield by a hose brigade during his 1880 Presidential campaign. Then the Director pulled out an original 1880 campaign button, which featured an image of Garfield on the front. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">One of the highlights for me, however, was when Andria opened up a large book filled with newspaper clippings that documented Garfield’s assassination and the trial of his assassin. I watched in wonderment as Tim and Reese examined each page of the ancient folio that was impeccably constructed by someone who had an obvious passion for the murdered 20th President.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">As awesome as all of the artifacts were, the pièce de résistance for me came when Tom placed me next to a handwritten letter signed by the main man himself. It turned out Garfield had penned a ‘Farewell’ letter to the college, which was dated June 24, 1853. Even though the letter was over 170 years old, I was able to read every eloquently inscribed word on the single sheet of paper, which began with “Farewell”, and continued with, “The time has arrived when our sojourn together for many bright days must now draw to a close.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">James Garfield had a rough, tough, and strong side, but he also had a soft, tender side as well; and that was very evident in his heartfelt letter to the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute – a place where he studied, taught, preached, and called home for well over a decade.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-3.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43811" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-3.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-3.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-3.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-3.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-3.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This silver water pitcher was gifted to James Garfield in October 1880 during his Presidential campaign by a Chambersburg, Pennsylvania hose brigade. </figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1121" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-4.jpg?resize=800%2C1121&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43812" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-4.jpg?w=1285&ssl=1 1285w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-4.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-4.jpg?resize=731%2C1024&ssl=1 731w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-4.jpg?resize=768%2C1076&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-4.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Library Director Andria Morningstar-Gray turned the pages of the historic folio as Reese and Tim Garfield carefully examine the contents. That large book, which was impeccably put together and preserved, made a huge impact on Tom’s granddaughter.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-1.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43813" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-1.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-1.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-1.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LIBRARY-1.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Standing next to an original hand-written letter penned by James A. Garfield was a moment I’ll never forget. And when I read some of his eloquent words, a small tear formed in the corner of my painted eye.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Our visit with Andria, as well as with the historic artifacts in the college library archives, had drawn to a close and it was time for my family to say their goodbyes to our incredible hosts. It was a sad moment for me when Reese walked over to where Lucretia and Tim were standing, and I saw the ten-year-old give each one a huge hug. There was no doubt Reese had developed a bond with both of them; and it was a connection – a conduit from the past to the present – the youngster will never forget.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Suddenly, out of nowhere, Tim Garfield handed Reese and Tom colorful bags filled with souvenirs and mementos associated with his famous great-great-grandfather – including a James A. Garfield bobble head. At first, I was a bit jealous – I felt like a child whose parents bring home a newborn sibling. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized what an amazing gesture that was. It was a President Garfield bobble head, gifted to my photographer by the President’s great-great-grandson. It doesn’t get much better than that – although Reese thought her gifts, particularly the two books, were great as well; especially after the youngster asked Lucretia and Tim to sign the two biographies.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="572" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BOBBLE-HEADS.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43815" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BOBBLE-HEADS.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BOBBLE-HEADS.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BOBBLE-HEADS.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BOBBLE-HEADS.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BOBBLE-HEADS.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BOBBLE-HEADS.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Perhaps I should be concerned about hanging around with these four guys!</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It was after four o’clock in the afternoon and our time at Hiram College had come to an end. Tom, Vicki, Reese, and I had just spent over five hours with some of the friendliest, warmest, kindest, and welcoming folks we’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. All of our hosts had rolled out the red carpet for us during the visit and they made us feel very special.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">After a final goodbye, hug, and handshake with Tim Garfield in the Kennedy Center parking lot, our host disappeared inside the vehicle with the Ohio license plate T GARF.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">We had a 40-mile drive from the college to our hotel in Mentor; and at one point during the journey northward through the mist and the day’s last sunlight, I listened as my photographer mentioned to his granddaughter that he heard the Garfield House was haunted. Tom hadn’t said a word to her before that as he didn’t want the child to be afraid to go inside the home. But as soon as my cameraman mentioned possible ghosts, Reese shocked her grandparents by saying, “That explains the two knocks I heard in the dining room. I was watching you, and Tim, and Miss Peggy all talking in the middle of the room when suddenly I heard two distinct knocks on the doorway closest to me – and there wasn’t anyone standing near it.” </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">When I heard Reese recount her experience in the GRZ House, I was a little jealous; and I think Tom was as well. The two of us had hoped for an unexplained encounter, but that never happened. At the end of the day, however, the two of us were glad the experience didn’t seem to faze the young girl whatsoever.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">At about 5:30pm, Vicki pulled into the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express in Mentor. We were in close proximity to the first scheduled site in the morning, as the Garfield’s home, known as Lawnfield, was only two miles down the road. After my photographer’s wife registered in the hotel’s lobby, the four of us went to our room where Tom immediately set me alongside the television set. While my photographer ordered a Papa Johns pizza delivery, Vicki and Reese donned their swimsuits and went to the pool.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">After dinner, it was easy to see my three companions were exhausted from a long day of travel. By seven-thirty, Tom had extinguished the lights in the room and everyone, but me, was fast asleep. Alone in the darkness with my thoughts, my head was filled with a countless number of highlights from our time in Hiram. The unbelievable part, at least for me, was how one small email sent by my photographer, where he asked permission for us to visit one home, resulted in us meeting eight amazing people who brought James A. Garfield to life for us in a most special way.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">While I looked forward to Saturday morning’s tour of Lawnfield, as well our return trip to Lake View Cemetery for my sixth visit to the Garfield Memorial, there was no way possible for anything to top what the four of us experienced that Friday in Hiram, Ohio. Unless, of course, President Garfield made an appearance himself.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong>** THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO TIM GARFIELD & HIS FRIENDS, PEGGY PAINLEY, JAMES THOMPSON, KATIE BUZARD, TESSA LEALI, KATHY LUSCHEK, ANDRIA MORNINGSTAR-GRAY, AND LUCRETIA GARFIELD FOR THEIR TIME, HOSPITALITY, AND GENEROSITY DURING OUR VISIT TO HIRAM **</strong></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1120" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-30.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43790" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-30.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-30.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-30.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-30.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-30.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong>*NOTE* IF YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW, IS INTERESTED IN DONATING MONEY TO A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, PLEASE CONSIDER SENDING A DONATION TO HELP RESTORE THE GARFIELD-ROBBINS-ZIMMERMAN HOUSE IN HIRAM, OHIO. HELP KEEP THE SPIRIT OF JAMES A. GARFIELD ALIVE! </strong></p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong>Donations earmarked for GRZ Restoration at www.garfieldtrail.org Thank You!</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://eyesofjefferson.com/317-the-spirit-of-james-garfield-came-to-life-at-hiram-college-thanks-to-the-efforts-of-tim-garfield-and-his-friends/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>4</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43752</post-id> </item> <item> <title>JAMES A. GARFIELD</title> <link>https://eyesofjefferson.com/james-a-garfield/</link> <comments>https://eyesofjefferson.com/james-a-garfield/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Thomas Watson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 16 Mar 2024 02:46:20 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Garfield's ghost]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hail to the Chief]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James A. Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Presidential Tribute]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson bobble head]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Watson]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyesofjefferson.com/?p=40836</guid> <description><![CDATA[]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="451" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-1.jpg?resize=800%2C451&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40837" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-1.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-1.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C577&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-1.jpg?resize=768%2C433&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C866&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“The fireworks are flying and I’m so excited to present this tribute to one of my favorite Presidents.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-2.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40838" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-2.jpg?w=1969&ssl=1 1969w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-2.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-2.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-2.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Unfortunately, our 20th President had the second-shortest time in office, serving only 199 days before he was assassinated.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-3.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40839" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-3.jpg?w=1965&ssl=1 1965w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-3.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-3.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-3.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-3.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“I sincerely hope you enjoy my tribute to another member of the Tecumseh Curse Club – James Abram Garfield.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="452" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-4.jpg?resize=800%2C452&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40840" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-4.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-4.jpg?resize=300%2C170&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-4.jpg?resize=1024%2C579&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-4.jpg?resize=768%2C434&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-4.jpg?resize=1536%2C869&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-4.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>GARFIELD BIRTH SITE – “James Garfield was born on this site in Orange Township (now Moreland Hills), Ohio, on November 19, 1831. He lived here on his family farm until 1856.</strong> <strong>Even though this cabin was a replica, Garfield was the last President born in a log cabin.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="451" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-5.jpg?resize=800%2C451&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40841" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-5.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-5.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-5.jpg?resize=1024%2C577&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-5.jpg?resize=768%2C433&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-5.jpg?resize=1536%2C866&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-5.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“This boulder was located about a quarter-mile behind the Garfield replica cabin. It marked the exact location of President Garfield’s birth cabin.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-6.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40842" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-6.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-6.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-6.jpg?resize=1024%2C577&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-6.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-6.jpg?resize=1536%2C865&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-6.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Throughout his rough childhood, young Garfield was mocked by his peers because he was poor and fatherless. He escaped being bullied by his relentless reading of books.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-7.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40843" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-7.jpg?w=1969&ssl=1 1969w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-7.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-7.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-7.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-7.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-7.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>LUCRETIA RUDOLPH – “Roughly one week before Garfield’s 27<sup>th</sup> birthday, the future President married 26-year-old Lucretia Rudolph on November 11, 1858 at the home of the bride’s parents in Hiram, Ohio. The newlyweds did not take a honeymoon, but instead set up housekeeping immediately at Hiram.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="451" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-8.jpg?resize=800%2C451&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40844" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-8.jpg?w=1965&ssl=1 1965w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-8.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-8.jpg?resize=1024%2C577&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-8.jpg?resize=768%2C433&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-8.jpg?resize=1536%2C866&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-8.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>STATE HOUSE OF OHIO – “James A. Garfield won a seat in the Ohio State Senate in 1859 and served from January 2, 1860 until August 21, 1861.</strong> <strong>During his time in the state Senate, Garfield praised abolitionist John Brown as a hero and said his execution “shall be the dawn of a better day.”</strong> <strong>At the same time, Senator Garfield did not condone Brown’s bloody raid at Harper’s Ferry.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-9.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40845" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-9.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-9.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-9.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-9.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-9.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-9.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>JAMES A. GARFIELD HOUSE – “James Garfield married Lucretia Rudolph in 1858 and the couple lived in this house in Hiram, Ohio. While they lived in Hiram, James began studying law and he passed the bar in 1861. At the time Garfield was studying to be a lawyer, he continued to serve in the state Senate. Today, this house is reputed to be haunted by several ghosts – including James and Lucretia Garfield.</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-10.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40846" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-10.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-10.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-10.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-10.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-10.jpg?resize=1536%2C865&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-10.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Just after Senator Garfield became a lawyer, the Civil War began. James despised slavery and he hated the fact the southern states had seceded.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-11.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40847" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-11.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-11.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-11.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-11.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-11.jpg?resize=1536%2C863&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-11.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“When the South bombarded Fort Sumter, Garfield signed up for the military.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="452" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-12.jpg?resize=800%2C452&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40848" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-12.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-12.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-12.jpg?resize=1024%2C578&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-12.jpg?resize=768%2C433&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-12.jpg?resize=1536%2C867&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-12.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“During the war, Garfield faced only one major battle, which earned him a promotion to brigadier general.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="446" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-13.jpg?resize=800%2C446&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40849" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-13.jpg?w=1965&ssl=1 1965w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-13.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-13.jpg?resize=1024%2C571&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-13.jpg?resize=768%2C428&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-13.jpg?resize=1536%2C857&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-13.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“During the summer of 1862, Garfield suffered from jaundice during the war and came home where Lucretia nursed him back to health.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-14.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40850" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-14.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-14.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-14.jpg?resize=1024%2C573&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-14.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-14.jpg?resize=1536%2C860&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-14.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“While home, Garfield’s friends convinced him to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. He won the October election without campaigning as he had returned to the war front.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-15.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40851" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-15.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-15.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-15.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-15.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-15.jpg?resize=1536%2C863&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-15.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>UNITED STATES CAPITOL – “At the urging of President Abraham Lincoln, Garfield left the service and took his seat in the United States House of Representatives. James Garfield took the Oath of Office on March 4, 1863, and served the U.S. House for the next 17 years.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-16.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40852" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-16.jpg?w=1965&ssl=1 1965w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-16.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-16.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-16.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-16.jpg?resize=1536%2C863&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-16.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“I had the chance to stand on the desk that was used by James Garfield in the United States House of Representatives. Garfield was an elected member of the House from March 4, 1863 until November 8, 1880 when he became President-elect.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-17.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40853" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-17.jpg?w=1957&ssl=1 1957w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-17.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-17.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-17.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-17.jpg?resize=1536%2C863&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-17.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>CHARLES G. LEARNED HOUSE – “This three-story mansion was built in 1837 at the “Edge of the Wilderness” in Port Austin, Michigan. New York businessman Charles Learned and his wife Maria purchased the home in 1859.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-18.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40854" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-18.jpg?w=1969&ssl=1 1969w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-18.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-18.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-18.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-18.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-18.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Around 1866, Congressman James A. Garfield first came to Port Austin to visit his friends, Charles and Maria Learned at their home. For the rest of that decade, Garfield became a frequent visitor.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-19.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40855" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-19.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-19.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-19.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-19.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-19.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-19.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Garfield knew the Learned’s from his college days in New York when he stayed with them. There was a chance the future President had developed a secret crush on Maria.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-20.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40856" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-20.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-20.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-20.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-20.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-20.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-20.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>LAWNFIELD – “Located in Mentor, Ohio, James Garfield acquired this farmhouse in 1876 while serving as a member of the United States House of Representatives.</strong> <strong>When Garfield acquired this farm, he wanted a place where ‘I can touch the earth and get some strength from it’. He also wanted a place to teach his boys about hard work and farming.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-21.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40857" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-21.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-21.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-21.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-21.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-21.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-21.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Congressman Garfield also felt this house would be a perfect place to stay when Congress was in recess during the hot summer months.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-22.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40858" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-22.jpg?w=1965&ssl=1 1965w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-22.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-22.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-22.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-22.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-22.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Let’s walk through the front door and see the inside of Garfield’s beloved home, known as ‘Lawnfield’.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-23.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40859" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-23.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-23.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-23.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-23.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-23.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-23.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“I’m standing in the Parlor at Lawnfield; located inside the front entrance on the first floor. The photo behind me is of James’ mother Eliza – whom he adored.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-24.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40860" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-24.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-24.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-24.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-24.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-24.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-24.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Now I’m in the Dining Room – over 80% of all the furniture inside the home was owned and used by the Garfield’s in the 1880s.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-25.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40861" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-25.jpg?w=1965&ssl=1 1965w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-25.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-25.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-25.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-25.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-25.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“This is the Dining Room fireplace, decorated with items used by the Garfield’s in the White House.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="451" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-26.jpg?resize=800%2C451&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40862" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-26.jpg?w=1962&ssl=1 1962w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-26.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-26.jpg?resize=1024%2C577&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-26.jpg?resize=768%2C433&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-26.jpg?resize=1536%2C865&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-26.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“This is James and Lucretia Garfield’s Master Bedroom located on the second story of the home.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-27.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40863" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-27.jpg?w=1962&ssl=1 1962w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-27.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-27.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-27.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-27.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-27.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“I’m back downstairs in the Garfield’s first floor “summer bedroom” where they slept during the hot months.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/28.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40864" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/28.jpg?w=1915&ssl=1 1915w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/28.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/28.jpg?resize=1024%2C573&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/28.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/28.jpg?resize=1536%2C860&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/28.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“And finally, James Garfield’s favorite room in the house – his 19<sup>th</sup> century ‘man cave’. The chair near me was his favorite.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-29.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40865" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-29.jpg?w=1962&ssl=1 1962w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-29.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-29.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-29.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-29.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-29.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“After serving 17 years in the U.S. Congress, Garfield was elected to the Senate in January 1880. But a Presidential bid was in order first, as he was nominated by the Republican Party to be their delegate for the Presidency.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-30.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40866" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-30.jpg?w=1962&ssl=1 1962w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-30.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-30.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-30.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-30.jpg?resize=1536%2C863&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-30.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“James Garfield turned this building, once used as his library, into his temporary campaign headquarters in 1880.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="452" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-31.jpg?resize=800%2C452&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40867" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-31.jpg?w=1915&ssl=1 1915w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-31.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-31.jpg?resize=1024%2C578&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-31.jpg?resize=768%2C434&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-31.jpg?resize=1536%2C867&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-31.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Garfield had a temporary telegraph system installed inside his campaign headquarters where he could communicate with party leaders and supporters around the country.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="447" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-32.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40868" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-32.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-32.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-32.jpg?resize=1024%2C573&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-32.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-32.jpg?resize=1536%2C859&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-32.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Garfield conducted much of his successful and precedent-setting ‘front porch’ campaign at Lawnfield. As a matter of fact, the name ‘Lawnfield’ came from the hundreds of reporters who camped out on Garfield’s lawn to get the latest news of his campaign.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="451" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-33.jpg?resize=800%2C451&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40869" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-33.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-33.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-33.jpg?resize=1024%2C577&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-33.jpg?resize=768%2C433&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-33.jpg?resize=1536%2C866&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-33.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“During his front porch campaign, Garfield posed with his mother Eliza to his right, his 13-year-old daughter Mollie (standing), and his wife Lucretia.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-34.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40870" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-34.jpg?w=1959&ssl=1 1959w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-34.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-34.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-34.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-34.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-34.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“After he was elected President in November 1880, Garfield left Lawnfield for Washington D.C. on February 28, 1881. He would never return to his beloved farm.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="447" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-35.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40871" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-35.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-35.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-35.jpg?resize=1024%2C572&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-35.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-35.jpg?resize=1536%2C859&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-35.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>UNITED STATES CAPITOL – “James A. Garfield recited the Presidential Oath of Office on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol on March 4, 1881. Just three days before his Inauguration, Garfield scrapped his original speech and rushed to re-write a new one.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-36.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40872" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-36.jpg?w=1962&ssl=1 1962w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-36.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-36.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-36.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-36.jpg?resize=1536%2C863&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-36.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Exhausted by several sleepless nights of writing, his highly anticipated speech failed to live up to expectations. Everyone knew what a great writer and speaker Garfield was. However, he left his friends and audience wanting more.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-37.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40873" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-37.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-37.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-37.jpg?resize=1024%2C573&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-37.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-37.jpg?resize=1536%2C860&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-37.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“During Garfield’s Inauguration, Chief Justice Morrison Waite administered the Presidential Oath of Office.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-38.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40874" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-38.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-38.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-38.jpg?resize=1024%2C573&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-38.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-38.jpg?resize=1536%2C860&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-38.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“I’m standing over the Bible used by Garfield as he recited the Oath of Office.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-39.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40875" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-39.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-39.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-39.jpg?resize=1024%2C573&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-39.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-39.jpg?resize=1536%2C860&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-39.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“These shoes and hat were worn by James Garfield on Inauguration Day 1881.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-40.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40876" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-40.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-40.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-40.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-40.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-40.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-40.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>THE WHITE HOUSE – “President Garfield went to work quickly in the White House when he enforced Presidential authority over traditional courtesy given to the Senate in making executive appointments. The Senate was famous for giving friends and contributors good jobs. President Garfield took that perk away from them.” </strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="447" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-41.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40877" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-41.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-41.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-41.jpg?resize=1024%2C572&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-41.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-41.jpg?resize=1536%2C859&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-41.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>LUCRETIA GARFIELD – “Just two months into her role as First Lady, Lucretia was afflicted with a life-threatening case of malaria. The President suspended many of his duties so he could personally attend to her needs. In June 1881, President Garfield rented a cottage in Long Branch, New Jersey where his wife could recuperate.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-42.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40878" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-42.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-42.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-42.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-42.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-42.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-42.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>CHURCH OF THE PRESIDENTS – “Built in 1879 in Long Branch, New Jersey, the St. James Protestant Episcopal Church was where seven Presidents had worshipped when they visited the Jersey shore. Presidents Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, McKinley and Wilson all worshiped in this church.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="447" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-43.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40879" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-43.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-43.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-43.jpg?resize=1024%2C572&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-43.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-43.jpg?resize=1536%2C858&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-43.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Of the seven Presidents, all but Grant were in office when they worshipped here.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-44.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40880" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-44.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-44.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-44.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-44.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-44.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-44.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“While President Garfield was in Long Branch to visit his wife, he and Lucretia worshipped in this church on June 19, 1881. </strong> <strong>A few days later, the President returned to Washington without his wife – however, he planned on returning in early July for a vacation.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-45.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40881" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-45.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-45.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-45.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-45.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-45.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-45.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>GARFIELD ASSASSINATION SITE – “I’m in the middle of Constitution Avenue near 6<sup>th</sup> Avenue (then called B Street) which is the site once occupied by the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station.</strong> <strong>I got lucky and didn’t get run over while I stood in the middle of one of Washington’s busiest streets.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="447" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-46.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40882" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-46.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-46.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-46.jpg?resize=1024%2C573&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-46.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-46.jpg?resize=1536%2C859&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-46.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“This was the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station where President Garfield was shot.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-47.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40883" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-47.jpg?w=1960&ssl=1 1960w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-47.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-47.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-47.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-47.jpg?resize=1536%2C863&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-47.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“While in the railroad station, as the President was scheduled to leave on Summer vacation, Charles J. Guiteau shot Garfield in the back at point-blank range at 9:30am on July 2, 1881.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-48.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40884" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-48.jpg?w=1965&ssl=1 1965w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-48.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-48.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-48.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-48.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-48.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“I’m standing alongside the hat worn by James Garfield when he was shot twice by Charles Guiteau.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-49.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40885" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-49.jpg?w=1960&ssl=1 1960w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-49.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-49.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-49.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-49.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-49.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“This newspaper illustration depicted the moment when President Garfield was struck down by an assassin’s bullets.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-50.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40886" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-50.jpg?w=1960&ssl=1 1960w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-50.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-50.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-50.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-50.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-50.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“The President was immediately taken to the White House where he remained bedridden while his doctors probed for the bullet.</strong> <strong>Unfortunately, the doctors unsterilized hands and equipment made matters worse and Garfield became weaker when he developed an abscess in the wound.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WHITE-HOUSE-SLIDE.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40919" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WHITE-HOUSE-SLIDE.jpg?w=1716&ssl=1 1716w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WHITE-HOUSE-SLIDE.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WHITE-HOUSE-SLIDE.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WHITE-HOUSE-SLIDE.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WHITE-HOUSE-SLIDE.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WHITE-HOUSE-SLIDE.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“The President suffered throughout August as the heat had become unbearable. By the end of that month, Garfield’s weight had decreased from 185 pounds down to 130.</strong> <strong>In early September, the decision was made to transport the dying President out of Washington to Long Branch where Lucretia had recovered earlier in the summer.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-52.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40888" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-52.jpg?w=1962&ssl=1 1962w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-52.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-52.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-52.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-52.jpg?resize=1536%2C860&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-52.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Garfield left the White House for good on September 5, 1881. He was transported by a specially cushioned rail car. This bed I’m standing on was designed for him to lay on during transport, but he refused to use it.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-53.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40889" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-53.jpg?w=1960&ssl=1 1960w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-53.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-53.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-53.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-53.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-53.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>FRANCKLYN COTTAGE SITE – “Located in the Elberon section of Long Branch, New Jersey, the small monument behind me marks the location of the Francklyn Cottage where James Garfield arrived on September 6, 1881.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-54.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40890" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-54.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-54.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-54.jpg?resize=1024%2C573&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-54.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-54.jpg?resize=1536%2C860&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-54.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“When the mortally wounded President arrived here by train, he was in a lot of pain. Garfield was transported to this seaside cottage by a specially built railroad spur constructed overnight by local volunteers.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-55.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40891" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-55.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-55.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-55.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-55.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-55.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-55.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“When a friend assured the mortally wounded President that he had much work still before him, Garfield replied…</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-56.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40892" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-56.jpg?w=1965&ssl=1 1965w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-56.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-56.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-56.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-56.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-56.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>…’no, my work is done.’ Those were President Garfield’s last words.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-57.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40893" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-57.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-57.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-57.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-57.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-57.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-57.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“James A. Garfield died at the age of 49 at 10:35pm on September 19, 1881 at this site in Elberon, New Jersey.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-58.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40894" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-58.jpg?w=1965&ssl=1 1965w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-58.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-58.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-58.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-58.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-58.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“When the Francklyn Cottage burned down in the 1920s, the site was ignored until the 1950s when this small granite memorial was placed on the property.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-59.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40895" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-59.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-59.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-59.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-59.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-59.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-59.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>THE GARFIELD TEA HOUSE – “Now located on the property of the Church of the Presidents in Long Branch, New Jersey, this small 10’ x 10’ cabin was built by William Presley shortly after President Garfield had died.</strong> <strong>Shortly after Garfield’s death, Oliver Byron purchased the spikes, ties, and planks used for the emergency railroad tracks that had been put in place to transport the wounded President from the Elboron Station to the Francklyn Cottage.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-60.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40896" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-60.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-60.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-60.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-60.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-60.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-60.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Originally painted red, white, and blue as a tribute to Garfield, this cabin was the brainchild of Oliver Byron – a Broadway stage actor and resident of Long Branch.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-61.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40897" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-61.jpg?w=1960&ssl=1 1960w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-61.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-61.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-61.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-61.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-61.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“When Byron had the tea house built, he said that since Garfield was born in a log cabin, this cabin was a fitting tribute. The cabin first stood in the yard of Byron’s summer cottage until his death.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-62.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40898" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-62.jpg?w=1965&ssl=1 1965w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-62.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-62.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-62.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-62.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-62.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Following his death, the body of President Garfield was transported by train from New Jersey back to Washington D.C. where the President laid in state in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-63.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40899" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-63.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-63.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-63.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-63.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-63.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-63.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Garfield’s body laid in state on this spot in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on September 22 and 23, 1881.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-64.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-64.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-64.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-64.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-64.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-64.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-64.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“This is an image of Garfield’s casket as the President laid in state in the U.S. Capitol.” </strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-65.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40901" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-65.jpg?w=1965&ssl=1 1965w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-65.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-65.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-65.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-65.jpg?resize=1536%2C861&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-65.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>LAKE VIEW CEMETERY – “The mausoleum of Levi Schofield in Cleveland’s Lake View Cemetery was used as Garfield’s temporary tomb until the President’s permanent resting place was completed in 1890.</strong> <strong>After Garfield’s casket had arrived at the Public Square in Cleveland for public mourning on September 25, 1881, the President’s remains were transported to Lake View Cemetery.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="447" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-66.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40902" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-66.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-66.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-66.jpg?resize=1024%2C573&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-66.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-66.jpg?resize=1536%2C859&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-66.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Garfield’s remains were guarded 24 hours a day while entombed here until they were moved to the permanent monument in 1890.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-67.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40903" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-67.jpg?w=1959&ssl=1 1959w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-67.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-67.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-67.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-67.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-67.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>JAMES A. GARFIELD MEMORIAL – “Dedicated on May 30, 1890, the final resting place of President Garfield is located in Lake View Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio. The impressive memorial is 180-feet high.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-68.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40904" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-68.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-68.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-68.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-68.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-68.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-68.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“It seems as though I’ve had paranormal encounters during each of my numerous visits over the years. Let’s go up the steps behind me and into the Garfield Memorial, shall we!”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-69.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40905" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-69.jpg?w=1962&ssl=1 1962w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-69.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-69.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-69.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-69.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-69.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Once I was carried though the huge oak doors and into the memorial, I came face to face with this 12-foot-tall marble statue of our 20<sup>th</sup> President.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-70.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40906" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-70.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-70.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-70.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-70.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-70.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-70.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“To my left, inside the lower crypt, was the flag-draped casket of President Garfield. Next to the President is the coffin of Lucretia Garfield – who died on March 13, 1918.</strong> <strong>James Garfield’s casket is the only Presidential casket in full view.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-71.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40907" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-71.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-71.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-71.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-71.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-71.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-71.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Behind me, on the other side of the crypt room, were two urns containing the ashes of the President’s daughter, Mary, and her husband, Joseph Staley-Brown, who was Garfield’s private secretary in the White House.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-72.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40908" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-72.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-72.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-72.jpg?resize=1024%2C574&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-72.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-72.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-72.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“During past visits, I’ve had my head mysteriously removed after posing in the crypt. Another time, my photographer’s phone suddenly began playing a mysterious song while he was setting me inside the caged area.” </strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-73.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40909" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-73.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-73.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-73.jpg?resize=1024%2C573&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-73.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-73.jpg?resize=1536%2C860&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-73.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“And in 2015, this woman said she could “feel the spirit’s energy” all around me. However, Garfield never made a visual appearance.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="447" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-74.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40910" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-74.jpg?w=1965&ssl=1 1965w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-74.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-74.jpg?resize=1024%2C573&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-74.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-74.jpg?resize=1536%2C859&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-74.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“There’s no doubt in my mind – Garfield’s Memorial is haunted, which is why it’s my favorite Presidential gravesite and the reason I keep coming back.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="447" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-75.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40911" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-75.jpg?w=1966&ssl=1 1966w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-75.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-75.jpg?resize=1024%2C572&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-75.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-75.jpg?resize=1536%2C859&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-75.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“That’s my photographer posing in front of the Garfield Memorial, which is his favorite Presidential gravesite. To date, the two of us have visited Garfield’s final resting place five times, which is more than any other tomb of a President.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-76.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40912" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-76.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-76.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-76.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-76.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-76.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-76.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“Our first visit to Garfield’s Tomb was one of the most memorable during my nearly eleven-year career. Less than ten minutes after we left Lake View Cemetery, my photographer discovered my head had mysteriously been removed – while I was standing alone in my protective camera case.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-77.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40913" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-77.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-77.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-77.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-77.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-77.jpg?resize=1536%2C862&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-77.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“I returned two years later, which was when my photographer taunted the President’s spirit in the crypt in an attempt to get Garfield to remove my head again. While nothing happened, Tom did cross paths with two women who said they had photographed an unusual anomaly in the crypt while we were there.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-78.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40914" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-78.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-78.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-78.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-78.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-78.jpg?resize=1536%2C865&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-78.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“My third visit to Lake View Cemetery featured a moment in the crypt when my photographer’s cell phone suddenly began playing an unusual song as he slid me along the chamber’s floor.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="449" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-79.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40915" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-79.jpg?w=1962&ssl=1 1962w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-79.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-79.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-79.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-79.jpg?resize=1536%2C863&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-79.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“When we arrived in 2022 for our fourth visit, the two of us noticed the exterior of the memorial had been power washed. While no paranormal activity occurred during that visit, my right arm suddenly fell off at our next stop of the trip.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-80.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40916" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-80.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-80.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-80.jpg?resize=1024%2C573&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-80.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-80.jpg?resize=1536%2C860&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-80.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“During my fifth and final visit to date, my photographer didn’t experience any paranormal activity. However, he did get into a verbal altercation with the staff member on duty that day. It turned out the guy, also named Tom, was hell-bent on making sure we weren’t attempting to perform any supernatural activities in the crypt. Why would we do that? There’s no paranormal activity in that tomb</strong> <strong>– just don’t tell James Garfield that.”</strong></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="448" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-81.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-40917" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-81.jpg?w=1963&ssl=1 1963w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-81.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-81.jpg?resize=1024%2C573&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-81.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-81.jpg?resize=1536%2C860&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARFIELD-81.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>“I hope you have enjoyed my supernatural tribute to the legacy of President James Garfield. And if you ever visit Garfield’s tomb in Cleveland, Ohio, who are you gonna call? That’s right – Ghostbusters!”</strong></figcaption></figure></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://eyesofjefferson.com/james-a-garfield/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">40836</post-id> </item> <item> <title>274: OVER THE BRIDGE AND DOWN THE THUMB WHERE GARFIELD ONCE HAD FUN</title> <link>https://eyesofjefferson.com/274-over-the-bridge-and-down-the-thumb-where-garfield-once-had-fun/</link> <comments>https://eyesofjefferson.com/274-over-the-bridge-and-down-the-thumb-where-garfield-once-had-fun/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Thomas Watson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 16 Dec 2023 21:41:33 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bavarian Haus Lakefront Inn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bo Watson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bridge View Park]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charles G. Learned House]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charles Learned]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James A. Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mackinac Bridge]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Maria Learned]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Port Austin Michigan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rory Watson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Garfield Inn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson bobble head]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyesofjefferson.com/?p=20418</guid> <description><![CDATA[Tom, Vicki, and I were 500 miles from home and still in the Central Time Zone when we reached the Michigan border at 12 noon on Thursday September 21, 2023. As soon as we arrived in Menominee, Michigan, which was…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Tom, Vicki, and I were 500 miles from home and still in the Central Time Zone when we reached the Michigan border at 12 noon on Thursday September 21, 2023. As soon as we arrived in Menominee, Michigan, which was at the border with Wisconsin, my eyes were peeled as I anxiously waited to see an elusive Sasquatch. My tingling ‘Spidey senses’ were due to the fact, or alleged fact, that in May 2012, a trail camera owned by Craig and Barb Sulk captured what appeared to be the world’s greatest hide & seek champion on their property in Menominee. Their story became nationally known when the Animal Planet’s ‘Finding Bigfoot’ cast Matt Moneymaker, Ranae Holland, Cliff Barackman, and their goofy sidekick James ‘Bobo’ Fay rolled into Menominee to investigate the Sulk’s story. But for the next hour, as we drove from Menominee, through Escanaba, and then into Gladstone along the Lake Michigan shoreline, I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">My two companions decided to find a place to eat in downtown Gladstone when we arrived at roughly 2:20pm. Since there didn’t seem to be a ton of dining options in the small Yooper town, Tom decided he wanted to try the fine cuisine at a place called China Lily – a diner that had great on-line reviews. As my photographer ordered his meal, which featured his favorite dish of pepper steak and onions, Tom said to Lily: “I saw your place had very good reviews, but since I make a great batch of pepper steak myself, I’ll let you know whether or not your pepper steak is better than mine.” </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Sure enough, halfway through Tom and Vic’s meal, the friendly woman came to our table and asked for my photographer’s feedback, which he most certainly gave. “I’ll be honest, your pepper steak is okay – it’s definitely edible; but it doesn’t come close to the meal I cook at home. Let me know whenever you’re going to be in our area, which is in the Thumb of Michigan just south of Port Huron, and I’ll whip up a batch of pepper steak for you. I guarantee you’ll be begging for my recipe, which isn’t an ancient Chinese secret.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Just before we left China Lily’s, Vicki secured our hotel for the night. She was able to book a room for a decent price at the Bavarian Haus Lakefront Inn, located along the shore of Lake Huron in St. Ignace, Michigan. For the next two-plus hours, which covered over 130 miles, the three of us travelled across the southern section of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula without seeing much of anything exciting. Even the fall foliage in mid-September wasn’t anything to write home about, which caused me to kick-back and relax in my camera case.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">When we finally arrived in St. Ignace at 5:40pm, Tom asked his wife to drive into Bridge View Park before we headed to the hotel as he wanted to photograph the Mackinac Bridge from that vantage point. The historic bridge is the world’s longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere and connects Michigan’s two peninsulas. While the ‘Mighty Mac’ always seems to be a photographer’s dream, the late-day sun, combined with the hazy, overcast sky, made the bridge somewhat underwhelming to say the least. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="533" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-2.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20421" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-2.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-2.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-2.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-2.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing in Bridge View Park, just west of the Mackinac Bridge, with Michigan’s Lower Peninsula four miles away in the distance behind me.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="536" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-1.jpg?resize=800%2C536&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20422" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-1.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-1.jpg?resize=300%2C201&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C687&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-1.jpg?resize=768%2C515&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1030&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I laughed to myself when I heard my photographer refer to this black-ringed gull as a “flying rat”.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="979" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-4.jpg?resize=800%2C979&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20423" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-4.jpg?w=1389&ssl=1 1389w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-4.jpg?resize=245%2C300&ssl=1 245w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-4.jpg?resize=837%2C1024&ssl=1 837w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-4.jpg?resize=768%2C940&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-4.jpg?resize=1255%2C1536&ssl=1 1255w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bridge View Park featured hundreds of beautiful flowers, as well as dozens of furry bumble bees – like the one Tom captured in flight.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="544" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-8.jpg?resize=800%2C544&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20424" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-8.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-8.jpg?resize=300%2C204&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-8.jpg?resize=1024%2C696&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-8.jpg?resize=768%2C522&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-8.jpg?resize=1536%2C1044&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-8.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The sun’s glare glistened off the water behind the flower bed filled with McCall yellow daisies.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="508" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-7.jpg?resize=800%2C508&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20425" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-7.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-7.jpg?resize=300%2C190&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-7.jpg?resize=1024%2C650&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-7.jpg?resize=768%2C487&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-7.jpg?resize=1536%2C975&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-7.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Great Lakes are known for hosting international shipping vessels, including the distant cargo ship from the Philippines that was headed into Lake Michigan.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The three of us had spent roughly 45 minutes at the park before we headed to our hotel, which was located towards the northern outskirts of St. Ignace and four miles north of the Mackinac Bridge. Once we arrived, it was easy to see the Bavarian Haus Lakefront Inn was a huge, but older, hotel. After Vicki had registered, Tom lugged their essentials, including me, to their second-level room that featured a great view of Lake Huron. From our room’s balcony, I also could see Mackinac Island some four or five miles to the east.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Even though my photographer and his wife weren’t hungry after they had filled their faces at China Lily’s, they decided to leave me in the room while they headed into town for ice cream. When they returned, I watched Tom shovel a banana split into his face so fast I thought he might eat the plastic spoon.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="991" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-10.jpg?resize=800%2C991&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20429" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-10.jpg?w=1372&ssl=1 1372w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-10.jpg?resize=242%2C300&ssl=1 242w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-10.jpg?resize=826%2C1024&ssl=1 826w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-10.jpg?resize=768%2C952&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-10.jpg?resize=1240%2C1536&ssl=1 1240w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Just as I was enjoying the view of Mackinac Island off in the distance, Tom forced me to pose with his banana split. I had to admit, that huge dish of ice cream looked amazing.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/UFO.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20430" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/UFO.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/UFO.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/UFO.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/UFO.jpg?resize=768%2C576&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/UFO.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/UFO.jpg?resize=120%2C90&ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/UFO.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When the three of us stood on the hotel’s balcony at 9:01pm, I thought I saw a UFO as it flew over Lake Huron. It turned out to be the International Space Station, whose flight path was captured by Tom with his cell phone. While the ISS appeared to be an unidentified Tic-Tac shaped object in this photograph, its appearance was due to the rapid movement of the space station and slow shutter of the camera.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">After they finished their ice cream treat, Tom and Vicki relaxed on the balcony and enjoyed their view of Lake Huron. At one point, around 9:01pm, the three of us watched as the International Space Station flew over the lake just north of our position. After our brief ISS encounter, a sighting I dubbed an IFO (Identified Flying Object), we returned to the room where my companions watched some of the Giants-49ers football game.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Tom extinguished the lights in the room at ten o’clock and I was left standing on the windowsill alone with my thoughts. The gentle sound of waves crashing to shore was relaxing and fueled my anticipation of seeing the sun rise over Mackinac Island in the morning, which was slated to happen at precisely 7:26am.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-large-font-size"><strong>**********</strong></p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It was still dark outside when Tom’s alarm went off at six o’clock in the morning on Friday September 22, 2023. I knew he was excited to see the sunrise over Mackinac Island, and so was I. However, when the “magic moment” arrived at 7:26am, I couldn’t see the sun, or the island, or even one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world because the entire area was fog-bound. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="689" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SUNRISE.jpg?resize=800%2C689&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20437" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SUNRISE.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SUNRISE.jpg?resize=300%2C258&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SUNRISE.jpg?resize=1024%2C882&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SUNRISE.jpg?resize=768%2C661&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SUNRISE.jpg?resize=1536%2C1323&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SUNRISE.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This was the view I had of the sunrise over Lake Huron at 7:26am. The only thing I saw beyond our balcony was an occasional “flying rat” as it scavenged for breakfast.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="582" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-VIEW-FROM-CAR.jpg?resize=800%2C582&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20438" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-VIEW-FROM-CAR.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-VIEW-FROM-CAR.jpg?resize=300%2C218&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-VIEW-FROM-CAR.jpg?resize=1024%2C745&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-VIEW-FROM-CAR.jpg?resize=768%2C558&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-VIEW-FROM-CAR.jpg?resize=1536%2C1117&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BRIDGE-VIEW-FROM-CAR.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The dense fog also kept us from enjoying the view of the majestic Mackinac Bridge as we headed for the Lower Peninsula.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">My two companions were moving very slowly that morning. I knew my photographer was disappointed with the sunrise, and Vicki didn’t roll out of the sack until 8:20am. But it didn’t matter much; in my mind, this was going to be a Seinfeld day – a day about nothing. Oh, we’ll go over one of the most incredible bridges in the country and get to Bay City in the afternoon where Tom and Vic will likely hang out with the family and play with their twin grandsons. And that’ll be it – no historic sites, and definitely no Presidential sites. Perhaps if I’m lucky, Tom will let me hang out with his grandson’s Jake Cronenworth bobblehead.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">With the van loaded, Tom and Vic stopped for breakfast at the Wild Blueberry Breakfast & Bakery in downtown St. Ignace before we made the five-mile drive across the fog-bound Mackinac Bridge. Nearly 190 miles later, we arrived in Bay City at roughly one o’clock where the three of us hung out with Tom, Meghan, and their kids for the rest of the day. After an early dinner at Grandpa Tony’s, the entire gang went to our hotel, the AmericInn by Wyndham, where Bo and Rory swam in the pool for nearly two hours. Fifteen minutes after the gang headed back home, my photographer turned out the lights and he was fast asleep by 9:00pm. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">As for me, I stood alongside the room’s television set where I thought about the next day – which was scheduled to be the final day of our trip. I knew we were only two hours from home, but I also knew Tom had one final Presidential stop up his sleeve. In my opinion, there’s no better way to end an amazing trip than with a Presidential site.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-large-font-size"><strong>**********</strong></p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The seventeenth and last day of our trip began when my photographer rolled his sorry carcass out of bed at 7:45am. Saturday September 23, 2023 was one of those rare days when Tom didn’t set his alarm – my photographer figured he’d wake naturally with enough time for him and Vicki to make it to Bo and Rory’s flag football game by 11am. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Once my two companions had filled their faces at the hotel’s breakfast nook, they loaded the Truckster for the final time. As much as Tom and Vic love to travel, loading and unloading all of their belonging each night and early morning is the one aspect of a trip they loathe.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">We arrived at the field outside of the Bay City YMCA where Tom and Vic watched their twin grandsons play football. For some reason, my photographer left me alone in the van – which if I was totally honest, that decision didn’t bother me whatsoever. While I usually enjoy watching NFL games on TV with Tom, I wasn’t too excited about seeing a bunch of nine-year-olds run around with flags wrapped around their waists. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="744" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BO-TOUCHDOWN.jpg?resize=800%2C744&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20439" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BO-TOUCHDOWN.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BO-TOUCHDOWN.jpg?resize=300%2C279&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BO-TOUCHDOWN.jpg?resize=1024%2C952&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BO-TOUCHDOWN.jpg?resize=768%2C714&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BO-TOUCHDOWN.jpg?resize=1536%2C1428&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BO-TOUCHDOWN.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tom and Vic’s nine-year-old grandson, Bo, hauled in a long pass and ran for the game’s first touchdown.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="642" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RORY-FOOTBALL.jpg?resize=800%2C642&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20440" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RORY-FOOTBALL.jpg?w=1716&ssl=1 1716w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RORY-FOOTBALL.jpg?resize=300%2C241&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RORY-FOOTBALL.jpg?resize=1024%2C822&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RORY-FOOTBALL.jpg?resize=768%2C616&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RORY-FOOTBALL.jpg?resize=1536%2C1233&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RORY-FOOTBALL.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rory, who was playing quarterback, scrambled and dove for a key first-down that kept an important drive alive.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">As soon as the twins’ football game was over at noon, Tom and Vic said their goodbyes and the three of us were headed for home. But instead of taking the usual expressway route from Bay City back to St. Clair, my photographer insisted we travel the highway that hugged the shoreline to the tip of Michigan’s Thumb. When we finally finished the slow-paced journey along the lake and we arrived in the small town of Port Austin, Vicki pulled the van into the parking lot of a place known as the Garfield Inn – which was located about three blocks from the shore of Lake Huron. For the past several years, the inn had been under renovation and was not yet opened when we arrived.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">While the 3 1/2-story wooden structure is now a bed and breakfast, which also featured a restaurant that will be open to the public, it was once known as the Charles G. Learned House. The elegant estate in Port Austin was built at the “Edge of the Wilderness” in 1837 and was purchased in 1859 by New York businessman and agriculturist Charles Learned and his wife Maria. Five years prior to their move to Michigan, however, the Learned’s became friends with a college student named James Garfield from Ohio. The future President often stayed at Charles and Maria’s home in Poestenkill, New York in between college terms. Was it during this time when the young Garfield became infatuated with Maria Learned?</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Once he was established in Port Austin, Charles Learned became a well-known businessman in Michigan’s Huron County. Not only did he develop a salt well on his property, but he also opened a sawmill; a shingle mill and barrel factory; and a flour mill as well. Around 1866, Learned constructed a large addition to the house, which was around the same time U.S. Congressman James Garfield visited his friends in Michigan’s Thumb. As a matter of fact, Garfield became a frequent guest throughout the rest of the decade. But what was his motive? Was the Congressman interested in Charles’ business ventures; did he enjoy the lakeside tranquility of Port Austin; or did he make the long journey to be close to Maria, whom he was rumored to be smitten with? I even wondered if James Garfield had left his wife Lucrecia and the kids back at their home in Hiram, Ohio and travelled to Port Austin for a ménage à trois. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">On January 10, 1881, Maria Learned passed away from tuberculosis. While there is no record as to whether or not President James A. Garfield attended the funeral of his secret crush; he met his own fate less than six months later when the President was shot on July 2nd inside a train station in Washington D.C. While Garfield agonized for weeks in the White House, the President asked to be transported to the Learned home in Port Austin where he felt comfortable and had many fond memories. According to local legend, however, the President’s request was denied, and he was taken to Elberon, New Jersey instead, where he died on September 19, 1881 with his wife at his bedside.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">While Vicki stayed in the van, my photographer carried me around the grounds of the Learned home where I posed for a large handful of photos. At one point during our visit, I stood on the historic porch where I envisioned Congressman Garfield sitting with Maria Learned in the late 1860s. Even though I couldn’t hear what they were saying to each other, I bet they weren’t exchanging recipes for Southern-style waffles. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="592" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-4.jpg?resize=800%2C592&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20443" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-4.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-4.jpg?resize=300%2C222&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-4.jpg?resize=1024%2C758&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-4.jpg?resize=768%2C568&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-4.jpg?resize=1536%2C1137&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-4.jpg?resize=120%2C90&ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-4.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing near the exterior of the Charles G. Learned House in Port Austin, Michigan. In recent years, the historic home has been transformed into a B&B known as The Garfield Inn.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1067" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-2.jpg?resize=800%2C1067&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20444" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-2.jpg?w=1275&ssl=1 1275w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-2.jpg?resize=225%2C300&ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-2.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&ssl=1 1152w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Originally built in 1837, the home was deemed an “Elegant Estate on the Edge of Wilderness.”</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-1.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20445" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-1.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-1.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-1.jpg?resize=768%2C576&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-1.jpg?resize=120%2C90&ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Around 1866, Congressman James A. Garfield first came to Port Austin to visit his friends, Charles and Maria Learned, who owned this home. For the rest of that decade, Garfield became a frequent visitor.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="837" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-5.jpg?resize=800%2C837&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20446" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-5.jpg?w=1624&ssl=1 1624w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-5.jpg?resize=287%2C300&ssl=1 287w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-5.jpg?resize=978%2C1024&ssl=1 978w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-5.jpg?resize=768%2C804&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-5.jpg?resize=1467%2C1536&ssl=1 1467w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When Charles Learned bought the house and moved to Port Austin in 1859, he immediately began to enlarge the small home. Today, the beautiful 3 1/2-story wooden structure sits on about 1.5 acres of land.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="599" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-6.jpg?resize=800%2C599&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20447" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-6.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-6.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-6.jpg?resize=1024%2C767&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-6.jpg?resize=768%2C575&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-6.jpg?resize=1536%2C1150&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-6.jpg?resize=120%2C90&ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GARFIELD-INN-6.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m no ‘Peeping Tom”, but I wanted to look through the windows to catch a glimpse of history. Someday, I hope “my Tom” will bring me back for a visit inside the historic Garfield Inn where I can stand in the footsteps of President James A. Garfield.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">I was surprised with the Presidential history at the Charles G. Learned House in Port Austin. Even though the historic house in just a hair over 100 miles from our front door, this was my first-ever visit to the place where President Garfield once stayed. And had it not been for my photographer’s former boss at his former place of employment, a cool safety guy by the name of Andrew Hahn, the two of us might never have known about the Garfield Inn. And since Andrew will likely never read this post, he’ll never know that Tom and I took him up on his suggestion and found our way to Port Austin, Michigan.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">For the next two hours, the three of us made the slow journey southbound on a two-lane highway that took us along the eastern edge of Michigan’s Thumb. At precisely 4:30pm, on September 23, 2023, our lengthy trip had come to an end – we had made it safely back home. We had racked up 5,320 miles on our rented Chrysler Pacifica, which still had red dirt in its cracks and crevices from our time near Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch in North Dakota. Even though my photographer and his wife did their best to avoid driving a minivan, and they complained when they had no other option, the Truckster did us well. Like Clark Griswold once said: “If you’re taking the tribe cross country, the Crysler Pacifica minivan is your automobile. You think you hate it now but wait ’til you drive it.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">With no other Presidential trips planned for 2023, my photographer placed me in his showcase which featured a very nice display of historic artifacts associated with the 1959 Winter Dance Party tour. That’s where I’ll be standing, alone with my thoughts, until we hit the road again at some point in 2024. Until then, Tom will take you, our faithful readers, on a virtual trip to some of the sites we have visited associated with Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. ‘The Big Bopper’ Richardson. You’ll see the sites where those stars grew up, hung out, became famous, and ultimately met their fate.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Those posts won’t be about the Day the Music Died – but instead, That’ll Be The Day the Music Raved On! Oh, baby, you know what I like!</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://eyesofjefferson.com/274-over-the-bridge-and-down-the-thumb-where-garfield-once-had-fun/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">20418</post-id> </item> <item> <title>255: HOMEWARD BOUND – ANOTHER EPIC JOURNEY COMES TO AN END</title> <link>https://eyesofjefferson.com/255-homeward-bound-another-epic-journey-comes-to-an-end/</link> <comments>https://eyesofjefferson.com/255-homeward-bound-another-epic-journey-comes-to-an-end/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Thomas Watson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:30:02 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alice Cooper]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill Haley & His Comets]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Buddy Holly]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cheap Trick]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Elton John]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Elvis Presley]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James A. Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James A. Garfield Memorial]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jerry Lee Lewis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[John Lennon]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Johnny Cash]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lake View Cemetery Cleveland Ohio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lucretia Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Quaker Steak and Lube]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ridge Hill Memorial Park]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ritchie Valens]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Beatles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson bobble head]]></category> <category><![CDATA[William Schroeder]]></category> <category><![CDATA[William Schroeder grave]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyesofjefferson.com/?p=16040</guid> <description><![CDATA[It was roughly 10:20am on Wednesday June 14, 2023 when my photographer, Bob Moldenhauer, and I left Kent State and the images of May 4th behind us. I was antsy during the entire 38-mile journey north as the next stop…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It was roughly 10:20am on Wednesday June 14, 2023 when my photographer, Bob Moldenhauer, and I left Kent State and the images of May 4th behind us. I was antsy during the entire 38-mile journey north as the next stop on our agenda was all too familiar. So much so, in fact, that some of my experiences from the past still cause me to have night sweats. But since my right arm was already detached, I figured old James Garfield would leave me alone during our visit to his tomb.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">For the fifth time in just under ten years, I found myself on the grounds of the beautiful and expansive garden cemetery in the Little Italy section of Cleveland, Ohio known as Lake View Cemetery. The massive burial ground has over 104,000 gravesites, but only one of them was in our crosshairs – the James A. Garfield Memorial. Once Tom had our SUV parked near the memorial, the three of us headed around to the front where we had a great view of the imposing 180-foot-tall tomb. Even though it was the fifth time I’ve posed for pictures in front of the memorial, its massiveness and design never fail to take my breath away; and at times, some of my body parts as well.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1127" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-16.jpg?resize=800%2C1127&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16092" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-16.jpg?w=1136&ssl=1 1136w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-16.jpg?resize=213%2C300&ssl=1 213w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-16.jpg?resize=727%2C1024&ssl=1 727w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-16.jpg?resize=768%2C1082&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-16.jpg?resize=1091%2C1536&ssl=1 1091w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The James A. Garfield Memorial at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio looked spectacular in the morning sunlight. Over the past couple of years, the 180-foot-tall memorial had been cleaned of its dark stains I saw during my first three visits. To be honest, I liked the dark and spooky appearance.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1182" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-7.jpg?resize=800%2C1182&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16093" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-7.jpg?w=1083&ssl=1 1083w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-7.jpg?resize=203%2C300&ssl=1 203w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-7.jpg?resize=693%2C1024&ssl=1 693w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-7.jpg?resize=768%2C1135&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-7.jpg?resize=1040%2C1536&ssl=1 1040w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Without a doubt, the Garfield Memorial is my favorite Presidential gravesite of them all. In the past, I’ve visited all 39 Presidential gravesites, and Garfield’s still ranks number one in my book.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-8.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16096" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-8.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-8.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-8.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-8.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-8.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There are five terra cotta panels around the exterior of the memorial, and each of them depict a different moment during the life of James Garfield. The figures within each panel were life size.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1111" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-ENTRANCE.jpg?resize=800%2C1111&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16098" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-ENTRANCE.jpg?w=1152&ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-ENTRANCE.jpg?resize=216%2C300&ssl=1 216w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-ENTRANCE.jpg?resize=737%2C1024&ssl=1 737w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-ENTRANCE.jpg?resize=768%2C1067&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-ENTRANCE.jpg?resize=1106%2C1536&ssl=1 1106w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Garfield’s tomb was majestically beautiful and uniquely designed, and I become instantly awestruck each time I’m carried through the front doors.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Tom carried me through the enormous oak doors and into the memorial where I posed near the 12-foot-tall white marble statue of President Garfield, which was surrounded by stained glass windows and several deep red granite columns. While that section of the tomb was a beautiful tribute to the President, it was the chamber located one level down that I couldn’t wait to see again.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">After my photographer had slowly made his way down the marble spiral staircase to the crypt, I was once again reunited with President James Garfield and First Lady Lucretia Garfield. It was an extremely nervous moment for me. In 2013, my head was mysteriously removed just minutes after our visit with the Garfield’s. Two years later, I had a creepy close encounter with an entity while a young woman held me through the bars of the chamber. During my third visit, in 2019, my photographer’s phone unexpectedly played a strange song at the same moment he placed me on the burial chamber’s floor. In 2022, I didn’t have an encounter inside the tomb, but my right arm became detached at some point shortly after the visit. I couldn’t wait to see what type of unusual encounter Tom and I would face on my fifth visit.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">At first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I posed for dozens of photographs with the two caskets behind me, but Tom and I didn’t see or hear anything unusual. There were times when my photographer talked to the President, and some of the talk was intended to stir up Garfield’s spirit like it had done in the past. But everything remained eerily quiet. Then suddenly, a man appeared out of nowhere and walked up next to us. The elderly guy, who didn’t identify himself, seemed to be on a mission – and his purpose wasn’t to pay his respects to President Garfield. Without any hesitation, the man asked my photographer what he planned on doing with his images of the crypt. I knew Tom was instantly peeved when he replied: “What difference does it make what I’m doing with my pictures? They’re mine.” It turned out the man was a volunteer staff member named Tom, who responded to “my Tom’s” sarcasm: “I just want to make sure you’re not planning to use the pictures for profit on a public social media platform. Are they for your personal use?” My photographer grew angrier by the second: “Look, this is my camera, they’re my pictures, and I’ll use the photos however I want to use them. Is there a law against that?” The staffer’s rebuttal was, “There’s no law against it, but I want to know if they’re for your personal use or not.” At that time, I wondered if my photographer would verbally brow-beat the man, or in a worse-case scenario, threaten him. “Quite frankly, it’s none of your business what I’m planning to use my photos for. They’re mine. Can I make myself any clearer? THEY – ARE – MINE!” Tom seemed stunned, “Just make sure they’re for your personal use” and he walked away.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1067" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-2.jpg?resize=800%2C1067&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16099" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-2.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-2.jpg?resize=225%2C300&ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-2.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&ssl=1 1152w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing in front of the majestic 12-foot white marble statue of President James Garfield, which was located on the main level of the memorial.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-9.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16100" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-9.jpg?w=1067&ssl=1 1067w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-9.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-9.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-9.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-9.jpg?resize=1024%2C1536&ssl=1 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The detailed likeness of Garfield was created by sculptor Alexander Doyle, who used white Carrara marble for the statue. The marble came from a quarry in Italy, which produced marble for some of the most notable buildings in Ancient Rome, including The Pantheon. </figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-10.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16101" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-10.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-10.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-10.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-10.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-10.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Although President Garfield died on September 19, 1881, his coffin wasn’t placed in this memorial until May 19, 1890. The James A. Garfield Memorial was dedicated on May 30, 1890 in a ceremony attended by former President Rutherford B. Hayes, President Benjamin Harrison, and future President William McKinley. </figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="545" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-12.jpg?resize=800%2C545&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16102" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-12.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-12.jpg?resize=300%2C204&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-12.jpg?resize=1024%2C698&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-12.jpg?resize=768%2C523&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-12.jpg?resize=1536%2C1046&ssl=1 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">First Lady Lucretia Garfield’s bronze casket was placed beside her husband’s flag-draped coffin following her death on March 13, 1918. The urns containing the cremated ashes of their daughter Mary “Mollie” Garfield Stanley-Brown and her husband Joseph Stanley-Brown were placed in the crypt in early 1948.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-11.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16103" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-11.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-11.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-11.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-11.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GARFIELD-TOMB-11.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Moments after this image was captured, my photographer became engaged in a verbal confrontation with one of the memorial’s staff members. I was proud of my photographer for standing his ground – for once, he was doing nothing wrong.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">While my photographer finished taking his pictures in the crypt, I felt his hands shaking with anger as he held me. He placed me in the camera case and the two of us returned to the second level where we met up with Bob. That’s when the fun began. Tom said to his friend, “You won’t believe what happened to me down in the crypt. This guy came down there and gave me the *bleeping* third degree about what I’m doing with my pictures. I’m so mad right now, I can’t see straight.” Bob laughed, but not because of what my photographer had said – it was because Tom the staffer was standing directly behind my camera guy and heard the entire exchange. The volunteer said: “I didn’t give you the blank third degree, and I don’t appreciate that language. I only asked if they were for your personal use, and you got all defensive.” My photographer bristled again: “You’re damned right I got defensive because it’s none of your business what I’m doing with them. It’s nobody’s business because the photos are mine.” </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">There are times when calmer heads prevail, which was what happened inside the Garfield Memorial. Bob stepped in and suggested the two Tom’s needed to step outside and calmly discuss the situation. Once on the front steps, Mongo began the peace talks by explaining to the worker what our mission at Presidential sites are intended to accomplish. Bob also went on to describe the passion the three of us have at all historic sites. The staffer quickly became enamored by Bob’s stories, as well as the sheer number of Presidential sites we’ve visited in the past. After our companion’s five-minute spiel had ended, the staff member apologized for his interrogation inside the tomb. Then Tom did an about-face when he admitted: “Actually, I just wanted to make sure you weren’t conducting any paranormal rituals in the tomb. You wouldn’t believe it, but I once saw a group trying to hold a seance down in the crypt. We’ve had several people claim they’ve seen ghosts down there, or they had heard strange noises in the crypt, and there’s no need for that type of nonsense.” I nearly fell over in the camera case with laughter, especially when my photographer didn’t tell him all the unexplained things we’ve experienced in that very crypt. After the two Tom’s shook hands, the volunteer said we were lucky to have visited when we did. Had we been ten days later, he said, we would’ve been out of luck until 2024. It turned out the memorial was scheduled to close for the season due to a scheduled, and much-needed, restoration project. I wanted to tell Tom that luck was on our side because of our Divine Guardian Spirit, but I didn’t think that would go over too well with him.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The three of us boarded our Explorer at 12:15pm and we began the short eight-mile drive towards downtown Cleveland. I was excited when I heard Tom and Bob had planned on spending a couple of hours in Cleveland, which at times has been called “The Mistake by the Lake”. My enthusiasm was spawned because we had visited President Cleveland’s birthplace, his grave site, and now we were in the city named after Ol’ Grover. As the late, great Meat Loaf once said, “Two out of three ain’t bad.” It turned out the town of Cleveland was established on July 22, 1769, and it was named after General Moses Cleaveland, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War. I admit, I felt a tad bit embarrassed when I learned Stephen Grover Cleveland was born 68 years after the city had been named. Perhaps I should be called ‘The Mistake by the Lake.’</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Once we were parked near the waterfront, I wondered which Presidential site we were headed to in downtown Cleveland. When I heard Bob say there was a huge exhibit dedicated to the Fab Four, I figured he meant Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt – and my excitement grew. Little did I know he was talking about John, Paul, George, and Ringo – and the site we were headed for was the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">I had never been to the Rock Hall of Fame before, although I heard Mongo talk about it many times during our trips. While I knew there were no Presidential artifacts inside the huge museum, I figured we’d see some relics associated with a King, Queen, and maybe a Prince. As for my Rock and Roll lovin’ camera guy, I knew he was licking his chops to see items used or worn by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Big Bopper, Elton John, Alice Cooper, and the Singing Nun.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Once my companions had captured their images near the front of the Rock Hall of Fame without other people in the way, we made our way inside the enormous glass and steel tent-shaped building, which quite frankly, was better than my photographer and I had anticipated. Tom’s beef with the hall has always been their nomination and selection process, as some of my photographer’s favorite artists such as The Big Bopper, Meat Loaf, The J. Geils Band, and maybe even The Singing Nun, have never been considered for induction, while other performers, such as non-rockers Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, N.W.A., and DJ Kool Herc have already been enshrined. It’s ridiculous. This is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, not the Rock, Country, Rap, and Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. While the political side of the Hall of Fame continues to be disappointing, there were a countless number of awesome artifacts on display, some of which I had the honor of posing alongside. Let’s take a look, shall we, at my visit with Tom and Bob inside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Or should I say, the Music Diversity Hall of Fame?</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="533" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-26.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16107" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-26.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-26.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-26.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-26.jpg?resize=768%2C511&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-26.jpg?resize=1536%2C1022&ssl=1 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Good things come to those who wait, which was exactly what happened when we waited for people to clear the area in front of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-2.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16108" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-2.jpg?w=1067&ssl=1 1067w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-2.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-2.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C1536&ssl=1 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">While we weren’t at a Presidential site, I did cast my shadow on the leg of a King. This suit was worn by the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, while he performed on stage in 1972.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1067" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-1.jpg?resize=800%2C1067&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16110" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-1.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-1.jpg?resize=225%2C300&ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-1.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&ssl=1 1152w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bill Haley was one of the Founding Fathers of Rock and Roll, and it was an honor for me to pose near his 1955 Gibson Super 400 electric guitar. When Bill Haley & His Comets were featured in the 1956 musical film ‘Rock Around the Clock’, Haley played this guitar.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="858" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BILL-HALEY.jpg?resize=800%2C858&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16111" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BILL-HALEY.jpg?w=829&ssl=1 829w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BILL-HALEY.jpg?resize=280%2C300&ssl=1 280w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BILL-HALEY.jpg?resize=768%2C824&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bill Haley as he played his 1955 Gibson Super 400 in the 1956 film ‘Rock Around the Clock’.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="565" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-8.jpg?resize=800%2C565&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16113" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-8.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-8.jpg?resize=300%2C212&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-8.jpg?resize=1024%2C723&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-8.jpg?resize=768%2C542&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-8.jpg?resize=1536%2C1085&ssl=1 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This well-worn 1944 upright piano behind me was used by Jerry Lee Lewis as he first learned to play. As I stood in front of The Killer’s piano, I wanted to yell out: “Goodness gracious, great balls of fire!”</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="815" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/killer.jpg?resize=800%2C815&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16114" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/killer.jpg?w=850&ssl=1 850w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/killer.jpg?resize=294%2C300&ssl=1 294w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/killer.jpg?resize=768%2C782&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jerry Lee Lewis tickled the broken ivories of his first piano.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1018" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-5.jpg?resize=800%2C1018&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16116" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-5.jpg?w=1257&ssl=1 1257w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-5.jpg?resize=236%2C300&ssl=1 236w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-5.jpg?resize=804%2C1024&ssl=1 804w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-5.jpg?resize=768%2C978&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-5.jpg?resize=1207%2C1536&ssl=1 1207w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Johnny Cash wore this jacket and tie while performing on stage during his time with Sun Records. Even though my photographer dislikes country music, he likes ‘The Man in Black’ and considers him one of the Forefathers of Rock and Roll.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="886" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ritchie-shirt-1.jpg?resize=800%2C886&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16119" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ritchie-shirt-1.jpg?resize=925%2C1024&ssl=1 925w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ritchie-shirt-1.jpg?resize=271%2C300&ssl=1 271w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ritchie-shirt-1.jpg?resize=768%2C850&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ritchie-shirt-1.jpg?resize=1388%2C1536&ssl=1 1388w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ritchie-shirt-1.jpg?w=1446&ssl=1 1446w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In the past, I’ve walked in the footsteps and stood on several stages where Ritchie Valens once performed. I was excited when I posed next to one of Ritchie’s shirts.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1357" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-9.jpg?resize=800%2C1357&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16121" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-9.jpg?w=943&ssl=1 943w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-9.jpg?resize=177%2C300&ssl=1 177w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-9.jpg?resize=604%2C1024&ssl=1 604w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-9.jpg?resize=768%2C1303&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-9.jpg?resize=905%2C1536&ssl=1 905w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">During his short career, Ritchie Valens played this guitar during his performances.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="991" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-10.jpg?resize=800%2C991&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16123" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-10.jpg?w=1292&ssl=1 1292w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-10.jpg?resize=242%2C300&ssl=1 242w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-10.jpg?resize=827%2C1024&ssl=1 827w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-10.jpg?resize=768%2C951&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-10.jpg?resize=1240%2C1536&ssl=1 1240w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The silk shirt behind me, which was owned by Buddy Holly in 1958, was stylized with a bullfighting motif.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="976" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-11.jpg?resize=800%2C976&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16155" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-11.jpg?w=1311&ssl=1 1311w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-11.jpg?resize=246%2C300&ssl=1 246w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-11.jpg?resize=839%2C1024&ssl=1 839w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-11.jpg?resize=768%2C937&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-11.jpg?resize=1259%2C1536&ssl=1 1259w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I thought this gray, three-button jacket from 1957 was one of the highlights in the museum. Buddy Holly was wearing this jacket on the cover of the Crickets’ debut album ‘The “Chirping” Crickets.’</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="788" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-2.jpg?resize=800%2C788&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16156" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-2.jpg?resize=300%2C295&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C1008&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-2.jpg?resize=768%2C756&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-2.jpg?resize=1536%2C1512&ssl=1 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The “Chirping” Crickets album was released on November 27, 1957 with the four members of the band on the cover. Pictured from left was Niki Sullivan, Jerry Allison, Buddy Holly, and Joe B. Mauldin.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="978" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-13.jpg?resize=800%2C978&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16158" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-13.jpg?w=1309&ssl=1 1309w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-13.jpg?resize=245%2C300&ssl=1 245w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-13.jpg?resize=838%2C1024&ssl=1 838w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-13.jpg?resize=768%2C939&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-13.jpg?resize=1257%2C1536&ssl=1 1257w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Lennon wore this jacket to rehearsals for The Beatles’ performance of ‘All You Need Is Love’ on the Our World television program, June 25, 1967.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1233" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-1.jpg?resize=800%2C1233&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16159" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-1.jpg?w=1038&ssl=1 1038w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-1.jpg?resize=195%2C300&ssl=1 195w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-1.jpg?resize=664%2C1024&ssl=1 664w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1184&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-1.jpg?resize=996%2C1536&ssl=1 996w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image was taken during those rehearsals and shows Lennon wearing the same jacket.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="836" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-16.jpg?resize=800%2C836&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16160" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-16.jpg?w=1532&ssl=1 1532w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-16.jpg?resize=287%2C300&ssl=1 287w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-16.jpg?resize=980%2C1024&ssl=1 980w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-16.jpg?resize=768%2C802&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-16.jpg?resize=1471%2C1536&ssl=1 1471w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Another highlight for me was seeing John Lennon’s handwritten lyrics to his hit song (Just Like) Starting Over, which appeared on John and Yoko’s ‘Double Fantasy’ album. That album was released just three weeks before Lennon was assassinated on December 8, 1980.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1067" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-4.jpg?resize=800%2C1067&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16174" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-4.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-4.jpg?resize=225%2C300&ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-4.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-4.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&ssl=1 1152w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Lennon wore this denim jacket in 1968 during the recording of ‘Let It Be’. He added patches to the jacket and wore it throughout the seventies.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="792" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-5.jpg?resize=800%2C792&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16175" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-5.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-5.jpg?resize=300%2C297&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-5.jpg?resize=1024%2C1014&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-5.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-5.jpg?resize=768%2C760&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-5.jpg?resize=1536%2C1521&ssl=1 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John and Yoko, with Lennon wearing his favorite denim jacket.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="950" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-18.jpg?resize=800%2C950&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16161" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-18.jpg?w=1348&ssl=1 1348w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-18.jpg?resize=253%2C300&ssl=1 253w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-18.jpg?resize=863%2C1024&ssl=1 863w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-18.jpg?resize=768%2C912&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-18.jpg?resize=1294%2C1536&ssl=1 1294w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Lennon wore this three-button, collarless jacket behind me while onstage in England and Scandinavia in the fall of 1963. The same jacket was worn by Lennon on The Beatles ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ record sleeve.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="803" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BEATLES.jpg?resize=800%2C803&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16162" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BEATLES.jpg?w=1195&ssl=1 1195w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BEATLES.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BEATLES.jpg?resize=1020%2C1024&ssl=1 1020w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BEATLES.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BEATLES.jpg?resize=768%2C771&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BEATLES.jpg?resize=200%2C200&ssl=1 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As a matter of fact, all four of The Beatles, Paul, Ringo, George, and John, wore the same style of jacket.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1331" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-25.jpg?resize=800%2C1331&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16163" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-25.jpg?w=962&ssl=1 962w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-25.jpg?resize=180%2C300&ssl=1 180w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-25.jpg?resize=616%2C1024&ssl=1 616w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-25.jpg?resize=768%2C1277&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-25.jpg?resize=924%2C1536&ssl=1 924w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing near the guitar John Lennon used on the roof of Apple Corps headquarters when The Beatles performed their final concert together on January 30, 1969. Originally boasting a sunburst finish, Lennon sanded the Epiphone Casino down, removing the finish and exposing the natural wood of the body.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="514" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-7.jpg?resize=800%2C514&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16164" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-7.jpg?w=1417&ssl=1 1417w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-7.jpg?resize=300%2C193&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-7.jpg?resize=1024%2C658&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-7.jpg?resize=768%2C494&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Lennon and Ringo Starr were photographed on January 30, 1969 during The Beatles’ famous ‘Rooftop Concert’, which was their final public performance together as a band.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1236" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-19.jpg?resize=800%2C1236&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16165" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-19.jpg?w=1036&ssl=1 1036w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-19.jpg?resize=194%2C300&ssl=1 194w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-19.jpg?resize=663%2C1024&ssl=1 663w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-19.jpg?resize=768%2C1186&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-19.jpg?resize=995%2C1536&ssl=1 995w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Flamboyant rocker Elton John wore the jacket behind me on stage during concerts in 1973, and he wore the hat during a 1972 performance at Carnegie Hall.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="540" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ELTON-GIF.gif?resize=720%2C540&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16166"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">“Friday nights, Suzie wore her” dresses tight, were the words Elton appeared to be singing from his hit song ‘Crocodile Rock’. Was the hat on Elton’s piano the same one on display at the Hall of Fame?</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="876" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-6.jpg?resize=800%2C876&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16176" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-6.jpg?w=1462&ssl=1 1462w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-6.jpg?resize=274%2C300&ssl=1 274w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-6.jpg?resize=936%2C1024&ssl=1 936w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-6.jpg?resize=768%2C840&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-PHONE-6.jpg?resize=1404%2C1536&ssl=1 1404w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The white top hat was worn by Alice Cooper on tour in support of his 1975 album ‘Welcome to my Nightmare.’ The black leather suit was worn by Alice during his 1979 ‘Madhouse Rock’ tour. And the jacket was used by Cooper during his 1989-90 ‘Trash’ tour and worn in his music video ‘Bed of Nails.’</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="1000" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-4.jpg?resize=792%2C1000&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16168" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-4.jpg?w=792&ssl=1 792w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-4.jpg?resize=238%2C300&ssl=1 238w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-4.jpg?resize=768%2C970&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alice Cooper was photographed during a show from his ‘Welcome to My Nightmare’ tour in 1975.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="784" height="748" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ALICE-ON-STAGE.jpg?resize=784%2C748&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16177" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ALICE-ON-STAGE.jpg?w=784&ssl=1 784w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ALICE-ON-STAGE.jpg?resize=300%2C286&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ALICE-ON-STAGE.jpg?resize=768%2C733&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alice Cooper was pictured on stage during his 1979 ‘Madhouse Tour’ as he performed his song ‘From the Inside.’</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1179" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-22.jpg?resize=800%2C1179&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16171" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-22.jpg?w=1086&ssl=1 1086w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-22.jpg?resize=204%2C300&ssl=1 204w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-22.jpg?resize=695%2C1024&ssl=1 695w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-22.jpg?resize=768%2C1131&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-22.jpg?resize=1043%2C1536&ssl=1 1043w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">It’s no secret my photographer is not a fan of the police in Ohio. But he lit up in Ohio when he saw the Dream Police jacket once worn by Robin Zander. Other artifacts on display were the bowtie and ballcap worn by Rick Nielsen, the electric guitar once played by Tom Petersson, and the drum used by Bun E. Carlos. This display I’m standing near was dedicated to the band from Rockford, Illinois – Cheap Trick.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="491" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-6-1.jpg?resize=800%2C491&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16178" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-6-1.jpg?w=1099&ssl=1 1099w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-6-1.jpg?resize=300%2C184&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-6-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C629&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ROCK-HALL-REAL-6-1.jpg?resize=768%2C472&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">“The dream police, they live inside of my head. The dream police, they come to me in my bed.”</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">As the hands of the clock reached two-thirty, we left the Hall of Fame and its incredible artifacts behind. While I still had visions of The Beatles, Buddy Holly, and Elvis running through my resin mind, I hummed the lyrics to Dominique all the way back to the Explorer. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It was time for the three of us to hit the road and head west towards home. And I couldn’t wait to get on the road again, going places I’ve never been and seein’ things that I may never see again. I couldn’t wait to get on the road again. As we headed out of downtown Cleveland, we had one final site yet to visit on the trip – the grave of Kent State student William Schroeder. But before we made it to Ridge Hill Memorial Park where Schroeder was buried, Tom and Bob decided to stop and fill their faces at Quaker Steak and Lube, which was a motor-themed restaurant in Sheffield, Ohio. During the 45-minute feedbag, I was forced to watch my photographer scarf-down a plate of fish and chips and gulp down a large chocolate milk shake. I knew my chunky friend was hungry, but he tackled that fish as though cod was headed for the endangered species list. On the slip side, Moldenhauer seemed a lot more human as he methodically ate his hamburger and fries, all the while discussing what we had seen at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/QUAKER-STEAK-1.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16184" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/QUAKER-STEAK-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/QUAKER-STEAK-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/QUAKER-STEAK-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/QUAKER-STEAK-1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/QUAKER-STEAK-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing outside the Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield, Ohio where I wanted Tom to place me inside the telephone booth in hopes of me getting a red cape, blue tights, and a new arm. I did get a case of the red ‘S’, but that was from watching my photographer eat his fish and chips.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The drive from the Quaker Steak and Lube diner to Ridge Hill Memorial Park was a little over five miles, which was good because we needed to air-out the vehicle after dinner. The cemetery, which was started in 1929, was located a couple of miles northeast of Amherst, Ohio and sat on roughly 60 acres of developed land. The first thing I noticed as soon as we entered the huge burial ground was most of the grave markers laid flush with the ground, which made finding one grave out of the thousands like finding a black cat in a coal mine. Thankfully, Bob had remembered where the grave of William Schroeder was located, which cut our search time down to nothing.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">For the three of us, it was a very historic moment when we arrived at the small, bronze plate that marked the final resting place of William Schroeder. There was a definite feeling of accomplishment during the visit. At the outset of the trip, Tom and Bob had set a goal to visit the graves of all four of the Kent State students who were murdered on May 4th; plus, they planned to walk the campus grounds where the crime was committed in 1970. Their goal was to see all five sites on the same trip. However, as exuberant as we were to complete the daunting task, we were saddened at the same time to be standing at the final resting place of a young man who was cut down in the prime of his life by a senseless act of violence.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">William Schroeder was the perfect definition of an All-American young man. The handsome student was a star athlete, an honor student, an Eagle Scout, and he earned several academic awards in college. Ironically, he earned the Association of the United States Army award for excellence in history. Schroeder had no way of knowing when he woke up on the morning of May 4, 1970, he would forever be a part of American history, and all thanks to the Army he wanted to serve upon graduation.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">While thousands of other students were involved in Vietnam War protests leading up to the May 4th tragedy, Bill stayed away from the mayhem. As a matter of fact, Schroeder was walking through the Prentice Hall parking lot towards his next class when he took a few extra minutes to watch the confrontation between his fellow students and the Ohio Army National Guard. At precisely 12:24pm, the soldiers opened fire on the unarmed students in and around the parking lot. Schroeder was 382 feet away from the National Guardsmen when he tried to take cover during the 13 seconds of hell. During the mayhem, Bill was struck in the chest by an M-1 rifle bullet which knocked him off his feet and onto the pavement below. The All-American student laid in a pool of his own blood – the bullet had entered his chest at the seventh rib, it pierced his left lung, before some of the fragments exited at the top of his left shoulder. Within a few minutes of the shooting, Schroeder was rushed to Robinson Memorial Hospital in nearby Ravenna where surgeons attempted to save his life. But the high-powered rifle bullet had done its job – 19-year-old William Knox Schroeder was declared dead. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-3.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16189" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-3.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-3.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-3.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-3.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing near the Schroeder family plot on the grounds of Ridge Hill Memorial Park near Amherst, Ohio. Behind me are the graves of William Schroeder on the right, and his brother Rudy, who died in 2002, on the left. The final resting place of their parents, Louis and Florence, is situated between their two sons.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-2.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16190" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-2.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-2.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-2.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When I stood on the marker at the grave of William Schroeder, it was the second time I had visited the site in a little over a year. And during both visits, I suffered health issues – including my severed right arm in this image. In 2022, however, I had a broken right arm, and my head was detached from my body due to the broken spring in my neck.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1021" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BILL-S-2-rotated.jpg?resize=800%2C1021&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16195" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BILL-S-2-rotated.jpg?w=1175&ssl=1 1175w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BILL-S-2-rotated.jpg?resize=235%2C300&ssl=1 235w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BILL-S-2-rotated.jpg?resize=802%2C1024&ssl=1 802w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BILL-S-2-rotated.jpg?resize=768%2C980&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">William Schroeder was an All-American kid who knew what he wanted in life. When he transferred to Kent State in the Fall of 1969, Bill changed his career path to psychology. As a member of the ROTC at Kent State, Schroeder felt the presence of a trained psychologist on the military front could be as important as the soldier’s rifle or the chaplain. On May 4, 1970, William Schroeder lost his life to one of those soldiers’ rifles.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="533" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-1.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16192" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-GRAVE-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1023&ssl=1 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Once, just once, I’d love to honor the memory of William Schroeder with all of my body parts intact.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="516" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-ROTC.jpg?resize=800%2C516&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16196" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-ROTC.jpg?w=910&ssl=1 910w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-ROTC.jpg?resize=300%2C194&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCHROEDER-ROTC.jpg?resize=768%2C495&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">On May 2, 1970, William Schroeder told his roommate he was “scared” as military helicopters hovered over the Kent State campus. On May 3rd, he called his parents and assured them he wasn’t participating in any of the campus unrest and that he was upset demonstrators had burned the ROTC building. On May 4th, William Knox Schroeder was dead.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">During our fifteen-minute visit at the gravesite of William Schroeder, I couldn’t help but wonder how many people were affected by the senseless shooting at Kent State University when those kids died. I stood there and thought about the words Ohio Governor James A. Rhodes said at a press conference on May 3, 1970, the day before the shootings. Rhodes vowed to “eradicate the problem” of the demonstrators and said “they’re worse than the Brownshirts and the Communist element, and also the Night Riders and the vigilantes. They’re the worst type of people that we harbor in America.” I suppose Rhodes was referring to the youth of America, who together were fighting to end a war in Southeast Asia; a war United States soldiers should never have been sent to fight in the first place. While John Lennon was singing ‘Give Peace a Chance’, Rhodes not only refused to give peace a chance, but he also didn’t give Bill, Sandy, Allison, or Jeff a chance either. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It’s hard to fathom James Rhodes could be elected as dog catcher after his role in the Kent State Massacre, but somehow, he managed to connive his way back into the Ohio State House for two more terms as Governor; and that was after the shootings. Roughly twenty-five years after that tragic event unfolded on the Kent State campus, Governor James Rhodes suffered a stroke that severely affected his life. After being hospitalized in late 2000 and early 2001 for pneumonia, Rhodes died on March 4, 2001 from heart issues. In my resin mind, that was a surprise – I found it hard to believe James A. Rhodes ever had a heart. After all, he was one of the worst type of politicians that we harbor in America. Unfortunately, America still harbors a few of them today. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Tom carried me from William Schroder’s final resting place through a seemingly endless number of graves that were in our path. When we arrived at the Explorer, my photographer placed the camera case with me inside on the back seat for the 190-mile ride back home. I don’t know for sure if I had tears running down my resin cheeks or not, but I felt like crying. I was saddened by the four Kent State student graves we had visited in the past few days, plus there were no sites left on our agenda. We were homeward bound.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">“Every day’s an endless stream, of historic people from my dreams. And each town that welcomes me, their sites become my fantasies. And every stranger’s face I see, reminds me that I long to be – homeward bound. I wish I was, homeward bound. Home, where my friends are stayin’. Home, where Dominque’s a playin’. Home, where Abigail lies awaiting, silently for me.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="516" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MICHIGAN.jpg?resize=800%2C516&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16198" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MICHIGAN.jpg?w=1086&ssl=1 1086w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MICHIGAN.jpg?resize=300%2C194&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MICHIGAN.jpg?resize=1024%2C661&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MICHIGAN.jpg?resize=768%2C496&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">At 6:12pm on June 14, 2023, we were back in Michigan and homeward bound.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Tom, Bob, and I had been inseparable companions for the past eleven days. But at 7:44pm, we arrived at Mongo’s house in Marysville, Michigan where my photographer and I said our goodbyes to our trusty teammate and friend. Just eighteen minutes later, Tom pulled into our driveway in St. Clair – we were home. Our family dog, Abigail, was happy to see us. And since Tom had talked about little “Abbers” at the tomb of Abigail Adams in Quincy, Massachusetts, we were glad to see her as well. Unfortunately, that was the last homecoming where my photographer and I would be greeted by Abigail’s tail wags and wet kisses. Abigail Adams Watson died at 1:45am on July 2, 2023 – just eighteen days after we returned home. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">We had travelled 2,667 miles in eleven days and saw a lot of amazing Presidential sites. While Abigail’s sudden death dampened our spirits, Tom and I knew our quest, and her memory, had to live on. And it will – albeit with heavy hearts. With no rest for the weary, Tom arranged a one-day adventure with Bob Moldenhauer for July 10th, which was billed as “Jefferson’s Tenth Anniversary Tour”. It’s hard for me to believe that my first-ever visit to a Presidential site happened in Freemont, Ohio on July 10, 2013.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">But I wasn’t going anywhere until my arm was re-attached. A week or so after we returned home, I had a surgical procedure performed on my right arm. Thanks to the finest bobble head surgeon I know, the re-attachment procedure was a success, and I was good to go for our trip to Spiegel Grove in Freemont. It’s a story you won’t want to miss, but one you’ll have to wait for. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">To be continued…</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1200" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SURGERY.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-16201" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SURGERY.jpg?w=1133&ssl=1 1133w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SURGERY.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SURGERY.jpg?resize=682%2C1024&ssl=1 682w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SURGERY.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SURGERY.jpg?resize=1024%2C1536&ssl=1 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After my right arm was surgically re-attached, I was forced to lay in my hospital bed upside down for nearly one week. Once my bandages were removed, I couldn’t wait to get on the road again.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong>** THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO BOB MOLDENHAUER FOR HIS FRIENDSHIP, COMPANIONSHIP, AND FOR ALWAYS TRYING TO OPEN LOCKED DOORS **</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://eyesofjefferson.com/255-homeward-bound-another-epic-journey-comes-to-an-end/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">16040</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>