Friday Smiles 340: Inside the Eisenhower Visitor Center, Gift Shop, and more

It's Friday and time once again to join Annie (at A Stitch in Time) and the ladies at Friday Smiles.  I'm not going to start with any funnies today.  Instead, I want to get right to the Visitor Center and Gift Shop where I got my tickets.

The first thing I did when I arrived was get my ticket.  I wasn't sure if I'd have to turn it in at the museum, so I took a picture of it.  Fortunately I asked if I could keep it and was told I could and the lady stamped it in case I needed to leave for some reason.

Next it was off to see the 23 minute film.  In it I learned that both political parties wanted Eisenhower to run on their ticket for President.  I thought these rubber type toys were adorable, but passed and didn't even look to see the price.

One of these mugs would have been nice for T Tuesday, but again, I have too many mugs as it is.

Lots of toys that appeal to boys.

All are designed to replicate something Eisenhower accomplished in his life.

Eisenhower was a champion for peace.

As I prepared to purchase two note cards, I saw a few more people had arrived to take advantage of Smithsonian Museum Day.

Behind this display are the doors that lead to the theater where the 23 minute orientation film would soon start again.

Then it was off to Eisenhower's boyhood home.  People were already patiently waiting for the first tour of the day to begin.  Tours ran every 15 minutes and I was in the first tour.

While we waited, I took photos of the exterior of the home.

Having owned a Victorian, I know how much the upkeep is on one of these homes.

I got a little carried away snapping photos of this home.

While we waited for our tour guide to arrive,

I decided to get a bit "artsy" with my ticket and the home in the background.

It was a very glum day and I had all kinds of trouble trying to get this plaque lightened enough so it could be seen.

In the background, on the left is part of the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad train that one could ride on the weekends.  On the right is the fountain with the Place of Meditation on its right.  Please note there is very little wind at the moment I took this photo because the fountain is flowing as it should.

After the tour, I walked around the other side of the house.  Note another tour was about to start.

I somehow doubt these air conditioners were available when Ike lived there as a child.  However, the place felt wonderful inside and you forgot how humid it was until you stepped back outside.

This photo was taken from the web site because it showed the plaque much better than what I was able to photograph.

That's it for today.  I don't want to overload you with photos because I took a TON inside the house.   That's where we'll head next Friday.   It's once again time to see what others are smiling about this Friday.  Please don't forget to start your weekend off right by visiting Annie for a few Friday Smiles.  We would love to have you join us, too.