June 24, Fremont,Ohio and PA

June 24, 2016

69 degrees at 7:30 this morning.   We had breakfast and made the short drive to the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum here in Fremont.

This is the first Presidential Library, and the property, called Spiegel Grove, also contains the original Hayes home.  Beautiful grounds with tall trees and nice gardens.  We walk the grounds first and see quite a few local residents who use the path here for jogging, dog walking, etc.

After purchasing our tickets, we go first to the residence for a tour.  There are 10 people in our group and our guide, Ross McCormick was very good.  He has been doing tours since 1999.

 The home was originally built by Hayes' Uncle in 1863, with two major additions during the Rutherford B Hayes' years of residence in the late 1800's.  The first floor is meticulously restored to match photos taken during that time, from rugs to wallpaper and mostly original furnishings.  The upstairs is more recently updated as Hayes' son, grandson and great grandson all lived here with their families. Some property was donated to the state in 1909 and the museum opened in 1916, with the family home donated in 1965.

Beautiful woodwork throughout the home, including butternut wood which has since become very rare. Quite a few paintings are original, along with some photographs and personal items. Our guide gave stories behind many of the furnishings, such as Lucy Hayes' sewing machine.  She was quite a seamstress and took her machine when she visited her husband during the Civil War in order to do mending for soldiers. (No photos allowed)

Back to the nearby museum, which was a bit sparse.

 Quite a large area was devoted to Hayes' election in 1876.  It was similar to the Bush/Gore election in that several states' results were appealed and a commission appointed to verify results.  Hayes did not win the popular vote, but did win the election - with the results announced only 3 days before he was sworn in as 19th President.

The country did well under his presidency, with the economy rebounding, ending his term with a large surplus.  He had to deal with Indian affairs, a Railroad strike and Civil Service reform.   He kept daily diaries and correspondence, which greatly helped historians. Interestingly, some of his writings talk about the difficulties of getting things accomplished because of party loyalties taking precedence over national interests.  AND, he talks about reading about President Monroe who had similar problems..... some things never change!

There was an exhibit on the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition of 1876, and an armory with weapons collected mostly by his son Webb.

He only served one term, by his own request. No Whitehouse scandals and he seems to have been a well-educated, moral man and leader.

From Fremont, we take the Ohio turnpike east to the PA border, which we reach about 2:30.  We stop at a tourist center for a roadmap and chat, then head a little north to a campsite Greg read about at Shenango River Lake Recreation Area.  Very large and busy campground with all the waterfront sites taken or reserved, but we find a wooded site surrounded by unoccupied sites - unless you count the resident groundhogs.

 Lots of chipmunks, squirrels and birds as well.

Great showers, and we gather wood for later fire and enjoy watching kids bicycling and playing in the area, several with training wheels.

 We take a walk down to the water and run into Devin who says he lives about 20 minutes away and often comes here to fish.

Many fireflies and we enjoy a nice campfire.  Dinner is chicken w/cheese and bacon and sautéed sweet potatoes and onions.  Obviously gourmet dining is not our forte when traveling :)