Started as a slow day out of Junction City, MO. Two hours to Columbia, MO on I-70 via Kansas City, KS into Kansas City, MO. Didn’t see the “Leaving Kansas sign.” And, almost didn’t see the Missouri Line sign.
We drove to Independence, MO, the home of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum and the Truman home. Closed as noted on the website. Roads within the campus were closed, so we couldn’t see much. Truman’s Independence home is one that he and his wife, Bess, lived in from the time of their marriage in 1919. It was considered the summer White House while Truman was in office. The house is a couple of miles from the library and museum. Independence also used a silhouette banner of Truman throughout their town.
Today, we’re having dinner with our cousin, Kennedy Choo. His father, David, is the son of my first cousin, Nancy Choo. Kennedy and his dad, mom, and grandparents all live in Honolulu. Kennedy is attending the University of Missouri in their journalism program. His freshman year was spent going to class virtually in Hawaii.
Loves going to in-person class.
Kennedy met us at one of the places that he and friends hang out in… Booches, a pool hall which has been around since 1894. Kennedy had a Fat Freddie (open-faced hot dog with cheese, kraut, and chili). Dick had a ham, cheese, and egg sandwich, and I had a cheeseburger. Then, Kennedy took us to Sparky’s for ice cream. Pretty good, but I’m partial to Graeter’s! (Also, eating too well… diet time when we get home!)
Then, we got a tour of the University of Missouri. Saw the buildings where Kennedy has classes, and saw the Administration Building with The Columns in front. These local limestone columns were the only thing left after a fire in 1892 which destroyed the Academic Hall which was the first academic building at this land grant school. A statue of Thomas Jefferson is located on the Francis quadrangle where The Columns are. Jefferson has a connection to Mizzou in that Mizzou is located on land that was part of Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase. Mizzou is the first public university west of the Mississippi. And, then, in 1883, Jefferson’s family donated Jefferson’s tombstone to Mizzou.
We also saw the rec center and playing fields where Kennedy plays flag football and water polo which he played in high school. His dorm is an ideal spot for any sports fan as it’s across the street from the stadium and the flag football fields. Anyway, glad we stopped by Columbia to spend some with Kennedy.
Tomorrow, we are on the last leg heading home to Blue Ash! Home Sweet Home!
2025-02-17