What a fun read. After Harry Truman left the Presidential office and returned to being an ordinary citizen he received no pension for his years of service, no compensation for keeping an office, no special dispensation to cover postage on anything even though he spent a lot of time corresponding with the democratic party affiliates, etc. to help both the party and new candidates campaigns as well as responding to public inquiries for photos, autographs and speaking requests. The only income Harry Truman had to fall back on after leaving office was his social security check, which barely covered his and Bess’ expenses at home, much less the rent of his office, and the price of postage, etc. Harry Truman did not come from a wealthy background, he rose through the political ranks as a common man of the people and remained so during his presidency and later retirement from office. Harry and his wife Bess, lived frugally but comfortably in their home in Independence, MO. Harry had a passion for cars and a bigger passion for driving, so, since they didn’t have the money to go on fancy vacations to foreign lands, they went on the occasional road trip. This book is the story of the road trip that Harry and Bess, whom he always referred to as “The Boss,” took in 1953 from Independence to Washington, D.C. visiting friends along the way going up to New York City to visit their daughter, Margaret, then returning home, 19 days later. Harry had no secret service detail so when he and Bess decided to take the trip there were no naysayers telling them it would be too dangerous for a former President and former First Lady to be out amid the public on such an adventure. So, they loaded up their Chrysler New Yorker and went. It was a most excellent adventure and the author relived it as he was compiling information to write this book. As near as possible, he followed their exact route and stopped in the places they did, though, most often the hotels, restaurants and homes they visited and stayed in have changed hands, gone out of business or a few have adapted with the times and revamped so that while the gist of the family business may be there – the exteriors and interiors have changed with the times. When the places the Trumans visited were no longer there, the author stayed or visited locations as near to their itinerary as possible to get the feel. Harry left behind a detailed journal of their trip and there are many children of the people they visited who either remember the Trumans stopping by or have terrific stories they share that have been handed down in their family along with photos. Many of the people were still living in the towns and the author was able to interview them directly to hear their thoughts and feelings on meeting the former first couple. Though, often tired and just looking to be normal citizens in for a meal or an overnight stay once word got out it went through the towns like wildfire and everyone and their brother showed up to get autographs and photos with the couple, who were always kind and gracious even when the folks were truly intruding on them. Just before he died, Harry was able to get a stipend of $25,000 a year to cover expenses though all the years prior he had paid out of his own pocket and was never reimbursed. But, better late than never and Harry was able to set the precedent for all the Presidents to come after him who received far more perks and way better pensions. Harry and Bess never cared much for being tailed by Secret Service so they did not miss that when they got home and did not have Secret Service guarding them though it is part of the Presidential package now to have a Secret Service detail for all Presidents and their families paid for by the government (taxes) for 10 years after they leave office, then it is up to them to pay for body guards/security if they choose to continue with it once the 10 years have passed. No president since Harry Truman would have the luxury of being able to travel in a car across country incognito – the press would be a constant presence and the safety of the first or former first families would be a huge concern. But, “Give ‘Em, Hell, Harry” was able to toss caution to the wind and have a great time seeing the countryside and enjoying visiting friends and sight seeing along the way like any other tourist on vacation. Excellent adventure and an excellent book.
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