There’s something really special about Tom’s Town from the moment you walk inside. The atmosphere is of a glamorous and intimate speakeasy. The staff is personable and downright fun.
The place not only distills vodka, gin and bourbon but offers a fun bar area downstairs and restaurant and tasting room upstairs.
Two gentlemen, who have been friends since childhood, founded Tom’s Town in 2015. They named the place after the infamous Kansas City political boss of the 1920s and 1930s – Tom Pendergast who famously ignored every federal Prohibition law. When confronted about his disregard of federal laws, he responded that the people were thirsty. One of the founders, Steve, is actually related to the U.S. Attorney who prosecuted Pendergast. The other founder, David, is the grandson of a rival Prohibition-era bootlegger. Once could say that it was destiny that brought them to start Tom’s Town.
The building is a three-story building that dates back to the early 1900s and has been used as an automobile carriage, a candy factory and even a weekly newspaper. The current owners have done a beautiful job updating the building yet keeping the nostalgia feeling alive. Tom Pendergast led the “Goats” faction in Kansas City (as opposed to the “Rabbits”) so the decor includes a Goat head over the fireplace as well as goat-motif tee-shirts for sale.
It strikes me that it’s a very popular destination. We were there on a Tuesday night and the place was pleasantly full. I can only imagine how packed it is on a Friday or Saturday night. We booked our tour reservations online in advance – I highly recommend this. None of their spirits are sold outside of Missouri. So, you either buy there or order online and have items shipped. Plus, some limited edition items, such as the Garden Party gin are only available at either Town or local retailers or online pickup orders. We live in California so, naturally, we had to buy a bottle of the Garden Party Gin while there. It is great on its own, with a splash of soda or with a bit of lemonade.
Exterior Wall & Mural Downstairs Bar & Lounge Windows Peering Into the Distillery Soaking Up the Atmosphere Bar MenuTom’s Town Embraces HalloweenEnjoying the Halloween Decorations The Distillery On Our Distillery Tour The Distillery Tour Spirits Flight Tasting Spirits Flight Impressive Setup Enjoying Our Spirits Tasting In Front of the Famous GOAT
A trip highlight from our recent visit to Kansas City MO was our Viator tour with Kris. The tour is called Outlaws & Legends Tour of Kansas City and it is a winner.
We met at the City Market and then walked around the River Market part of Kansas City for approximately two hours. Our guide talked about the old police station dating back to 1852, the lingering effects of the Civil War, Jesse and Frank James (products of dissatisfaction from the Cilvil War) and their brutality as well the infamous Tom Pendergast and the Kansas City mafia.
Next, we stopped in front of the restaurant Car No. 551 which is currently a charming part of town. Back in the 1970s, it was the site of the violent River Quay War – a local mafia turf war that ended badly for the mafia after much destruction via pipe bombs.
The walk through the historic garment district was especially fascinating. We learned about Nell Donnelly Reed who founded the Nellie Don brand of ladies clothing in 1919. By 1931, her company was generating over $3,500,000 in annual sales and had over 1,000 employees. She was such a dominant player in Kansas City that in 1931, she and her chauffeur were kidnapped at gunpoint and held for ransom. The search for Nell became a media sensation. Interestingly, the local mafia, not the police, found Nell and brought her home to safety.
The part of our walk dedicated to Tom Pendergast, infamous Kansas City Boss, was so interesting that I bought his biography while visiting the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum. While other U.S. cities were filled with bread lines and soup kitchens, Kansas City was economically booming during the Great Depression. In fact, the city was called the Paris of the Plains. The Majestic Steakhouse building started out as Fitzpatrick’s Saloon. The first floor was a bar with a brothel on the second floor and Jim Fitzpatrick’s personal residence on the top floor. The entire operation was backed by Tom Pendergast who kept office space for political meetings at the building. When asked why he didn’t obey federal Prohibition laws, he replied that the people are thirsty.
The tour ended in front of the New York Life building where Harry Truman worked at the Union Bank. During WWI, Harry became friends with Tom’s nephew Jim Pendergast. Jim and his father recruited Harry to run as a county judge and Tom Pendergast subsequently backed his run as a U.S. Senator. Tom Pendergast eventually served federal prison time for tax evasion and his political power ended. At his funeral, Vice President-elect Truman, against the advice of his political handlers, attended Tom’s funeral and said that Tom was always his friend.
In summary, the tour really gave us a great understanding of Kansas City’s history and architecture.
The Beginning of Our Tour Produce Stand at the City Marketplace City Marketplace The Arabia Steamship Museum Back Alley of City Marketplace Back Alley of City Marketplace This Park Was the Old Police Station Site of the Old Police Station River Market AreaPacific House Hotel Where Jesse & Frank James Hung Out. Also, Union Army Headquarters During the Civil War Regional Union Army Headquarters During Civil War & Where The James Brothers Later Hung Out As OutlawsOld Streetcar Converted To a RestaurantFully Restored 1947 StreetcarFun Diner in Kansas City Outdoor Dining at Car No. 551Murals Are Popular in Kansas City Historic River Market Area of KCHistoric River Market Area of KCLewis & Clark MuralColorful Lewis & Clark MuralBuilt in 1910 – Located in Historic River Market Area of KCAnother MuralKansas City Skyline Kansas City Skyline Kansas City Skyline Old Garment District Built in 1867, It’s the Second Oldest Building in the Kansas City Area. It Is in the Garment District.Close-Up – Built in 1867 and the Second Oldest Building in KC.Originally the Kansas City Journal Building Where Harry Truman Worked The Kansas City Journal Building Was the Tallest Building in Kansas City Opened Scamps Alley Section of 8th Street Scamps Alley Honoring Jazz Musicians The ScampsHistoric Garment District The Descent of Civilization Memorial Location Is Where KC BBQ Began The Descent of Civilization Memorial Front Door of the Majestic Historic Garment District Originally the James Fitzpatrick Saloon Building in 1911Close – Up of The Majestic Which Is Now a Top Steakhouse Landmark Tried to KC Corrupt Political MachinesParking Structure for the Kansas City Library Parking Structure for the Kansas City Library Parking Structure for the Kansas City Public Library Parking Structure for the Kansas City Library Parking Structure for the Kansas Library Parking Structure for the Kansas City Library Parking Structure & Kansas City Library Opened As a Bank in 1906 & Now Kansas City Library New York Life Building & First KC Skyscraper Harry Truman Worked in This Building From 1905-1906Close Up of New York Life Building Truman Earned $75 Per Hour at the Union National BankNew York Life Building Another View of the New York Life Building Now Owned By the Catholic Church Fun Downtown Bakery Public Tram System – Free to All
Recently, my husband and I spent five days exploring Missouri. The historic sights were a lot of fun but so was the regional food.
A friend of ours, who previously lived in Kansas City, strongly recommended Winstead’s – a diner that goes back to 1940. Besides recommending the burgers, he told us that we had to try the cherry limeade drinks. Wow – what a fantastic beverage…especially on a very hot day. It is probably the best limeade I have enjoyed in a long time. The dollop of lime sherbet on top is a nice touch.
We had heard so much about Tom’s Town Distillery and our visit did not disappoint. We took the tour which includes the distillery flight tasting – vodka, gin and several bourbons. The place is located in the Crossroads section of Kansas City. It is the first legal distillery in the city since Prohibition. The downstairs area includes a beautiful lounge and bar where you can order an assortment of cocktails and fun food. The place has an exciting speakeasy feel. It is named after the infamous Tom Pendergast who ran Kansas City politics between 1925 and 1939. When asked about bypassing prohibition laws, he famously responded that the people are thirsty.
There are many terrific options for Kansas City BBQ. We chose Jack Stack’s at the Freight House. The restaurant dates back to 1957 and has 6 locations in the Kansas City area. The food was fantastic and plentiful. A local Uber driver insisted that we order the burnt beef tips, cheesy corn and beans with brisket. His recommendations were spot on. My brother-in-law ordered the lamb ribs and said that they were delicious. My husband loved his pork ribs, too.
The next day we spent the morning in the Market Place section of Kansas City. My brother-in-law recommended Pigwich for lunch. It was a great recommendation. My husband and I both ordered the BBQ Pork Brisket sandwiches. They were delicious and so different from any BBQ that I have had in the past. I couldn’t get over how reasonably priced the food was versus at the equivalent in our home state of California.
We spent two nights in Independence Missouri and discovered the Courthouse Exchange while walking around. What a great find! It is an old underground pub that has been in existence since 1899. The food was delicious and the cocktails, made using Polly’s Pop, were amazing. We even tried a local favorite item in Missouri – the fried mushrooms and they were really good.
Speaking of Polly’s Pop, what a delightful find. It was a family-owned business that started in Independence Missouri back in 1923. The brand was a favorite of Harry Truman. Unfortunately, the company went out of business in 1967. In 2016, a local company brought the soda back. It comes in a variety of flavors including strawberry – which my husband and I both loved. Don’t make the mistake we did and assume that you can buy Polly’s Pop at their store location in town. An employee quickly directed us to several options for purchasing Polly’s Pop. We chose Gilbert Whitney & Company – a fun kitchen equipment and gourmet food store located across the street from the County Courthouse.
The soda comes in classic glass bottles using 1940-era equipment that the owners restored. The soda is made with 100% cane sugar as well as locally-sourced flavors. In addition, Polly’s Pop makes a fantastic BBQ sauces called Polly-Q – including a Root Beer soda version. The store let us sample the BBQ sauce and I was hooked. I can’t wait to try it on some ribs.
While visiting Hannibal, we quickly learned that it’s all about huckleberries. We tried huckleberry ice cream at the local ice cream parlor called Becky’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor. It was delicious. I also bought a huckleberry chocolate bar at the Mark Twain house gift shop. It was very good – extra sweet from the huckleberries.
Our final food adventure was at the Kansas City International Airport where we tried the pulled brisket nachos at Meat Rushmore’s. The nachos were really tasty. The restaurant has multiple Meat Rushmore BBQ sauce bottles on its tables so that you can find the right one for you.
Finally, be sure to allow a few extra minutes at the airport for some shopping. The airport has an impressive store that sells a large variety of local BBQ sauces to take home – including the famous Gates sauces.
Cherry Limeade from Winstead’sA Single Winstead – the Dinner Serves Double and Triple Ones, TooWinstead’s Tater TotsDistiller’s Flight At Tom’s TownRibs & Burnt Beef Tips At Jack Stack’sPulled Pork & Burnt Beef Tips At Jack Stack’sBrisket Sandwich At PigwichCourthouse Exchange Boozy Root Beer FloatCourthouse Exchange’s Cherry Cream Soda CocktailCourthouse Exchange Fried Mushrooms Courthouse Exchange Mac ‘N’ Cheese with Pulled Pork & Green Onions Courthouse Exchange Chicken-Fried-Chicken Huckleberry Ice Cream in Hannibal MOFamous Polly’s Pop of Independence MOPulled Beef Brisket Nachos At the Kansas City International Airport – Meat Rushmore BBQLocal Chocolate from Hannibal The Pigwich At the City Market Section of Kansas City
If you have not already visited Independence Missouri, I highly recommend a quick trip. It is a charming little town. My husband and I recently spent most of a week exploring Kansas City Missouri and the surrounding areas. For us, visiting Bess and Harry Truman’s home in Independence was a trip highlight.
Tours are conducted by the National Park Service and are limited to 8 people. The combined tour of the Truman and Nolan houses (Nolan is across the street) is free. Even better – there are no plexiglass walls or velvet ropes. Visitors are allowed to walk throughout the downstairs area with a few key restrictions: no touching, no leaning and no photo taking. Hence, I have no interior photos of Bess and Harry’s beautiful home. According to our ranger, an early tourist actually stole the bar of soap at the kitchen sink as a souvenir. Hence, the rangers are very strict about the no-touching rule.
Green was their favorite color so there’s plenty of green – including the lower kitchen walls as well as the last car they purchased 6 months prior to Harry’s death. I should add that the ceiling and upper walls in the kitchen are covered in a red, white and blue check-patterned wallpaper chosen personally by Harry. It is definitely a tad intense.
They were both frugal people. Bess’s father committed suicide due to financial difficulties and Harry and his entire family struggled during the depression. Consequently, the kitchen stove, with a faulty igniter, has a box of matches on top of it. They refused to purchase a new stove. The kitchen linoleum has multiple large rips in it. Again, they opted to not replace the flooring.
The couple’s favorite room was a spacious screened-in porch and that is how our tour entered the home. Privacy became an issue for the couple upon their return to Independence post presidency. Consequently, an entire section of the porch screen is covered by grape vines.
The parameter of the home has a black wrought iron gate surrounding the home and yard that was installed in 1949. Prior to its installation, the Secret Service actually caught someone trying to rip off a board from the house as a souvenir. Another agent caught a woman digging up some of Bess Truman’s prized white tulips. When the agent confronted her, she told him that Bess would not mind.
Bess Truman’s First Lady portrait hangs in the living room. Apparently, it took eleven years for the White House personnel to notice it was missing. Lady Bird Johnson personally called to request that Bess return the portrait. Bess refused and the artist was commissioned to paint a copy for the White House. Another duplicate was then created for the President Truman Library & Museum.
During their post-presidency years, many world leaders and former U.S. Presidents visited them at the house on North Delaware Street – from Lyndon B Johnson and Jimmy Carter to Billy Graham.
Harry died in 1972 at the age of 88. He died in a nearby hospital. Bess outlived him by 10 years and died in the ground floor bedroom adjacent to the living room. She was 97. She was the longest living First Lady. They are both buried at the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum.
The much more modest Noland Home directly across the house was owned by Harry’s Aunt and Uncle and their two daughters. His two cousins, Nellie and Ethel, remained in the house their entire lives. The entire Noland family was very close with the Trumans. The tour starts at the Noland house and ends across the street at Bess and Harry’s home. On the other side of the Truman house, adjacent to the garage, sits two smaller homes. During the Trumans lifetime, Bess’s two brothers lived in them. One house is now office space for the Truman Home and the other is housing for the park rangers.
I hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did ours.
The Noland HomeInterior of the Noland HomeNoland Home Noland HomeGreat Truman Quote at the Noland Home Noland Home InteriorTruman QuoteNoland HomeThe Trumans on Their Wedding DayBess Truman’s First Lady Portrait Front Entrance at the Noland Home Noland HomeDisplay at the Noland Home Front Porch at the Noland Home 219 N Delaware Street Bess & Harry Truman’s House 219 N Delaware Street House Across the Street – Used by the Secret Service Bess & Harry’s Garage and Final Green CarClose-Up of the Garage Adjacent House Where Bess Truman’s Brother ResidedHome of Bess Truman’s Brother Home Where the Park Ranger Assigned to Bess & Harry’s House ResidesHarry Truman’s Childhood Home
The Harry S Truman Library & Museum has been on my bucket list for a long time. This is the year I finally made it to Independence Missouri to visit the library. It is one of the oldest federal presidential libraries; Truman broke ground for the library in 1955. The oldest one is Franklin D. Roosevelt’s library with Truman’s coming in as the second oldest and Dwight D. Eisenhower’s the third oldest.
The property was completely renovated to the tune of thirty million dollars in 2021. I heard several other visitors comment that it looks completely different since their last trip to the library. It is smaller than the Ronald Reagan library but impressive. The only disappointment was not being able to walk the grounds due to an extensive thirteen million dollar renovation involving the removal of plants, etc. Both Bess and Harry Truman are buried at the library and access to their graves is temporarily blocked.
The museum has added a number of interactive displays and gives visitors the opportunity to express their opinion regarding Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb. It also provides testimony from Japanese citizens who survived the bombings.
I especially enjoyed the display of Truman’s cars as well as his courtship of Bess Wallace. Truman only met with President Roosevelt twice during the first 83 days of his fourth term as president. The library shows a very moving film of FDR’s funeral and Truman’s interaction with Eleanor Roosevelt. Truman’s early days of presidency include film clips of him inspecting the bomb damage in Berlin post WWII as well as his meeting with world leaders at the Potsdam Conference.
Truman lived close to twenty years post-presidency and the museum does a great job at detailing his life back in Independence. The library has film footage of his daughter Margaret Truman’s wedding in Independence as well as of a then Senator John F. Kennedy visiting the library in 1959 while campaigning for the presidential election.
Hanging Out with Harry at the Front Entrance Front Entrance of the Truman Library Front Entrance Front Entrance Harry S Truman During WWIBess & Harry’s Wedding Bess Truman’s Wedding ShoesTruman As a Senator of MOGreat Eleanor Roosevelt Quote When Vice President Truman Became President Overnight, He Faced Numerous Challenges Post WWII Challenges Truman Tackled Civil Rights Truman Campaign Button Truman Campaign The Press Called the Election Results Incorrectly Post-Presidency and Back in Independence The Trumans Back in Independence MOThe Gardens Are Under Construction The Trumans Stayed at Blair House Until Eleanor Moved Out of the White House Post FDR’s Death One of Truman’s Favorite Florida Shirts Truman White House China Bess Truman Was Thrifty & Repeated Her Clothing Truman’s Oval Office Enjoying the Oval Office Oval Office Fireplace Truman’s DeskModel of Harry & Bess Truman House in Independence MOTruman Carriage from His YyTruman Automobile Another Truman AutomooPresidential Limousine Having Fun at the Library Downtown Independence Courthouse Downtown Independence Courthouse Side View of Courthouse Longtime Restaurant Across the Street from the Courthouse Restaurant Weekly Specials My Husband at the Courthouse Exchange Interior of the Courthouse Exchange Beverage Menu at the Courthouse Exchange Cocktails Made with the Local Soda PopCocktails Made with the Local Soda PopMissouri Popular Dish – Fried Mushrooms The Local Mac’n’Cheese with Pulled Pork Chicken-Fried Chicken Restaurant Interior Restaurant Stained Glass Window Front View of Courthouse Courthouse & Statue of Harry S Truman Courthouse Front View Statue Vlose-UpTruman’s First JobThe Famous Clinton’s Ice Cream Parlor Mural in Independence MOThe Nolan House The Truman House In Front of the Truman House on North Delaware – Independence MO
California is lucky to have two Presidential Libraries: the Reagan in Simi Valley and the Nixon in Yorba Linda.
I have visited the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum a number of times and have watched it change over the years. The library was originally started by a private foundation in 1990. It is located on land that was previously owned by the Nixon family for a failed citrus farm. The grounds still include Nixon’s childhood home, from 1912, built by Nixon’s father using a mail-order kit.
In 2007, the National Archives and Records Administration took over the collection. Nixon’s daughters Julie and Tricia are still active members of the board of directors. The biggest change in the library was the reinterpretation of Watergate. Other changes include the 2004 addition of the East Wing replica. Also, in 2006, the Army One helicopter arrived. This helicopter was flown during the Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford administrations. This is the same helicopter that transported the Nixons on their final flight from the White House lawn when Nixon resigned as President of the United States. Now is the time to see it. The helicopter is scheduled to depart the library for extensive restoration.
I have been to more than half of the presidential libraries and this one does a fantastic job at presenting interactive displays. The current permanent exhibit is a fair and honest interpretation of Nixon’s accomplishments and failures. Nixon is responsible for establishing the Environmental Protection Agency as well as Title IX which prohibits any sex-based discrimination in any education-based program or activity receiving federal funding. In addition, he ended the military draft effective 1973. His international work to establish a relationship with the People’s Republic of China after 25 years of no contact is extraordinary.
On the negative side, his campaign promise to dismantle the Vietnam War was painfully slow and frustrating. Nixon’s abuse of power and paranoia was legendary. The Watergate coverup of course, destroyed his presidency and reputation.
The current rotating exhibit celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States and includes President Dwight Eisenhower’s 4 stars, Louis Armstrong’s trumpet and the kitchen display that started Nixon’s famous “Kitchen Debate” with Khrushchev in 1959 when Nixon was the Vice President under Eisenhower.
In summary, the library does a wonderful job at maximizing indoor and outdoor space.
Inside the Lobby Front Entrance Fountain The Nixon Presidential Campaign Nixon Campaign Buttons Nixon’s Oval OfficeNixon’s Oval OfficePart of the Berlin WallWatergate DisplayAbuse of Power Display Map of Hidden Speakers in the Nixon White House Nixon Family Grocery Store in WhittierLieutenant Nixon Nixon’s Early Political LifeFun Photo Opportunity at the Nixon Library Novelty Nixon Shower HeadNixon Established the EPARose Garden at the Library The Nixon GravesNixon’s Original Childhood Home Where He Was Born Nixon’s Childhood Home Replica of the East Wing of the White House Front Exterior of Nixon’s Childhood Home 112-Year-Old Pepper Tree Adjacent to the Nixon Family Home California Bear Sculpture The Nixon Presidential Helicopter My Husband and Myself in Front of the Nixon-Era Helicopter Special Exhibit at the Library Eisenhower’s 4 StarsThe Actual Kitchen from Nixon’s Kitchen Debate Louis Armstrong’s Trumpet Plaque Outside Nixon’s Childhood Home
One of my favorite places to visit during the holiday season is the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley California. The library staff decorates the property so well. The highlight is always the collection of Christmas trees that are so creative and beautiful. The 2025 display includes 26 trees decorated to represent each decade in our country’s history.
I have included a photo of each tree. My personal favorites include the trees from the 1770, 1870, 1920, 1930, 1950 and 1970.
The 1770 tree includes the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s Lantern, George Washington and the fife and drummers.
The 1870 tree is especially fun because so much happened in this decade – including the establishment of Yellowstone as the first national park. American football and tennis were developed and the typewriter was created. In addition, Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb.
The tree representing the Roaring Twenties includes film star Rudolph Valentino who starred in The Sheik in 1921 and died in 1926 at the young ages age of 31. The 18th Amendment banning alcohol became effective in 1920 so this tree dramatically features speakeasy signage. Also, the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote was ratified in 1920 so the tree is adorned with Votes for Women buttons.
The 1930s tree includes baskets of apples, the Great Depression, the Hindenburg blimp and Shirley Temple.
The 1950s tree includes a beautiful lit-up Wurlitzer jukebox as well as Elvis memorabilia, a tribute to the Korean War and a photo of President Eisenhower.
The 1970s is especially important to me because it was the decade of my childhood. So much happened in this decade and the tree reflects it with: the bar code creation, the start-up Apple Computer Company logo and the movies Jaws, Star Wars, Saturday Night Fever and Grease. Watergate, President Jimmy Carter, the Bicentennial and the short-lived eight track are all included on this tree.
The trees are on display until January 4 so you still have time to schedule a visit to the library.
I have visited approximately half of the presidential libraries and the Ronald Reagan Library located in Simi Valley California is my favorite one – so far. Both the permanent and traveling exhibits are impressive. Plus, it is located in a beautiful area of Simi Valley with spectacular mountain views from every direction. In addition, the library has the most friendly and helpful staff.
First, the library has the Air Force One plane that Reagan flew on as president. The plane was in service from 1973 to 2001 and Reagan flew on it the most out of the seven presidents who used this particular plane. It is impressively displayed in a glass structure and visitors can walk around and through the plane. One year, we even enjoyed a fun lunch during the Christmas season where the tables were set under Air Force One. The food was delicious and the table settings and decorations were perfect.
Speaking of Christmas, every year the library showcases an impressive number of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. This year, we enjoyed looking at 26 trees representing each decade in American history. Last year, the museum displayed trees for each Country that Reagan visited during his eight years in the White House.
The rotating exhibits are wonderful as well. Currently, the library is curating a fun cowboy themed exhibit. Past exhibits include: the FBI, Pompeii and Auschwitz.
Finally, no visit is complete without a visit to the gift shop. I never walk out empty-handed. I usually pick up a few fun Christmas tree ornaments. One year, I picked up a great book regarding the White House gingerbread houses.
Front Entrance From the Front of the Library Front Entrance Front Entrance The Current Exhibit Statue Outside the Front Doors Buffalo CoatCongressional Gold Medal for Louis L’AmourChuck Wagon Typical Western SaddlesChapsThe Evolution of the Cowboy Hat and Birth of the StetsonWild ChairCattle CarBranding Irons Including the One Used ByWill RogersThe History of the Branding Iron Barbed Wire Was Patented Modern Cattle Ranching Utilizes HelicoptersRodeo AttireReagan’s 1960 Jeep The Exhibit Has a Rifle Demo Yellowstone Television Series Costumes Wagon Trigger of Roy Rogers FameChristmas Tree in the Gift Shop – Ornaments for Sale A Piece of the Berlin Wall Inauguration Clothing for the Reagan’sNancy’s Second-Hand Rose Costume Clothes Worn by Nancy Sinatra Was a Huge Supporter In High School Nancy Starred in Her High School’s Play First Lady Air Force One Another View of Air Force One
On a recent visit to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, my husband and I saw a special exhibit about the Middle East.
The library curated an exhibit that does an excellent job at showing the culture and accomplishments of the people – including some exquisite jewelry, bowls and other artifacts. However, for me, the big takeaway is conflict and missteps in resolution.
My husband and I are both huge movie buffs and really enjoyed the section about Lawrence of Arabia. If you haven’t seen Peter O’Toole in the 1962 movie, please do so. Thomas Edward Lawrence started his Middle East adventure with high hopes. By the end of the Arab Revolt, he was so frustrated by the British mishandling of the Middle East that he turned down a knighthood from King George V.
The exhibit is thorough at explaining the Sykes-Picot Agreement in 1916 which essentially divided the Middle East into sections without taking into consideration religion and other cultural differences.
The background stories of the last Shah of Iran, Golda Meir and Anwar El-Sadat are all covered in this comprehensive exhibit as is the Suez Canal Crisis of 1956.
Nixon was in the White House during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. Hence, the exhibit has numerous photos of Nixon in Israeli as well as in Egypt and Syria. My favorite photo is of Nixon and Sadat speaking with one of the Pyramids in the background.
