Long ago on independence square (Gentry: real estate, credit, house)

[Mad Anthonie]

Originally Posted by MRG Dallas

I believe I've mentioned this elsewhere, but for purposes of the new lurkers/contributors:

HST died over the school holidays (day after Christmas?). My GF lived on Maple, one of those houses where you had to take two to three steps to the walkway, then another 2-3 up to his big covered porch. Consequently, you would be a few feet above the road grade whilst sitting on the porch watching the world go by

That day, a symbolically cold, overcast one, I drove to his house early and sat outside freezing my tail off waiting for the procession to pass. Odd feeling, a President of the US, a local one no less, has died and I'm there watching up close this historic event. I can't recall how long the procession was, but it seemed like a long time. Trying to catch anyone of celebrity in the split second I had as the cars passed. Many of them had tinted window security if I remember correctly. I don't remember any police sweeps or anything of the sort, like a modern day funeral would have. No security other than motorcycle cops blocking off River, Union, etc. How times have changed

Afterwards, I drove in the vicinity of The Library, but by then the crowds were there and the area cordoned off. From a distance (probably one of those standing on the hill in the last photo) I think I saw LBJ, who ironically, would die a few months later.

You forgot about the bomb-proof vehicle-stopping security rope! It was strung out for the entire processional route which extended from Carson's Funeral Home to the Library. Soldiers from Fort Riley were spaced along the rope as shown here, at Farmer & Delaware.



A couple of other historical items of note in the photo:
-The dark colored house behind the hearse was the Twyman residence, former home of Dr. Twyman.
-The porch just sneaking in along the right side is the home of Mrs. Etzenhouser. She was the school teacher at Bryant Elementary that prevented the kidnapping of young Margaret Truman.

[WCHS'59]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

Sorry about the delay in responding, I was in Communicado all day Saturday (that's a small town free of internet access).



Rather coincidental to Saturday's other discussion, the person had a close connection historically to HST, including being present when he was sworn into office upon FDR's death.



Truman never lived in this house, but he did live within a short, pleasant stroll from this house.

Charles Ross, Press Secretary?

[Mad Anthonie]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

Charles Ross, Press Secretary?

Well known man from Independence- yes. Resident of that home- no.

[WCHS'59]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

What well-known Independence resident resided in this house?



For bonus points, where is it located?


____________________

Bess Wallace?

[Mad Anthonie]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

Bess Wallace?

Nope, but technically you are getting closer! Bess did live within a short stroll from the house in question, but the opposite direction from Harry's earlier home.

[WCHS'59]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

Nope, but technically you are getting closer! Bess did live within a short stroll from the house in question, but the opposite direction from Harry's earlier home.

And you say, this person was physically present in the White House on April 12, 1945, when Truman was sworn in?

[Mad Anthonie]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

And you say, this person was physically present in the White House on April 12, 1945, when Truman was sworn in?

I'm now going to back-track on that part, as I may have been confused (I'll dig more later). This person was definitely there when HST announced the Japanese surrender.

[WCHS'59]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

I'm now going to back-track on that part, as I may have been confused (I'll dig more later). This person was definitely there when HST announced the Japanese surrender.

Well, I just read a list of those present--except for the reporters. So, who is this person?

[Mad Anthonie]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

Well, I just read a list of those present--except for the reporters. So, who is this person?

The house at 722 W Waldo was home to Sue Gentry, longtime Examiner reporter. On the day that HST was to announce the Japanese surrender Sue was in DC, and had had tea with Bess. Harry told her to stick around, and made sure she was there for the announcement.

P.S. Sorry about the misleading clue earlier, I'll blame caffeine-deficiency.

[WCHS'59]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

The house at 722 W Waldo was home to Sue Gentry, longtime Examiner reporter. On the day that HST was to announce the Japanese surrender Sue was in DC, and had had tea with Bess. Harry told her to stick around, and made sure she was there for the announcement.

P.S. Sorry about the misleading clue earlier, I'll blame caffeine-deficiency.

Sue Gentry. As a high schooler, I spoke to her once or twice at the Examiner when it was located on west Lexington. Locally well-known at the time, yes.