August 22, 2008

August 22, 2008

We have a long drive ahead of us today. But before we embark, we take a short break in Fremont, OH to see the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center. Hayes was a former governor of Ohio and Civil War general. He was elected president in 1876 even though he lost the popular vote. There were some ballot box irregularities in Florida and other southern states that caused the election outcome to be delayed for months. Sounds eerily familiar! It is thought he got the Presidency by making a deal with southern leaders to end Reconstruction and pull out the Army. Hayes was notably honest and worked to overturn patronage politics, something the country wanted in the wake of the scandal-tainted Grant administration. Hayes voluntarily served only one term. The museum has lots of artifacts but is not organized very well. It could use the help of the National Park System. Aimee got a two-fer today. The museum had a special quilt exhibition.

From Fremont we drive west all day, ending in Itasca, IL at Aimee’s mom’s home. Aimee and I are both in need of a long overdue vacation.