<?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>National Treasure: Book of Secrets – THROUGH THE EYES OF JEFFERSON</title> <atom:link href="https://eyesofjefferson.com/tag/national-treasure-book-of-secrets/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://eyesofjefferson.com</link> <description>Presidential site adventures as told by a bobble head</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:35:23 +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>268: HOBNOBBIN’ WITH A LITTLE STYLE, GRACE, AND SILENT CAL IN CUSTER STATE PARK</title> <link>https://eyesofjefferson.com/268-hobnobbin-with-a-little-style-grace-and-silent-cal-in-custer-state-park/</link> <comments>https://eyesofjefferson.com/268-hobnobbin-with-a-little-style-grace-and-silent-cal-in-custer-state-park/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Thomas Watson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:05:33 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[American bison]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Begging Burros]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bumbleberry pie]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Calvin Coolidge]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cathedral Spires]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Coolidge Summer White House]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Custer South Dakota]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Custer State Park]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dwight D. Eisenhower]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Grace Coolidge]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hood Tunnel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mule deer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[National Treasure: Book of Secrets]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Needles Eye Tunnel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Needles Highway]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Purple Pie Place]]></category> <category><![CDATA[State Game Lodge]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sylvan Lake]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson bobble head]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wildlife Loop Road]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyesofjefferson.com/?p=20053</guid> <description><![CDATA[For the first time since we left Michigan ten days earlier, my photographer and his wife, Vicki, didn’t wake up to an alarm clock. Tom figured the three of us needed a more-relaxed day, which he figured would be spent…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">For the first time since we left Michigan ten days earlier, my photographer and his wife, Vicki, didn’t wake up to an alarm clock. Tom figured the three of us needed a more-relaxed day, which he figured would be spent driving, climbing, and hiking in and around Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It was roughly 9:15am on Sunday September 17, 2023 when we finally left the Mountain View Lodge near Hill City. After Tom carefully placed me on the backseat of the van, I had one thing, and one thing only, on my mind – I couldn’t wait to see the State Game Lodge, which served as President Calvin Coolidge’s Summer White House in 1927. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Surprisingly, Tom didn’t seem to have a well-laid out plan for Custer State Park. I made that discovery when I heard him tell Vicki we were just going to “wing it” for the day. My photographer also said besides the State Game Lodge, he didn’t know what to expect in the park except for the beautiful scenery and its abundance of wild critters.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">At a few minutes before ten o’clock, Vicki navigated the van onto Needles Highway – which was a 14-mile stretch of winding and twisting two-lane paved road that bisected the center of Custer State Park. We visited Sylvan Lake, which we found out later was the film location for a memorable scene in the 2007 movie ‘National Treasure: Book of Secrets’. After we spent time in and around the famed Needles Tunnel, the three of us made our way to a very scenic area named Cathedral Spires. Finally, at the end of the Needles Highway, my photographer’s wife drove us to the promised land where I got the chance to visit the Summer White House of President Calvin Coolidge. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="800" height="557" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-9.jpg?resize=800%2C557&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20056" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-9.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-9.jpg?resize=300%2C209&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-9.jpg?resize=1024%2C713&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-9.jpg?resize=768%2C534&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-9.jpg?resize=1536%2C1069&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-9.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our first point of interest along the Needles Highway came when Vicki drove through Hood Tunnel, which at 10′ 6″ wide, was the widest of the three tunnels along that highway. However, the Hood Tunnel was also the smallest, with a height of only 9′ 10″ tall.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="800" height="573" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-1.jpg?resize=800%2C573&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20058" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-1.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-1.jpg?resize=300%2C215&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C734&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-1.jpg?resize=768%2C550&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1100&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tom set me in the magic waters of Sylvan Lake, which was created in 1891 when a dam was built across Sunday Gulch Creek.</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="800" height="500" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-10.jpg?resize=800%2C500&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20059" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-10.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-10.jpg?resize=300%2C188&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-10.jpg?resize=1024%2C640&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-10.jpg?resize=768%2C480&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-10.jpg?resize=1536%2C960&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-10.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">It turned out Sylvan Lake was also used for a scene in one of my photographer’s favorite movies – ‘National Treasure: Book of Secrets’.</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="335" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NAT-TREAS-2.jpg?resize=800%2C335&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20076" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NAT-TREAS-2.jpg?w=1366&ssl=1 1366w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NAT-TREAS-2.jpg?resize=300%2C126&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NAT-TREAS-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C429&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NAT-TREAS-2.jpg?resize=768%2C322&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In this scene from ‘National Treasure: Book of Secrets’, Ben Gates (foreground) had just activated the mechanism which opened the secret passage behind Mount Rushmore. The area where we hiked can be seen in the background across Sylvan Lake.</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/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-11.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20061" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-11.jpg?w=1133&ssl=1 1133w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-11.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-11.jpg?resize=682%2C1024&ssl=1 682w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-11.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-11.jpg?resize=1024%2C1536&ssl=1 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I wanted to surrender my hand to the heart of the warrior, like Benjamin Gates did in the movie. But unfortunately, I wasn’t standing anywhere near the precise spot where that scene was filmed. </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="569" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-47.jpg?resize=800%2C569&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20060" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-47.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-47.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-47.jpg?resize=1024%2C729&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-47.jpg?resize=768%2C547&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-47.jpg?resize=1536%2C1093&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-47.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In the movie, Sylvan Lake appeared to be directly behind Mount Rushmore, when it was actually located fifteen miles southwest of the historic landmark.</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="539" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-13.jpg?resize=800%2C539&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20062" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-13.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-13.jpg?resize=300%2C202&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-13.jpg?resize=1024%2C690&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-13.jpg?resize=768%2C517&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-13.jpg?resize=1536%2C1035&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-13.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Although we didn’t see Ben, Abigail, or Riley near Sylvan Lake, we did see a guy in a kayak as he enjoyed the calm waters. </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="1049" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-12.jpg?resize=800%2C1049&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20063" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-12.jpg?w=1296&ssl=1 1296w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-12.jpg?resize=229%2C300&ssl=1 229w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-12.jpg?resize=781%2C1024&ssl=1 781w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-12.jpg?resize=768%2C1007&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-12.jpg?resize=1171%2C1536&ssl=1 1171w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The three of us caught an up-close glimpse of a young mule deer as it foraged for food in the brush.</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="678" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-NEEDLES.jpg?resize=800%2C678&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20072" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-NEEDLES.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-NEEDLES.jpg?resize=300%2C254&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-NEEDLES.jpg?resize=1024%2C867&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-NEEDLES.jpg?resize=768%2C651&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-NEEDLES.jpg?resize=1536%2C1301&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-NEEDLES.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When Vicki parked near the entrance to the Needles Eye Tunnel, Tom placed me on the edge of a barricade at a scenic overlook. At that moment, I wondered why he puts me in such perilous situations.</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="807" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-15.jpg?resize=800%2C807&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20064" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-15.jpg?w=1686&ssl=1 1686w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-15.jpg?resize=298%2C300&ssl=1 298w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-15.jpg?resize=1016%2C1024&ssl=1 1016w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-15.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-15.jpg?resize=768%2C774&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-15.jpg?resize=1523%2C1536&ssl=1 1523w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-15.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tom placed me on the van’s dashboard as Vicki threaded the needle. That’s right – we were headed through Custer State Park’s famous Needles Eye Tunnel, where motorists were forced to take turns going through the opening from both directions.</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/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-17.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20065" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-17.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-17.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-17.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-17.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-17.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-17.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">My photographer, Vicki, and I had this spectacular view of the tunnel from the Needles Highway Scenic Overlook. The Needles Eye Tunnel is in the distance just to my left.</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="549" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-18.jpg?resize=800%2C549&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20066" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-18.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-18.jpg?resize=300%2C206&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-18.jpg?resize=1024%2C703&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-18.jpg?resize=768%2C527&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-18.jpg?resize=1536%2C1054&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-18.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">At the Needles Highway Scenic Overlook, the three of us also had this view of the rocky hillside above us.</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/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-19.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20067" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-19.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-19.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-19.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-19.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-19.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-19.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One of the more breathtaking vantage points of the day came when Tom carried me up a short path at the Cathedral Spires pullout.</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/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-20.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20068" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-20.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-20.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-20.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-20.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-20.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-20.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As I stood in amazement while looking at the Cathedral Spires, it was difficult to imagine anything more spectacular in nature.</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/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-21.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20069" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-21.jpg?w=1133&ssl=1 1133w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-21.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-21.jpg?resize=682%2C1024&ssl=1 682w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-21.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-21.jpg?resize=1024%2C1536&ssl=1 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I didn’t know what to expect at Custer State Park, but it surely didn’t disappoint.</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="619" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-22.jpg?resize=800%2C619&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20070" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-22.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-22.jpg?resize=300%2C232&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-22.jpg?resize=1024%2C793&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-22.jpg?resize=768%2C595&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-22.jpg?resize=1536%2C1189&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-22.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">On the road to the State Game Lodge, we saw a lone American bison resting in a field.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">At roughly 12:45pm, Vicki pulled our van into the parking lot of the historic State Game Lodge. The large stone and wood hotel was built between 1919 and 1922 and is located on the eastside of the 71,000-acre park, roughly 13 miles east of Custer, South Dakota. Upon first glance, I was very impressed by the historic hotel – especially when Tom photographed me standing in the same places around the exterior where Calvin and Grace Coolidge had posed in 1927 during their summer-long stay. As you know by now, I love standing in the footsteps of our Presidents. There was also an unexpected surprise – it turned out President Dwight Eisenhower had resided at the State Game Lodge during his week-long visit in 1953.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">President and Mrs. Coolidge, along with their entourage, came to the Black Hills to escape the scorching heat of the swamp – otherwise known as Washington D.C. Known as a man of few words, Coolidge was deemed as a person who disliked most everything, and it was written by reporters that his primary feat was to sleep more than any other President in history. The Coolidge’s had vacationed on the Massachusetts’ shore in 1925, and a year later, they travelled to the Adirondack Mountains in New York for the summer. In 1927, Cal was resolved to vacation somewhere “West of the Allegheny’s and East of the Rockies.” The political leaders of South Dakota, including the Governor and Senators, talked Coolidge into staying in their state as a way to promote tourism in the Black Hills. In their pitch to the President, they boasted of lofty peaks, magnificent forests, sparkling streams and an “ideal” climate. They also mentioned the area was splendid for fishing, golf, polo and tennis. The biggest concern Coolidge had for the visit was whether or not the flies and mosquitos were bad; claiming: “The last place we went, they nearly pestered me to death.” The other aspect the President hoped to avoid was crowds as he became annoyed easily when people gathered and gawked at him. Sounds to me like Calvin Coolidge was high maintenance, which reminded me of my photographer.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">When the President and First Lady arrived on June 16, 1927, they had the entire State Game Lodge to themselves – along with their collies, Rob Roy and Prudence Prim; Grace’s pet racoon, Rebecca, who lived in a wicker basket; and five canaries. The Secret Service and other staff members resided in nearby cabins. Coolidge also had set up a formal office for himself and other officials at the Rapid City High School. Throughout his extended stay, the President made visits to Indian reservations, mines, farmers’ picnics, county fairs, church socials, and rodeos. Coolidge also relished the area’s climate – he professed to feeling healthier while he enjoyed a great deal of fishing. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The most surprising event during Calvin Coolidge’s stay in the Black Hills came on August 2nd when he met with reporters at his office in Rapid City. The visit at Custer State Park had gone better than the President could have ever imagined, and he felt healthier than he had in years. When all of the members of the press arrived, Coolidge handed each reporter a slip of paper, of which was typed a single line: “I do not choose to run for President in nineteen twenty-eight.” For a moment, the reporters sat in stunned silence. Then someone asked Coolidge if he had anything else to add. The President said “No”, and he walked out of the room. Silent Cal was a man of few words.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">On August 10th, the President rode horseback with his entourage to Mount Rushmore, sporting the boots and 10-gallon hat given to him by local residents. Even though Coolidge did his best to limit his public appearances during his vacation, the President went to Mount Rushmore to help preside over the dedication of the mountain-carving project led by Gutzon Borglum. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Before the President presented Borglum with six steel drill bits which the artist could use to start carving the mountain, Coolidge delivered a dedication speech: “We have come here to dedicate a cornerstone laid by the hand of the Almighty. The union of these four Presidents carved on the face of the everlasting Black Hills of South Dakota will be distinctly American in its conception, in its magnitude, in its meaning. No one can look upon it without realizing it is a picture of hope fulfilled. Its location will be significant. Here in the heart of the continent, on the side of a mountain which probably no white man had ever beheld in the days of Washington; in territory acquired by the action of Jefferson; which remained unbroken wilderness beyond the days of Lincoln; which was especially loved by Roosevelt.”</p> <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/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-6.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20088" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-6.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-6.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-6.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-6.jpg?resize=768%2C576&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-6.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-6.jpg?resize=120%2C90&ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-6.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Welcome to the State Game Lodge, located in Custer State Park in South Dakota. President Coolidge used the lodge as his Summer White House from June 16th to the early part of September 1927.</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="623" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD-3.jpg?resize=800%2C623&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20098" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD-3.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD-3.jpg?resize=300%2C233&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C797&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD-3.jpg?resize=768%2C598&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD-3.jpg?resize=1536%2C1195&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD-3.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">On the lawn in front of the State Game Lodge, a local Boy Scout presented President Coolidge with a saddled horse.</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="1136" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-27.jpg?resize=800%2C1136&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20095" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-27.jpg?w=1197&ssl=1 1197w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-27.jpg?resize=211%2C300&ssl=1 211w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-27.jpg?resize=721%2C1024&ssl=1 721w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-27.jpg?resize=768%2C1091&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-27.jpg?resize=1082%2C1536&ssl=1 1082w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing near the spot where Calvin Coolidge stood in 1927 when he was photographed wearing ridiculous-looking cowboy attire – including a$$less chaps. </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/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD.jpg?resize=800%2C1200&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20096" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD.jpg?w=980&ssl=1 980w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">With his wife Grace beside him, President Coolidge posed for photographers as he donned the cowboy attire which was gifted to him by local residents. If Silent Cal wanted to maintain a low profile in South Dakota, he certainly missed the mark by wearing that outfit.</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="581" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-5.jpg?resize=800%2C581&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20089" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-5.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-5.jpg?resize=300%2C218&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-5.jpg?resize=1024%2C743&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-5.jpg?resize=768%2C557&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-5.jpg?resize=1536%2C1115&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-5.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">It was near this spot, directly behind me, where President Calvin Coolidge was photographed in 1927 with a large group of people – including the governor of Wyoming.</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="575" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD-2.jpg?resize=800%2C575&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20090" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD-2.jpg?w=800&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD-2.jpg?resize=300%2C216&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COOLIDGE-SD-2.jpg?resize=768%2C552&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Even though Coolidge had removed his cowboy attire for this June 13, 1927 image, he still wore the ten-gallon cowboy hat as he stood alongside Wyoming Governor Frank R. Emerson.</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="606" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-25.jpg?resize=800%2C606&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20093" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-25.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-25.jpg?resize=300%2C227&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-25.jpg?resize=1024%2C776&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-25.jpg?resize=768%2C582&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-25.jpg?resize=1536%2C1164&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-25.jpg?resize=120%2C90&ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-25.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I can’t forget about First Lady Grace Coolidge, who sat here with one of her dogs for a photograph during her stay at the State Game Lodge. </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="543" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GRACE-COOLIDGE.jpg?resize=800%2C543&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20094" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GRACE-COOLIDGE.jpg?w=1000&ssl=1 1000w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GRACE-COOLIDGE.jpg?resize=300%2C204&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GRACE-COOLIDGE.jpg?resize=768%2C521&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grace Coolidge sat alongside the State Game Lodge steps with her dog Prudence Prim.</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="559" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-33.jpg?resize=800%2C559&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20097" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-33.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-33.jpg?resize=300%2C210&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-33.jpg?resize=1024%2C716&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-33.jpg?resize=768%2C537&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-33.jpg?resize=1536%2C1073&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-33.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">No matter where Tom carried me near the exterior of the State Game Lodge, it felt as though Calvin and Grace Coolidge were there with me. I was happy Tom didn’t force me to wear a$$less chaps.</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/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-3.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20087" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-3.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-3.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-3.jpg?resize=768%2C576&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-3.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-3.jpg?resize=120%2C90&ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-3.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">During my time at the State Game Lodge, I focused most of my attention on Calvin Coolidge. However, the sign near the front entrance reminded me that President Dwight Eisenhower stayed in the lodge for a week in June 1953.</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="460" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IKE-SD.jpg?resize=800%2C460&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20101" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IKE-SD.jpg?w=1000&ssl=1 1000w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IKE-SD.jpg?resize=300%2C173&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IKE-SD.jpg?resize=768%2C442&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">During his stay, President Eisenhower received gifts on the stone porch of the State Game Lodge.</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/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-7.jpg?resize=800%2C1067&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20102" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-7.jpg?w=1275&ssl=1 1275w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-7.jpg?resize=225%2C300&ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-7.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-7.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&ssl=1 1152w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Let’s take a look inside the State Game Lodge where two Presidents had once relaxed, entertained, and dined.</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="592" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-31-1.jpg?resize=800%2C592&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20107" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-31-1.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-31-1.jpg?resize=300%2C222&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-31-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C758&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-31-1.jpg?resize=768%2C568&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-31-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1137&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-31-1.jpg?resize=120%2C90&ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-31-1.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I’m standing on the fireplace in the living room of the State Game Lodge. I imagined President Coolidge seated on the sofa while he read a newspaper. Suddenly, Coolidge looked up at the fireplace and noticed me standing there – nearly as silent as he was.</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="1011" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-32.jpg?resize=800%2C1011&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20104" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-32.jpg?w=1345&ssl=1 1345w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-32.jpg?resize=237%2C300&ssl=1 237w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-32.jpg?resize=810%2C1024&ssl=1 810w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-32.jpg?resize=768%2C971&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-32.jpg?resize=1215%2C1536&ssl=1 1215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I was basking in the glory of the Presidents during my time inside the lodge. There’s no doubt in my mind, both Coolidge and Eisenhower saw this fireplace during their stays.</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="563" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-28.jpg?resize=800%2C563&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20105" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-28.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-28.jpg?resize=300%2C211&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-28.jpg?resize=1024%2C720&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-28.jpg?resize=768%2C540&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-28.jpg?resize=1536%2C1081&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-28.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">My photographer and I were informed the dining area behind me was used by Calvin Coolidge during his three-month stay in 1927.</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="1211" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-29.jpg?resize=800%2C1211&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20106" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-29.jpg?w=1123&ssl=1 1123w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-29.jpg?resize=198%2C300&ssl=1 198w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-29.jpg?resize=676%2C1024&ssl=1 676w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-29.jpg?resize=768%2C1163&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-29.jpg?resize=1015%2C1536&ssl=1 1015w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There were seven original lodge rooms in the upper level of the State Game Lodge. Calvin Coolidge slept there, and so did Ike – but not together. President Coolidge and his wife stayed in Room 37, which consisted of two separate rooms and still boasts the original desk used by Coolidge. Twenty-six years later, Eisenhower spent his week-long stay in Room 36.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Following our photoshoot near the exterior of the State Game Lodge, Tom carried me inside where I posed in the living area, and then outside of both President’s second-story rooms. My photographer tried to gain access to Coolidge’s room, but he was told the room was occupied and there was no way we’d be able to see the interior. Even though the two of us were disappointed, mainly because the original desk the President had used was still inside the room, we understood the reasoning. There was one thing I knew for certain – Tom will make sure the three of us have reservations for that room during our next visit to the Black Hills.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It was 1:30pm when my two companions decided to have their main meal of the day in the State Game Lodge dining room. While it wasn’t the same dining area used by the Coolidge’s in 1927, it was nonetheless a very elegant eating area. For the next 45 minutes, I had the pleasure of watching my photographer stuff his face at the lodge’s all-you-can-eat buffet – which included chili made with buffalo meat. Let me tell you, that moment was reminiscent of when John “Bluto” Blutarsky ate his lunch at Faber College in the 1978 movie ‘Animal House’.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">When we left the Calvin Coolidge Summer White House behind, I couldn’t believe what I heard come from the “Blutographer’s” mouth – and no, it wasn’t a belch. Out of nowhere, Tom said to his wife: “Let’s drive into Custer and get some pie. I met a guy in the hotel lobby this morning and he said the best rhubarb pie in the world comes from the Purple Pie Place in Custer. And as luck would have it, I’ve saved some room for a little slice of pie heaven.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Thirteen miles later, after we cut through the heart of Custer State Park, the three of us arrived in front of a bright purple, two-story building located on the western side of Custer, South Dakota. When the Purple Pie Place originally opened in 1981, it sold roughly four pies per day. But four decades and four owners later, the P³ sells an average of 100 to 150 pies each day during the summer and fall. Even though Tom had no intention of buying a slice of rhubarb pie, which is what the place is most famous for, my photographer did order a slice of bumbleberry pie à la mode; while Vicki stayed with a more traditional piece of cherry pie, with no ice cream. I had to admit – the bumbleberry pie and vanilla ice cream looked so scrumptious I wanted Tom to smear a gob onto my painted lips. Then I realized – he didn’t get that fat by sharing his pie with a 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="1067" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PURPLE-PIE-PLACE-2.jpg?resize=800%2C1067&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20118" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PURPLE-PIE-PLACE-2.jpg?w=1275&ssl=1 1275w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PURPLE-PIE-PLACE-2.jpg?resize=225%2C300&ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PURPLE-PIE-PLACE-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PURPLE-PIE-PLACE-2.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&ssl=1 1152w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Purple Pie Place in Custer, South Dakota featured lunch, dinner, ice cream, and the best homemade pie in the world.</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="574" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PURPLE-PIE-PLACE.jpg?resize=800%2C574&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20119" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PURPLE-PIE-PLACE.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PURPLE-PIE-PLACE.jpg?resize=300%2C215&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PURPLE-PIE-PLACE.jpg?resize=1024%2C734&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PURPLE-PIE-PLACE.jpg?resize=768%2C551&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PURPLE-PIE-PLACE.jpg?resize=1536%2C1101&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PURPLE-PIE-PLACE.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This was Tom’s bumbleberry pie à la mode, but unfortunately, he didn’t let me get anywhere near his little slice of heaven.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">I laughed to myself as I watched my two companions struggle to get into the van. At one point, I thought my photographer might explode – which would have covered the entire town of Custer in bumbleberry pie, ice cream, and some hour-old chili.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">One of the aspects of Custer State Park that Vicki wanted to experience the most was wild animals, and up to that point, all we saw was one tired buffalo and a lone mule deer. But that all changed when Tom guided us towards a section of the park known as the Wildlife Loop Road – which was eighteen miles of paved roadway through open grasslands and pine-speckled hills where much of Custer State Park’s wildlife call home. We didn’t know for sure which animals we would see at four o’clock in the afternoon, but our eyes were pealed for anything walking on four legs – or on two legs if a Sasquatch was there.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">While the park’s brochure boasted of a countless number of wild bison, pronghorn, whitetail and mule deer, elk, coyotes, burros, prairie dogs, eagles, and hawks, the animal population must’ve had that Sunday afternoon off. For nearly two hours, the only critters we encountered was a couple of bison herds and a group of fairly tame, free-range, burros – which were affectionately known as the “begging burros” because they’re known to mooch food from passing motorists. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="688" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-39.jpg?resize=800%2C688&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20120" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-39.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-39.jpg?resize=300%2C258&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-39.jpg?resize=1024%2C881&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-39.jpg?resize=768%2C660&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-39.jpg?resize=1536%2C1321&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-39.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A herd of wild bison along the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park.</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="644" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-40.jpg?resize=800%2C644&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20121" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-40.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-40.jpg?resize=300%2C241&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-40.jpg?resize=1024%2C824&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-40.jpg?resize=768%2C618&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-40.jpg?resize=1536%2C1236&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-40.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The first bison we saw on the “Loop” stayed quite a distance from us.</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="897" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-37.jpg?resize=800%2C897&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20122" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-37.jpg?w=892&ssl=1 892w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-37.jpg?resize=268%2C300&ssl=1 268w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-37.jpg?resize=768%2C861&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">However, one rogue bison was situated near a fence when Tom photographed 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="522" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-42.jpg?resize=800%2C522&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20123" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-42.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-42.jpg?resize=300%2C196&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-42.jpg?resize=1024%2C668&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-42.jpg?resize=768%2C501&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-42.jpg?resize=1536%2C1002&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-42.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Then we came to the area of the park where we saw the “Begging Burros”. </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="553" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-44.jpg?resize=800%2C553&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20124" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-44.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-44.jpg?resize=300%2C208&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-44.jpg?resize=1024%2C708&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-44.jpg?resize=768%2C531&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-44.jpg?resize=1536%2C1063&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-44.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Some of the wild burros kept their distance from the tourists.</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="560" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-43.jpg?resize=800%2C560&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20125" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-43.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-43.jpg?resize=300%2C210&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-43.jpg?resize=1024%2C717&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-43.jpg?resize=768%2C538&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-43.jpg?resize=1536%2C1075&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-43.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">While others wanted their piece of the pie – bumbleberry pie!</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="541" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-45.jpg?resize=800%2C541&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20126" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-45.jpg?w=1700&ssl=1 1700w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-45.jpg?resize=300%2C203&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-45.jpg?resize=1024%2C692&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-45.jpg?resize=768%2C519&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-45.jpg?resize=1536%2C1038&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-45.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">We encountered one last bison as it walked along a section of grasslands.</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="1169" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-46.jpg?resize=800%2C1169&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-20127" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-46.jpg?w=1163&ssl=1 1163w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-46.jpg?resize=205%2C300&ssl=1 205w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-46.jpg?resize=701%2C1024&ssl=1 701w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-46.jpg?resize=768%2C1123&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CUSTER-PARK-46.jpg?resize=1051%2C1536&ssl=1 1051w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Then it turned and charged towards my photographer and me – almost as though it caught a whiff of pie.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Even though we saw some bison and burros, the time we spent on the Wildlife Loop Road turned into a huge disappointment. We had hoped to see some animals with claws, or long antlers, or perhaps even a critter with very big feet, but that never happened. </p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The sun was very low on the western horizon when we returned to the Mountain View Lodge at roughly 6:45pm. After my photographer struggled to get up the stairs and into our room, he collapsed in his bed seconds after he placed me alongside the television set. I knew my two companions were exhausted, and it didn’t take long before they were fast asleep.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">I wasn’t sure what was on the following day’s agenda except I knew we had another full day of sightseeing in the Black Hills of South Dakota. In my mind, I hoped we’d see Mount Rushmore again; but I knew that might not set well with Vicki as we had just visited that monument in 2021. But since we were only ten miles from one of the most spectacular and beautiful Presidential sites in the country, how could we not go there? But after that – I didn’t know what to expect; although I did hear Tom tell his wife he didn’t want to revisit the Crazy Horse Memorial again.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">I stood alone in the darkness throughout the night, and for the most part, my mind was filled with the sight of bumbleberry pie. Suddenly, out of nowhere, I envisioned I was standing on a table and holding five playing cards – two black aces, and two black eights; but I couldn’t make out the fifth card. Then I heard what sounded like someone cocking the hammer of a revolver. Was it Booth; or Czolgosz; or Guiteau; or perhaps even John Hinckley, Jr? It turned out to be my wild, wild imagination – likely caused by the aroma of fresh bumbleberry pie. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://eyesofjefferson.com/268-hobnobbin-with-a-little-style-grace-and-silent-cal-in-custer-state-park/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">20053</post-id> </item> <item> <title>101: DISASTER STRIKES AT MOUNT VERNON</title> <link>https://eyesofjefferson.com/101-disaster-strikes-at-mount-vernon/</link> <comments>https://eyesofjefferson.com/101-disaster-strikes-at-mount-vernon/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Thomas Watson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2020 15:00:54 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Benjamin Gates]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fords Theater]]></category> <category><![CDATA[George Washington]]></category> <category><![CDATA[George Washington's dentures]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Greg Reed]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jefferson bobble head]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mount Vernon]]></category> <category><![CDATA[National Treasure: Book of Secrets]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nicholas Cage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Petersen House]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Old Tomb]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thomas Jefferson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Trump International Hotel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Washington Monument]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Washington's death bed]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Washington's tomb]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyesofjefferson.com/?p=5664</guid> <description><![CDATA[During our six-block walk to Ford’s Theater on the afternoon of May 15, 2019, I had plenty of time to think about my experience inside the White House. For the past six years, I’ve stood in the footsteps of all…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">During our six-block walk to Ford’s Theater on the afternoon of May 15, 2019, I had plenty of time to think about my experience inside the White House. For the past six years, I’ve stood in the footsteps of all the Presidents; but usually it’s one or two of them at a time. On that morning, however, I got to stand where 43 different President’s had all been at some point during the 220 years since John Adams moved into that mansion on November 1, 1800. And although George Washington never set foot inside the White House, I knew that later in the day I would be inside his home as well.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It was around 1:00pm when we arrived at Ford’s Theater. The three of us went inside the historic theater to get our admission ticket, but that’s the moment we learned we had wasted our time and efforts to get there – Ford’s Theater was closed due to a performance rehearsal. Although my photographer and Bob were disappointed, they were told that the theater was open to tourists the following morning. I knew that meant we would be in line when the doors opened on Thursday.</p> <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/2020/10/DSC_0591-2.jpg?resize=800%2C571&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5667" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0591-2.jpg?w=5600&ssl=1 5600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0591-2.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0591-2.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0591-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0591-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0591-2.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ford’s Theater as viewed from the Petersen House across the street. A small handful of disappointed tourists sat on the steps of the theater after they were turned away as well.</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/2020/10/DSC_0589-2.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5668" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0589-2.jpg?w=3993&ssl=1 3993w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0589-2.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0589-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0589-2.jpg?resize=731%2C1024&ssl=1 731w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0589-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0589-2.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The boarding house once owned by William A. Petersen and where Abraham Lincoln died on April 15, 1865.</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/2020/10/DSC_0593-2.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5669" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0593-2.jpg?w=3993&ssl=1 3993w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0593-2.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0593-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0593-2.jpg?resize=731%2C1024&ssl=1 731w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0593-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0593-2.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The mortally wounded President was carried up those steps and into a first-floor 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="571" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0595-2.jpg?resize=800%2C571&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5671" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0595-2.jpg?w=5599&ssl=1 5599w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0595-2.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0595-2.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0595-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0595-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0595-2.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">We saw the Trump International Hotel Washington D.C. on our way back to the Acadia. The building was the former Old Post Office and was built in 1899. Donald Trump opened it as a hotel in September 2016; less than two months before his election as 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/2020/10/DSC_0596-2.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5672" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0596-2.jpg?w=2795&ssl=1 2795w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0596-2.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0596-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0596-2.jpg?resize=731%2C1024&ssl=1 731w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0596-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0596-2.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When I saw the marble statue of Benjamin Franklin that stood outside the Trump Hotel, it reminded me of a creepy version of KISS drummer Peter Criss. This eight-foot tall statue of Franklin was dedicated on January 17, 1889.</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/2020/10/DSC08366-3.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5674" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08366-3.jpg?w=2977&ssl=1 2977w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08366-3.jpg?resize=214%2C300&ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08366-3.jpg?resize=768%2C1076&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08366-3.jpg?resize=731%2C1024&ssl=1 731w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08366-3.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08366-3.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As we walked along Constitution Avenue where our vehicle was parked, Tom had me pose with the Washington Monument in the background. This was the first photo of me since my near-death sidewalk incident and it’s obvious my head was still kinked to the right.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Even though I had been to Mount Vernon in 2014, I was excited to return – mainly because it would give me the opportunity to stand inside the home of every President in American history on the same day. I was also looking forward to posing for a photo at the doorway to George Washington’s bedchamber where he had died. While it’s always easier for Tom to capture images of me when photos are allowed, sometimes it’s the thrill of ‘bootleg’ images that helps keep my resin heart pumping faster. I have found it’s better to do the ‘covert operations’ when Bob is with us rather than my photographer’s wife. For some reason, Vicki has always frowned upon some of our tactics.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">By the time we made our way over the Potomac River and finished the 17-mile drive south along the George Washington Memorial Parkway to the plantation home of our first President, it was roughly 2:15pm. Not only did Tom and Bob purchase their tickets to tour Mount Vernon, but they also paid an additional ten dollars for the “National Treasure: Book of Secrets Tour” that would take them to places in and around Mount Vernon where some scenes of the famous Nicholas Cage movie were filmed.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">I was carried along a pathway to Mount Vernon and as soon as the historic mansion came in to view, the three of us were quickly disappointed. Not only was the carriage front of the house covered with scaffolding, but thousands of school children were also scattered everywhere. It appeared as though every grade school in Virginia had scheduled a field trip to Mount Vernon on that day. When we walked around to the river front of the mansion, it looked the same as I had remembered. Luckily for us, there was no scaffolding on that side of the home. Best of all, however, was the school kids were off in the distance chasing a re-enactor who was marching and playing a drum.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="639" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08367-2.jpg?resize=800%2C639&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5678" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08367-2.jpg?w=3822&ssl=1 3822w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08367-2.jpg?resize=300%2C240&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08367-2.jpg?resize=768%2C613&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08367-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C818&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08367-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08367-2.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">My photographer managed to straighten my head for our first photo at Mount Vernon; which was the Washington family bronze statue located near the entrance to the Ford Orientation Center. The statue featured George, Martha and their grandchildren “Nelly” and “Washy”.</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/2020/10/DSC_0603-2.jpg?resize=800%2C571&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5679" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0603-2.jpg?w=5599&ssl=1 5599w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0603-2.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0603-2.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0603-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0603-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0603-2.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">My resin heart sunk when we got to the front gate of Mount Vernon. The entire carriage-side of the mansion was covered in scaffolding. Luckily for my photographer and me, I had posed in 2014 with an unobstructed view of that side of the mansion.</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="522" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0605-3.jpg?resize=800%2C522&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5681" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0605-3.jpg?w=5379&ssl=1 5379w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0605-3.jpg?resize=300%2C196&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0605-3.jpg?resize=768%2C501&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0605-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C668&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0605-3.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0605-3.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Although we were disappointed with the eyesore of the scaffolding, the three of us realized that historic buildings need preventive maintenance every now and then.</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/2020/10/DSC08369-2.jpg?resize=800%2C571&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5682" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08369-2.jpg?w=4134&ssl=1 4134w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08369-2.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08369-2.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08369-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08369-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08369-2.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Even though I looked forward to the ‘National Treasure’ behind-the-scenes tour, I was anxious to get inside the mansion and up to the bedroom of George Washington. That one photo was the main reason for my visit.</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/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-MOUNT-VERNON2.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5683" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-MOUNT-VERNON2.jpg?w=4316&ssl=1 4316w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-MOUNT-VERNON2.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-MOUNT-VERNON2.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-MOUNT-VERNON2.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-MOUNT-VERNON2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-MOUNT-VERNON2.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As I stood on the lawn of the Potomac side of Mount Vernon, I had wondered where Benjamin Gates had stood when he first met the President in the movie ‘National Treasure: Book of Secrets’.</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="523" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/BEN-GATES-2.jpg?resize=800%2C523&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5684" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/BEN-GATES-2.jpg?w=917&ssl=1 917w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/BEN-GATES-2.jpg?resize=300%2C196&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/BEN-GATES-2.jpg?resize=768%2C503&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Benjamin Gates, played by Nicholas Cage, shared a map of Mount Vernon with the President of the United States during his birthday celebration.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">A few minutes before 3:00pm, we met our tour guide for the ‘National Treasure’ part of our Mount Vernon experience at a location called the Mansion Circle. The elderly-yet-stately-looking guide name Greg Reed, who reminded me of Burt Lancaster, gave a brief oral introduction and then led us into the basement beneath the historic mansion. We saw some of the areas below Mount Vernon that were used in the movie; as well as the historic chambers that were recreated for the film. Those chambers led to the secret tunnel that Ben Gates and the President had entered so that Ben could ask about the President’s Secret Book. I thought it was cool to stand in the footsteps of the President, even though it was a movie President who never had a name in the film. We stayed beneath Mount Vernon for about 20 minutes before Greg took us to a couple of other film sites that were located closer to the Potomac River. At one point I heard my photographer tell Mongo that he thought the National Treasure tour was okay, but it wasn’t worth any more money than the extra ten bucks they had spent.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="595" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0613-3.jpg?resize=800%2C595&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5686" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0613-3.jpg?w=4934&ssl=1 4934w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0613-3.jpg?resize=300%2C223&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0613-3.jpg?resize=768%2C571&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0613-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C761&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0613-3.jpg?resize=120%2C90&ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0613-3.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0613-3.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When our time beneath Mount Vernon had ended, we exited out the small door at the end of the sidewalk. The biggest disappointment for my photographer and Mongo was photography was prohibited beneath the 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/2020/10/DSC_0630-2.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5687" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0630-2.jpg?w=5054&ssl=1 5054w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0630-2.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0630-2.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0630-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0630-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0630-2.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mongo and Greg Reed engaged in a question and answer session about the movie ‘National Treasure: Book of Secrets’ and the sites that were filmed at Mount Vernon.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The ‘National Treasure: Book of Secrets’ behind-the-scenes tour lasted a little over 45 minutes and it definitely didn’t knock our socks off; especially my socks, which were held up with Gorilla Glue. When we parted ways with Greg Reed, we were at a location on the property that was close to the tomb of George Washington. At that point of the day, I knew that my photographer’s feet were bothering him again as he struggled to navigate the hilly trails that led to the tomb. But once we made it to the final resting place of George Washington, I waited for the fun to begin. Tom saw an elderly woman who stood sentinel near the brick enclosure and he believed it may have been the same person who he had tangled with in 2014. My photographer quickly approached her and said: “Were you here about five years ago and does this Thomas Jefferson bobble head look familiar? Perhaps you said it was ‘irreverent’ when I asked you to place him on ‘The General’s’ sarcophagus and you were angrily outspoken when I went through the line four times for pictures?” The woman laughed and said it may have been her, but she didn’t remember the event and couldn’t recollect ever seeing me or talking to my photographer. At first I felt a bit sorry for the poor woman as she seemed stunned by the unexpected barrage of questions and accusations. Then after giving it more thought, I knew in my heart that she was the same person who said I was “irreverent” five years earlier. I’m not an advocate for revenge, but that exchange did make me smile on the inside. </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/2020/10/DSC_0637-2.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5692" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0637-2.jpg?w=6000&ssl=1 6000w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0637-2.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0637-2.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0637-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0637-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0637-2.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">My photographer captured an image of Bob Moldenhauer as he snapped a picture of George Washington’s tomb.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">We didn’t stay long at the tomb of George and Martha Washington. With the inner gate closed, there was no way I was going to make it on to the top of ‘The General’s’ sarcophagus anyways. We also needed to stop at the original tomb of George Washington, which was located nearby, before we ended our day with a tour of the mansion. For some unknown reason, the three of us missed the “Old Tomb” during our 2014 visit to Mount Vernon. As we made our way along a pathway to the original tomb, I began to get nervous when I heard my photographer say to Mongo: “I’m going to see if the door to the tomb is open; and if it is, I’m putting Jefferson in there for a picture.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Four days after President Washington died, his casket was placed inside the brick enclosure alongside the bodies of other family members. When Martha Washington died in 1802, she was placed inside the family vault as well. The first First Couple’s bodies remained in the “Old Tomb” until 1831. As I posed alongside the crude brick vault where 22 bodies once laid, I had hoped the wooden door was locked because I didn’t want to be forced inside the creepie old tomb. I’m a ‘team player’ and generally don’t mind my photographer setting me on most anything, but I ‘draw the line’ at going inside a small, dark tomb. Luckily for me, however, an Australian family arrived before Tom could check the vault’s door and before I knew it, we were on the pathway back up to Mount Vernon.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="658" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08372-3.jpg?resize=800%2C658&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5698" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08372-3.jpg?w=3741&ssl=1 3741w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08372-3.jpg?resize=300%2C247&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08372-3.jpg?resize=768%2C632&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08372-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C843&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08372-3.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08372-3.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The original tomb of George Washington; where his body laid four days after his death on December 14, 1799 until it was moved to the new tomb in 1831. When Tom removed me from the camera case near the tomb, we discovered the gash on my left leg had once again broken open. It may have happened during my fall near the White House.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It was roughly 4:30pm when we got in line to tour the Mount Vernon home of George Washington. Tom had strategically made the home tour our final stop as he had one goal; and one goal only; inside the house: To photograph me at the bedroom and near the deathbed of George Washington. My photographer figured if we got caught sneaking the image, we likely would get kicked out of the house and asked to leave the property.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Immediately after I was carried into the New Room, it became evident that we were not escorted by a tour guide. Instead, interpreters dressed in period clothing were stationed in each room; they not only described items in the room, they also answered tourists’ questions. The interior of Mount Vernon was beautiful and had been renovated to appear like it did when The General and Mrs. Washington lived there. After we saw the two parlors, the Old Chamber and then the Dining Room, I was carried up a staircase to the second floor of the mansion. Once we were on that floor, I became very nervous – I could see the entrance to Washington’s bedchamber at the end of the hallway. As Tom slowly carried me past the other rooms to the bedroom where I needed to pose, I thought the three of us we were alone and our ‘covert operation’ would be easily accomplished. That’s the moment when I heard the words: “Welcome to the Washington’s bedchamber. It was in that room and on that bed where General Washington died on December 14, 1799.” An elderly woman, dressed in eighteenth century clothing, sat across the narrow hallway from the bedroom and greeted visitors as they approached Washington’s bedroom. Mongo looked at my photographer; then he smiled and said: “As soon as you’re ready to take the picture, I’ll stand in front and distract her.” I laughed to myself as I had wondered if Bob would attempt to fake a seizure; but instead, he simply walked toward the friendly lady and asked her an impromptu question. While Mongo blocked her view of the room’s entrance by standing on his tip-toes, Tom held me aloft just inside the threshold of George Washington’s bedroom. I was honored to be standing inside that historic room; but at the same time, it felt surreal as I had envisioned that moment since our first visit five years earlier. As my photographer focused on the bed that was covered in a white canopy, I heard the click of the camera. Mission accomplished; and I couldn’t have been more relieved. During my brief time inside the room, I thought about President Washington as he laid in that very bed dying of a serious throat infection. I also knew that the otherwise healthy 67-year old Washington likely didn’t die of quinsy, but instead his three doctors unintentionally killed him by a procedure known as ‘bloodletting’ – a common medical procedure in the eighteenth century. That’s right, George’s doctors bled him to death.</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/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-WASHINGTON-DEATH-BED-BED-CHAMBER.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5699" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-WASHINGTON-DEATH-BED-BED-CHAMBER.jpg?w=4316&ssl=1 4316w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-WASHINGTON-DEATH-BED-BED-CHAMBER.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-WASHINGTON-DEATH-BED-BED-CHAMBER.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-WASHINGTON-DEATH-BED-BED-CHAMBER.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-WASHINGTON-DEATH-BED-BED-CHAMBER.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WASHINGTON-TJ-AT-WASHINGTON-DEATH-BED-BED-CHAMBER.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">It was almost as though I could hear George Washington as he laid in that bed as he talked to his private secretary Tobias Lear. The General instructed Lear to wait three days before his burial because he feared being entombed alive. Washington’s last words were: “‘Tis well”.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Once the photo was successfully captured, the three of us took a moment to stand in silence at the bedchamber entrance to pay tribute to our first President and the Father of our Country. When we were finished at Washington’s bedroom, I was carried down the same staircase that The General used every morning when he awoke between 4 and 5 am. That staircase led to Washington’s personal study; which served as his sanctuary and no one was allowed to enter uninvited. George used the room to read, write, and enter data into his diary. He also bathed, dressed, and kept his clothes there as well.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">It was a few minutes before 5:00pm when we walked out of Mount Vernon and into the heat of the late afternoon sun. That tour of Washington’s home couldn’t have gone any better; and I had Bob Moldenhauer to thank for our success. As we headed for the Acadia, I heard my photographer say that he wanted to stop at the museum to see and photograph George Washington’s dentures that were there on display. It was a long hike along the gravel pathway to the museum and Tom struggled with each agonizing step. It had been a long day of sightseeing, and the bottom of his feet were in terrible pain; caused primarily from him walking in wet socks and shoes at Shadwell and Monticello a few days earlier. But once we entered the Donald W. Reynolds Museum, the bounce in his step returned and we headed directly to the display case that featured a pair of Washington’s dentures. </p> <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/2020/10/DSC_0649-2.jpg?resize=800%2C571&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5703" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0649-2.jpg?w=2755&ssl=1 2755w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0649-2.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0649-2.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0649-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0649-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0649-2.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">George Washington’s dentures that were on display in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum at Mount Vernon. Contrary to popular myth, Washington’s teeth were not made of wood. During his lifetime, Washington owned and used four sets of dentures.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">I was shocked when I saw George Washington’s dentures; they looked like a prop from a horror film. There was no doubt that the ill-fitting contraption that went into the first President’s mouth was not only painful; the false teeth were also very unsightly. And contrary to popular belief and myth, George’s teeth were not made of wood. Instead, some of the false teeth may have been fashioned from hippopotamus ivory; although new studies have determined that Washington likely purchased teeth from some enslaved people and their teeth were fastened to the spring-loaded metal apparatus.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Tom wanted me to pose near the dentures, but the lighting and the large display case made photography difficult. After he captured several images of me with the teeth, Tom began to place me back inside the camera case when Mongo approached with an ingenious idea. Bob said that he could hold me up behind the clear case and my camera guy would be able to photograph me standing over the teeth. The idea worked to perfection – Tom got into position, Bob carefully held me up from behind the display case, while at the same time he stayed hidden from view. I wanted to smile for the photo, mainly to show that my resin teeth looked better than George’s choppers, but my lips were painted shut. </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/2020/10/DSC08379-2.jpg?resize=800%2C572&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5704" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08379-2.jpg?w=3713&ssl=1 3713w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08379-2.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08379-2.jpg?resize=768%2C549&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08379-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08379-2.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC08379-2.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Even though my lips were sealed, I knew my resin teeth looked better than the ones behind me. Washington’s choppers were actually scary to look at; no wonder George was never painted with a smile on his face.</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/2020/10/DSC_0651-3.jpg?resize=800%2C571&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5705" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0651-3.jpg?w=2491&ssl=1 2491w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0651-3.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0651-3.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0651-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0651-3.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0651-3.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bob Moldenhauer carefully held me up as I peered over the dentures once worn by George Washington. Moments after I saw the light from the camera’s flash, everything went dark.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">About a minute after I saw the light from the flash of Tom’s camera, Bob attempted to squat down as my photographer wanted to capture a second image. Suddenly, I couldn’t feel Mongo’s fingers around my legs, and I knew I was in a free-fall towards the marble floor. It was the same feeling I had earlier in the day on the sidewalk near the White House; only this time everything went black. My photographer has to explain what happened to me from that moment on.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><em>Just as I got in position to capture a second image, Jefferson suddenly disappeared, and I heard a loud ‘clunk’ on the marble floor. That was immediately followed by the voice of Mongo yelling: “No. Tom, no. Oh no.” I walked around to the back of the display case, and although I wasn’t sure what I would find, I didn’t think it would be good. And I was right – I saw TJ’s twisted, headless body lying on the hard floor, while his head was on its side roughly four-feet from the body. Bob stood up and kept apologizing over and over: “Tom, I’m so sorry. Please don’t hate me for dropping him; it just slipped out of my fingers. I know how much that bobble head means to you and how many miles it’s travelled and now it’s destroyed. I’m so sorry.” I reassured Mongo that he hadn’t dropped it on purpose and that I thought I could surgically repair him; although when I picked up the pieces, I realized ‘Humpty Dumpty’ might not get put back together again. His head was severed cleanly from the neck; which was the lesser of the damage. Both of Jefferson’s legs were badly shattered; his left leg (which had been damaged in the past) was twisted and totally detached just above the ankle. His right thigh was also badly broken just above the knee and I could see the stainless steel skeleton through the gash in TJ’s black painted pants. The initial prognosis seemed dismal at best and I realized at that moment our Presidential journey might be over. If Thomas Jefferson was truly dead, he would not be replaced with a replica. As sad as I was with the thought that our quest had come to an end, Mongo was even more distraught. Bob had travelled with us to many Presidential sites and he had not only grown fond of the bobble head, Mongo also realized that Jefferson had opened some doors for us that might otherwise have stayed closed. </em></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="962" src="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/MOUNT-VERNON-HEADLESS-JEFFERSON.jpg?resize=800%2C962&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-5706" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/MOUNT-VERNON-HEADLESS-JEFFERSON.jpg?w=2168&ssl=1 2168w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/MOUNT-VERNON-HEADLESS-JEFFERSON.jpg?resize=250%2C300&ssl=1 250w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/MOUNT-VERNON-HEADLESS-JEFFERSON.jpg?resize=768%2C923&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/MOUNT-VERNON-HEADLESS-JEFFERSON.jpg?resize=852%2C1024&ssl=1 852w, https://i0.wp.com/eyesofjefferson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/MOUNT-VERNON-HEADLESS-JEFFERSON.jpg?w=1600&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">My photographer captured this image after my tragic fall near George Washington’s dentures. I didn’t care about all the king’s horses or all the king’s men, my only chance of survival was whether or not Tom could put me together again.</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><em>I carefully placed the pieces of Jefferson into the camera case and we solemnly made our way to the parking lot. During the 12.5-mile drive from Mount Vernon to the Days Inn in Alexandria, I couldn’t help but wonder if a successful surgery would be even possible. It also dawned on me that Jefferson’s death would put a damper on our second visit to the White House on Friday. I had envisioned TJ at the Oval Office, but now the ‘Holy Grail’ of our travels was in jeopardy.</em></p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><em>Back in Alexandria, Bob and I finished dinner at the nearby IHOP for the second straight night. I knew it was ‘do-or-die time’ for TJ; and quite frankly, I was nervous. I had made surgical repairs to his left leg numerous times in the past; and I’ve reattached his head and ponytail before as well. But the injuries that he suffered at Mount Vernon were very severe. I picked up the bobble head’s contorted body from the motel room’s “surgical table” and in one motion I gave it a solid twist. At that moment, I actually expected his legs to break in two – surgery over. Miraculously his legs popped back into place with a small cracking sound; although the open gashes remained on both limbs. I applied Gorilla Glue to the damaged areas of each leg, and I let Jefferson’s torso dry for about ten minutes. Once dried, it surprised me as to how strong TJ’s body seemed to be as I stood him upright on the table. With no filler available, I re-wrapped the bobble head’s left leg securely with white gauze tape. Although Jefferson was still headless, he appeared to be back to normal; especially since the damage to his right thigh was hard to see with his black painted trousers.</em></p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><em>The next step of the surgical procedure was for me to reattach Jefferson’s severed head. In 2013, when President Garfield had separated TJ’s head from its spring, I had used a small gob of Tack adhesive to make the repair. But this decapitation was different – Jefferson’s neck was broken; the spring had remained inside his hollow resin head and was still attached to the top piece of the neck. I’ve never had much success with ‘Super Glue’ in the past, especially when the pieces couldn’t be clamped. Usually, my fingers get stuck to one piece or the other, while the repaired sections fall apart. With nothing to lose, I applied one single drop of Gorilla Glue to the smooth section of Jefferson’s neck. Carefully aligning his head with the body, I held the two bonded sections together for about three minutes. When I let go, I was shocked. I expected Jefferson’s head to fall off onto the table while the bead of glue on his neck was still wet. But his head stayed in place and it was nearly straight. Jefferson’s head still leaned slightly to the right, but that was from the fall onto the sidewalk near the White House earlier in the day. </em></p> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Conscious again, Jefferson tells the rest of the story: The last thing I had remembered was free-falling towards the floor after posing near George Washington’s dentures. When I woke up, I was standing on the table in our motel room and my photographer had a relieved look on his face. Mongo appeared to be smiling as well. Tom carefully placed me alongside the television set where I stood for the remainder of the night. I heard my camera guy tell Bob that the extra time would allow the glue to set and dry before morning. As I eavesdropped on their conversation, it seemed as though I had been knocking on death’s door and survived. Moments before the near-fatal accident, I was close to the bed where George Washington had died. Unlike our first President, however, my “doctor’ didn’t perform the bloodletting procedure on me; or even a resin-letting procedure for that matter. It was the modern medicine of Gorilla Glue and gauze tape that saved my life. ‘Tis well! </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://eyesofjefferson.com/101-disaster-strikes-at-mount-vernon/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">5664</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>