<?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>Life of Garfield Tour – THROUGH THE EYES OF JEFFERSON</title> <atom:link href="https://eyesofjefferson.com/tag/life-of-garfield-tour/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://eyesofjefferson.com</link> <description>Presidential site adventures as told by a bobble head</description> <lastBuildDate>Sun, 24 Nov 2024 23:56:20 +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>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" fetchpriority="high" 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="(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" 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="(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" 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="(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>316: IN MORELAND HILLS, I FOUND PEACE WITH REESE AT THE START OF OUR ‘LIFE OF GARFIELD TOUR’</title> <link>https://eyesofjefferson.com/316-in-moreland-hills-i-found-peace-with-reese-at-the-start-of-our-life-of-garfield-tour/</link> <comments>https://eyesofjefferson.com/316-in-moreland-hills-i-found-peace-with-reese-at-the-start-of-our-life-of-garfield-tour/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Thomas Watson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 22:32:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James A Garfield]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James A Garfield Birth Site Park]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Life of Garfield Tour]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Moreland Hills Ohio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reese Fiscelli]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson bobble head]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyesofjefferson.com/?p=43730</guid> <description><![CDATA[After I had returned from a trip to Kansas City, Missouri on August 5th, I was placed alongside my bobble head friends where we endured the agony of watching and listening to an endless number of political advertisements on television.…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">After I had returned from a trip to Kansas City, Missouri on August 5th, I was placed alongside my bobble head friends where we endured the agony of watching and listening to an endless number of political advertisements on television. As a matter of fact, the misery of those ads continued for exactly three months, and I heard the words immigrants, transgenders, border czar, and Bidenomics so many times I felt like I wanted to scarf-down a Springfield dog or cat myself.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">But in the midst of all the mudslinging, name calling, and down-right lies on television, my photographer decided we needed to take one final trip in 2024 to quench our Presidential thirst. Tom also felt there was no better way to end our twelfth year of traveling together than to try and gain access to a home that’s been on our bucket list since we first saw the exterior on August 17, 2015. Yes, I’m talking about the two-and-one-half story home in Hiram, Ohio which was owned by James and Lucretia Garfield from 1863 to 1874.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">While half of me had hoped Tom could get permission for us to visit the interior of what’s known today as the Garfield-Robbins-Zimmerman House in Hiram, the other half of me was more apprehensive because of the building’s alleged paranormal activity over the years. I love standing in the footsteps of our Presidents. But in that house, there was a chance I might meet one of them, whether I was ready or not.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">On October 28, 2024, my photographer set the trip’s wheels in motion when he sent an email to a group known as Garfield Trail Ohio. That non-profit organization preserves and promotes the legacy of James A. Garfield and his family at four historic sites in Northeast Ohio – the Garfield birth site in Moreland Hills; Hiram College, where James attended school, preached, married, taught, and began his political career; Lawnfield, which was Garfield’s historic farm in Mentor; and of course, the President’s final resting place in Cleveland’s Lake View Cemetery.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Before that sunny, but cool, Monday afternoon in Michigan was over, my photographer had received a response to his request, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him giddier. He looked like a guy who just found a Coupe de Ville hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack box. Not only did it look like we might get inside the Hiram home, but the email came from President Garfield’s great-great grandson Tim Garfield, who’s also the Executive Director of the Garfield Trail. I was as stunned as my camera guy because it appeared we were going to meet a direct descendant of the Preacher President, who happens to be one of our favorites.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Election Day 2024 turned out to be a day that will live in infamy, and not because of Donald J. Trump. That afternoon, roughly seven hours after my photographer and his wife exercised their right to vote, Tim Garfield sent my cameraman the itinerary and official confirmation for our visit, which was scheduled to kick-off at eleven o’clock on the morning of November 15th. Mr. Garfield had arranged for us to visit four places associated with Hiram College – Buckingham Place, the Garfield-Robbins-Zimmerman House, Koritansky Hall (Mecca Church), and last but not least, the Garfield Archives inside the Hiram College Library. Garfield also arranged for some very prestigious folks from the college to serve as our hosts during our visit as well. And for the icing on the cake, Tim also mentioned we’d be visited by Lucretia Garfield herself at some point during our visit.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Tom’s alarm rang at 4:00am on Friday November 15, 2024, which meant we were less than two hours from heading out on our final trip of the year. One change to the original plans; Bob Moldenhauer was unable to make the trip. Taking Bob’s place on that two-day adventure, however, was my photographer’s wife Vicki and their ten-year-old granddaughter Reese Fiscelli, who has recently found a passion for American history after she portrayed Betsy Ross for a third-grade school project in 2023. As a matter of fact, Reese donned a black 1860s-style dress and portrayed Mary Todd Lincoln for Halloween this year.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">After Tom carefully placed me inside the padded camera case, he set the case alongside Reese in the backseat of our Jeep Grand Cherokee moments before Vicki backed out of our driveway at precisely 5:41am. Even though it was still over an hour before sunrise, it was easy to tell the sky was overcast and there was a threat of rain in the air. And by the time my photographer’s wife was exceeding the speed limit on the Ohio Turnpike, the threat of rain became a reality. All we could do was hope the drizzle would stop by the time we made it to our first site – which was the James A. Garfield Birth Site Park in Moreland Hills, Ohio.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It was a minute before nine-thirty when Vicki navigated the Jeep into a parking place across the lot from the office of the Moreland Hills mayor. After Tom handed Reese his secondary camera for her to use, the ten-year-old danced along the brick pathway that led visitors towards the replica log cabin. I laughed to myself because I thought Reese looked like Dorothy on her way to see the wizard. And in a sense, she WAS Dorothy – this was Reese’s first-ever visit to a Presidential site, and she was on her way to the Emerald City with Vicki the lioness, Tom the brainless straw guy, and me, the stainless-steel and resin-hearted bobble head.</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-1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43733" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 20′ by 30′ log cabin behind me was built in 1999 near the location where President James Garfield was born on November 19, 1831.</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-2.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43734" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-2.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-2.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-2.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-2.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing on one of the three windows in the cabin, which not only represented the cabin where Garfield was born, but it was also built from logs once used in a 1830s -1840s horse barn.</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-3.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43735" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-3.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-3.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-3.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-3.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-3.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">From my position on the window ledge, I saw Reese out of the corner of my painted eyes as she tried to take her first images with Tom’s camera. For me, it was an honor to see the young ten-year-old so interested in Presidential and American history. As a bonus, she’s following in the footsteps of her “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/GARFIELD-3.1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43736" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-3.1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-3.1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-3.1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-3.1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-3.1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-3.1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This was one of the first images Reese captured with her camera on Friday morning. It’s hard to see, but I was beaming with pride! (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/BIRTHSITE-3.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43738" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIRTHSITE-3.jpg?w=1286&ssl=1 1286w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIRTHSITE-3.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIRTHSITE-3.jpg?resize=732%2C1024&ssl=1 732w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIRTHSITE-3.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIRTHSITE-3.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&ssl=1 1097w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The life-sized bronze statue of a youthful James Garfield, with books in one hand and a farming hoe in the other, accurately depicted one of the hardest working young men who would later become 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-8.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43737" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-8.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-8.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-8.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-8.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-8.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-8.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Due to his work ethic, his intelligence, and his dedication to our country, James A. Garfield is one of my favorite Presidents. I only hoped the snot droplet running from his nose didn’t land in my resin hair.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">In my eyes, this was hallowed ground we were walking on. This land was not only where James Abram Garfield was born on November 19, 1831, but it was also where his legend took shape – even though it began with tragedy. In May 1833, a fire engulfed the woods near their cabin and the future President’s father, Abram Garfield, managed to extinguish the blaze before it destroyed their farm. Days later, the elder Garfield fell ill with a fever and died – leaving James fatherless before his second birthday.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">We had spent about ten minutes admiring the replica cabin when Tom pointed the way to the trail which led to the actual birth site. The first thing I noticed was how much the entire park had changed. During my last visit on May 19, 2019, my photographer and Bob Moldenhauer took me along a rugged path into the woods where the three of us went on a “wild goose chase” in search of the boulder which marked the precise birth site.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Since our visit over five years ago, the Garfield Trail organization spearheaded a project and had a wooden walkway constructed that led to the birth site marker. As Tom carried me along the wooden walkway, which was still damp from the morning rain, the incredible silence was broken only by an occasional automobile speeding past on the nearby highway. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">When we reached the end of the wooden path, I saw the same boulder I had stood on in 2019. Now, everything looked different. Gone were the brush and a few trees which nearly obscured the marker five year ago; plus, some of the wild foliage was replaced with a well-defined outline of the 20′ by 30′ cabin where James Garfield was born. The organization also added a handful of informational signs which told the story of the Garfield’s time in Moreland Hills. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Even though archeologists never unearthed any artifacts from the site, they were confident the ground where my photographer set me in the damp grass and leaves was in fact where the Abram Garfield had built his cabin in 1829. Even after Abram died in the cabin in 1833, the family lived at that farm for another 13 years before the Garfield’s moved away.</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-7.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43741" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-7.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-7.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-7.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-7.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-7.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-7.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The birth site marker was located roughly one-quarter mile north of the replica cabin, which I saw in the distance from the hiking trail bridge that spanned a small creek.</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-4.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43742" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-4.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-4.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-4.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-4.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-4.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-4.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">For Tom, Vicki, Reese, and me, it was great to start our ‘Life of Garfield Tour’ at his birthplace near Moreland Hills, Ohio. The boulder I’m standing on in this image was placed at the birth site to mark the 100th anniversary of President Garfield’s birth.</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="498" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DRAWING-CABIN.jpg?resize=800%2C498&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43746" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DRAWING-CABIN.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DRAWING-CABIN.jpg?resize=300%2C187&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DRAWING-CABIN.jpg?resize=1024%2C638&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DRAWING-CABIN.jpg?resize=768%2C478&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DRAWING-CABIN.jpg?resize=1536%2C957&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DRAWING-CABIN.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This is an 1896 pen and ink depiction of President Garfield’s birthplace.</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-MARKER-2019.jpg?resize=800%2C571&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43745" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-MARKER-2019.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-MARKER-2019.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-MARKER-2019.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-MARKER-2019.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-MARKER-2019.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-MARKER-2019.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image of me standing on the same boulder was taken by my photographer on May 19, 2019. It’s easy to see some of the changes that were made in the past five years.</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/BIRTHSITE-1.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43743" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIRTHSITE-1.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIRTHSITE-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIRTHSITE-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIRTHSITE-1.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIRTHSITE-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIRTHSITE-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When James Garfield was born here on November 19, 1831, his mother said of her newborn son, “The largest Babe I ever had, he looked like a red Irishman.” Not only did the future President weigh ten pounds at birth, but he also had a massive head and torso with short, stubby legs.</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-6.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43744" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-6.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-6.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-6.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-6.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-6.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GARFIELD-6.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Did the future President learn to walk on the same spot where I’m standing in this photo. Or was this area where he learned to read at the age of three. One thing was for certain, the spirt of James Abram Garfield was very evident at this site and I believe he kept me from tipping over amongst the wet leaves and foliage. </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/REECE-AT-BIRTHSITE.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-43748" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REECE-AT-BIRTHSITE.jpg?w=1800&ssl=1 1800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REECE-AT-BIRTHSITE.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REECE-AT-BIRTHSITE.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REECE-AT-BIRTHSITE.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REECE-AT-BIRTHSITE.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/REECE-AT-BIRTHSITE.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reese curbed her enthusiasm for a moment to pose at her first-ever Presidential site. Although she looked cute as a button at the Garfield birth site, Reese waited for our visit to Hiram College before she brought out the “heavy artillery” of cuteness she had saved for our host, Tim Garfield.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">When Tom placed me in the leaf-filled vegetation within the outline of the cabin site, I was immediately overcome by where I was standing. For it was here where young James first learned to walk at nine months of age; and a month later, the boy was climbing ladders. Garfield was intelligently advanced; so much so, in fact, the lad was reading as a three-year-old. In comparison, President Andrew Johnson was married before he could read. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Fatherless before the age of two, James Garfield grew up in poverty and his early childhood on the farm was anything but easy – even though his mother, Eliza, did her best to coddle her son. Off the farm, however, it was a completely different story. Garfield once recalled, “I was made the ridicule and sport of boys that had father and enjoyed the luxuries of life.” </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">I looked at the land surrounding me and it was easy to see the accident-prone youngster cutting himself with an axe as he chopped-down a tree or falling on his face while doing his chores. And when the teenager’s dreams of becoming a sailor were dashed when the boy fell overboard fourteen times while working on the canal, that might have a been a blessing in disguise. One day, Garfield became ill with a fever and returned home to get better – all with the goal of someday making it to the sea. That was when Eliza stepped in, and with the help of a local teacher, convinced James to resume his education instead.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">While James A. Garfield never had a chance to excel in the White House and was, quite frankly, most famous for being the first President after Abraham Lincoln to be assassinated, it was his rags-to-riches story that intrigued me the most. Unlike JFK, the two Roosevelts, and Donald Trump, who were all born with silver spoons in their mouths, Garfield used his gifted mind, unwavering integrity, and impeccable work ethic to rise up from the ashes of poverty and climb the political ladder to the White House after a heroic stint in the Civil War.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Although it had been an incredible experience for Tom and me to revisit the birth site of President Garfield, the moment was made even more special when we saw the enthusiasm, excitement, and passion on Reese’s face. Although Tom celebrated his August 19th birthday by taking his ten-year-old granddaughter to Henry Ford Museum where the ten-year-old got a close-up look at Lincoln’s rocking chair from Ford’s Theater, JFK’s limo from Dallas, and Rosa Parks bus, the Garfield Birth Site Park was her first-ever actual Presidential site. During our entire visit, I thought Reese would need plastic surgery to remove the huge ear-to-ear grin from her face.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">I laughed to myself when I heard Reese say to her grandfather as we made our way back to the Jeep, “Papa, this place was really cool.” Tom replied, “Reesey, you ain’t seen nothing yet. The birth site was good, but all you really saw was a huge boulder and a replica log cabin. Of the four places you’re going to visit in the next day or so, this will be the least impressive of them all. Everything else will blow you away!”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Once we had returned to the Jeep, the four us were ready to make the 24-mile journey to Hiram, Ohio where we had an eleven o’clock appointment with history. Hiram College was where James Garfield had once lived, learned, loved, lectured and left his legacy. I couldn’t wait to stand in his footsteps, and I was definitely antsy to meet the President’s flesh-and-blood legacy as well. That’s right, Tom, Vicki, Reese, and I were about to shake hands with the President’s great-great grandson. And to think, I never imagined anything could top the moment when Congresswoman Lisa McClain kissed me on the nose inside the Capitol Building. But now, I was about to meet a Garfield. Tim Garfield, that is!</p> <p></p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://eyesofjefferson.com/316-in-moreland-hills-i-found-peace-with-reese-at-the-start-of-our-life-of-garfield-tour/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>6</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43730</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>