EISENHOWER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM: A Glimpse into the Life and Times of the WWII General and Post-WWII US President©

While serving in office, President Franklin D. Roosevelt inventoried the vast quantities of papers and other materials he and his staff had accumulated. Up to that time, many Presidential papers and records had either been lost, destroyed, sold for profit, or ruined by poor storage conditions.

President Roosevelt sought a viable solution.  Advised by a number of noted historians and scholars, he established a public repository to preserve the evidence of the Presidency for future generations.

Beginning a tradition that continues to this day, Roosevelt raised funds from private resources for the new facility and then designated its operation by the United States government through the National Archives.  

Official portrait of Eisenhower
(c) NARA.  All Rights Reserved,

One of the Presidential Libraries which are the legacy of FDR's vision, is the Dwight David  Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, located in Abilene, Kansas.  This facility is part of the Presidential Libraries System administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

Abilene, Kansas was selected as the site for the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, even though Dwight David Eisenhower was not born in Abilene, Kansas, nor did he die there.  During his lifetime, however, he credited the years he spent in the central Kansas town as among the most important of his life.

The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum grounds are comprised of several structures.  The two most prominent are the Museum and the Library, which are housed separately.  

Building exteriors consist of Kansas limestone with landscaping using blue stem grass. Marble interior walls are Bookmatched Loreda Chiaro, Italy.   Floors are Roman travertine trimmed with Breche d'Alep & Rouge Fleuri marble from France. 

The Museum was built by the Eisenhower Foundation, with funds raised through public gifts, and is constructed of Kansas limestone. Originally dedicated on Veterans Day in 1954, the Museum was designed to house the materials and objects related to Dwight D. Eisenhower's life. It contains over 30,000-square feet of gallery space, with exhibits showing not only the fine art objects collected by and given to Eisenhower, but also the story of his careers as military leader and President of the United States.

The Library provides a place for scholars to come to work with the historical materials housed there. 

One of the most interesting aspects of the Library is its Oral History Collection.  This Collection  has been built upon two major components: (1) the Eisenhower Presidential Library's own interviews,  and (2) approximately 500 transcripts acquired through a cooperative arrangement with Columbia University's Oral History Project. A third and smaller component consists of a number of oral history interviews donated to the Library by various institutions and individuals.

The list of oral history transcripts gives the names of the persons interviewed, and also the principal positions held by them during the Eisenhower administration or their personal relationship to Dwight D. Eisenhower as documented by their interviews.

The following excerpt is from Eisenhower's speech given at the time of the ground-breaking of the Library on October 13, 1959:  "When this library is filled with documents, and scholars come here to probe into some of the facts of the past half century, I hope that they, as we today, are concerned primarily with the ideals, principles, and trends that provide guides to a free, rich, peaceful future in which all peoples can achieve ever-rising levels of human well-being."


The Dwight David  Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, located in Abilene, Kansas, is one of the five (5) Presidential Libraries located in the US Midwest which we visit on our custom-created USA heritage tour,  "Presidential Libraries and Fall Foliage of the Midwest©" .  This Tour is taken by Motorcoach during optimum Fall Foliage in the American Midwest and the Ozarks -- mid-to late October/early November -- and routes primarily thru Chicago.   For more information about this tour, visit our Website at at: http://www.snobbytours.com/PrezLibMidwestFFChicago.html  

(Source materials: NARA. Materials and photos  produced by Federal agencies are in the public domain unless otherwise noted.)

© 2013-2014 Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO -- The oldest capital city in North America and the oldest European community west of the Mississippi River© .

Settled in the early 17th Century by Franciscan missionaries, as well as Spanish military and governmental officials, life in Early Santa Fe was often filled with conflict.  The indigenous Native Americans, the Pueblos, who lived in the region, had a population at that time of approximately 100,000 people speaking nine different languages and living in an estimated 70 villages.

Although what was to become the town of Santa Fe was inhabited by the Spanish as early as 1607, the conquistador Don Pedro de Peralta is credited with truly settling it around 1610, when Santa Fe was established by the Spanish Governor as the capital of New Mexico.  At the time, Santa Fe was still part of the empire of "New Spain".

Santa Fe's site originally had been occupied by a number of Pueblo villages dating back to between 1050 and 1150 A.D.  Archeologists who have studied the site generally agree that these "pre-Spanish conquest" villages had been abandoned by the 14th Century, at least 200 years before the Spanish arrived, although Pueblos were still living in the region.   

In 1540, the conquistador Don Francisco Vasques de Coronado, first claimed the "Kingdom of New Mexico" for the Spanish Crown, but it was not until 1598 that the first Governor-General of New Mexico, Don Juan de Onate, established New Mexico's capital at San Juan Pueblo located 25-miles north of present-day Santa Fe.

Santa Fe at the base of Sangre de Christo Mountains
_©Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Upon the retirement of Onate in 1609, Don Pedro de Peralta was appointed Governor-General.  Peralta and his men mapped out the plan for Santa Fe to be located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, on the site of an ancient Pueblo ruin named "Kaupoge", which translated means "place of shell beads near the water", and in 1610, moved the capital to present-day Santa Fe.

In 1610, the oldest continuously operating "public building" in America, the Palace of the Governors, was built on the plaza, and still stands at that location.

Santa Fe quickly became the "hub of commerce" between New Mexico and the country of Mexico to its south.  However, over the next 70 years, tensions increased between the Pueblos of the region and the Spanish who sought to convert the Pueblos to Christianity.

_{©Palace of the Governors
Reprinted with permission.}

Finally, in 1680, the Pueblos revolted.  At the time, there were around 2,500 Spanish colonists in New Mexico, 400 of which were killed by the Pueblos, and the remaining colonists driven back in Mexico.  The only building in Santa Fe which was not sacked and burned by the Pueblos was the Palace of the Governors.  

For the next 12 years, the Pueblos occupied Santa Fe;  however, in 1692, Don Diego de Vargas re-conquered the region and entered Santa Fe after a bloodless siege.

The Santa Fe "Fiesta", which is celebrated in early September of each year, was established in 1712 to commemorate the Spanish re-conquest of New Mexico in the summer of 1692. This "Fiesta" is now the oldest community celebration in the US. 

Present-day Santa Fe is a vibrant mixture of Native American and Hispanic history, architecture, performing arts, art museums and galleries, cultural events, festivals, and, of course, great cuisine -- and it has become a favourite touring destination of Americana Heritage Tours by Snobby Tours®, Inc.™. Our very popular, custom-designed yet reasonably priced, Tour Package,  "Holidays in Santa Fe Getaway"©  is generally offered each year during the Winter Holiday Season.  For details, pricing and to book our Santa Fe Getaway© Tour Package, link to: http://snobbytours.com/SantaFeHolidaysGetaway.html

(Resources and Photo credits:  Santa Fe CVB, National Park Service, Palace of the Governors)

_© 2012  Snobby Tours®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, CALIFORNIA -- There's literally something for everyone!©

Nestled in picturesque Central California and dotted with numerous vineyards, the SANTA YNEZ VALLEY was featured prominently in the 2004 movie "Sideways" which not only engaged wine-lovers and romantics alike, but which also became synonymous with quintessential California wine touring.

Vineyards and Vistas
reprinted with permission

The beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley lies in its many enchanting wineries -- some of which are housed in replicas of opulent European chateaux and villas -- and in its magnificent countryside which provides views of vistas from the inland valley to the Pacific Ocean. It's the perfect destination for an extended relaxing trip, and also boasts of wonderful restaurants, rustic small towns, and unique shopping opportunities.

Olive Oil Tasting
reprinted with permission

While in the Valley, you can also discover the charm of the town of Los Olivos with its "Old West" main street where you can visit an olive oil maker to sample many varieties of unique olive oils. Our personal favourite is the walnut-flavoured olive oil with its smooth, buttery taste.

There is also the town of Santa Ynez known for its "Old West" architecture.  It is in stark contrast  to the quaint village of Solvang settled just over 100 years ago by Danish educators and pastors.  Solvang is the perfect "base" from which to take day trips to regional wineries, some of which are sustainable vineyards.

Miniature Horse Farm outside Solvang
_©Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Taking scenic Hwy 154 southeast from Solvang winds through landscapes dotted with both miniature and thoroughbred horse farms and vineyards down to beautiful, sophisticated Santa Barbara known for its red-tiled roofs and Spanish architecture, its world-class art museum, fabulous regional cuisine, gorgeous beach, historic Spanish Mission, and its numerous local artisan shops and galleries. Restaurants offer outstanding dining experiences featuring fresh produce from nearby sustainable growers and often coupled with award-winning varietals from local area wineries, including (but not limited to!) Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot.

With a moderate climate, beautiful scenery and peaceful country living, it’s no wonder the Santa Ynez Valley has become a favourite destination of our travelers over the years.

Each year, in August, we offer a unique, custom-designed, reasonably priced Itinerary to this delectable destination -- "Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley©".      For further info, pricing and Itinerary details, link to:   http://snobbytours.com/SolvangSantaYnezWineries.html

© 2012  Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

HERITAGE TOUR SPOTLIGHT: "In the Footsteps of the Tudor Monarchs"©

Who isn't fascinated by Henry VIII who changed wives almost as often as he changed his tunic. . . . . or Queen Elizabeth I who was known as "The Virgin Queen"?  

Portrait of Henry VIII by C. Walker
©The Art Gallery, reprinted with permission 

Their intrigues and manipulations -- sometimes seeming like a Greek tragedy -- have inspired Shakespeare and other writers to modern times.

Sudeley Castle
 reprinted with permission

Our custom-created "In the Footsteps of the Tudor Monarchs©" Tour brings alive the story of the scandals and intrigues surrounding the Tudor monarchs from Henry VII, his son Henry VIII (and his six wives), Henry’s children, the sickly Edward VI who died so young, the tyrannical Mary I, Elizabeth I whose death in 1603 brought an end to the Tudor line, and Lady Jane Grey who reigned for just nine days.

You will ‘walk in the footsteps’ of these Tudor  monarchs, visit the places associated with them, such as Hever Castle, Kenilworth Castle and Hatfield House, and experience what life would have been like in their times.

This particular Tudors Tour and post-Tour optional extension were created by Ambient Tours, a British tour company, at the request of Snobby Tours®, Inc. 

It has  been specifically scheduled from May 27- June 2, 2012 in order for you to have the option to extend your stay thru June 6, 2012 in the London area afterwards to enjoy the festivities surrounding the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Queen Elizabeth II -- a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience!!   This special "post-tour optional extension" for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebration gives you the opportunity to see first-hand the royal pagentry and celebratory events as the British know how to do so extraordinarily well.  For details, a complete Itinerary and pricing,  visit our Website by linking to:  http://www.snobbytours.com/TudorTourQueensJubilee2012.html.

© 2012  Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

HERITAGE TOUR SPOTLIGHT: Danish and Spanish History in Central California©

SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA. A little "off the radar" to non-Californians, it's a bit of Denmark in the heart of California's Central Valley wine country, and is situated near the more famous SANTA BARBARA.

Solvang
_©Snobby Tours, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The 100-year-old Danish town of Solvang is often referred to as "Little Denmark, Danish capital of America".  It was founded by three Danish immigrants who were educators and pastors. The name "Solvang" itself means "sunny fields".

Solvang was incorporated in 1911, and acquired almost 10,000 acres of prime land in the Santa Ynez Valley. Advertisements appeared in Danish-language newspapers around the world. Early land purchasers, almost all Danish, came from other parts of California, the US Midwest, and Denmark.

Today, Solvang still looks like a Danish village and is filled with shops and restaurants which capitalize on its heritage. Bakeries abound, too. Solvang has recently been named a "Preserve America Community" by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C.

Santa Barbara
_©Snobby Tours, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Nearby is charming, sophisticated Santa Barbara -- often called "the American Riviera". Originally home to Spanish missionaries, Historic Santa Barbara roots trace back to the Old Mission Santa Barbara which was founded by the Franciscan Friar Fermin de Lasuén on the Feast of Santa Barbara, December 4, 1786. Modern Santa Barbara is an urbane, very cultured "bedroom community" to Los Angeles and is home to many of Hollywood's rich and famous. Strolling along State Street, sitting in sidewalk cafés, taking various guided walking tours, and visiting the superb Santa Barbara Museum of Art are all part of the ambiance of Downtown Santa Barbara.

Each August, just before annual grape harvesting in the Santa Ynez Valley, Snobby Tours®  offers our Solvang/Santa Ynez Valley Wineries/Santa Barbara custom-designed, reasonably priced Itinerary that has become one of our most popular tours. (NOTE:  We offer an  "Early Bird Reservation Discount" -- a substantial savings -- for booking early!)

For more information and to book our fun and interesting personalized "Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley Wineries©" heritage, cultural and culinary Tour, visit our Website at: http://www.snobbytours.com/SolvangSantaYnezWineries.html

© 2011 Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

HERITAGE TOUR SPOTLIGHT: "Presidential Libraries and Fall Foliage of the Midwest"©

Lately, many USA-based travelers have been re-thinking their annual travel plans and becoming increasing "budget-conscious".

We are listening to our travelers and hearing that they want a LOT of bang for their buck -- now more than ever.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
Reprinted with permission

Our "Presidential Libraries and Fall Foliage of the Midwest"© fits the bill perfectly -- a custom-designed road trip priced "ALL-INCLUSIVE" of all lodging, all land transportation, all meals every day, all venue admissions, all specialty tours and docent tour guides, and all taxes/fuel surcharges/gratuities.

Fall Foliage
_© Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

It doesn't get any better than that -- PLUS visiting some historically-significant destinations in the US Midwest at the height of Fall Foliage in the Ozarks!

Presidential Libraries were the inspiration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt who had inventoried the vast quantities of papers and documents he had his staff had accumulated.  (Up to that time, many Presidential papers were simply lost, destroyed or ruined by poor storage conditions.)

Roosevelt's solution was to establish a repository to preserve the evidence of a Presidency for future generations.  Beginning a tradition which continues to the present day, Roosevelt raised funds for the first facility from private resources, and then designated its operation by the US government through the National Archives.

This Tour will immerse travelers in America's astounding beauty and rich heritage.  Additional stops en route include the Hallmark Visitors Center, the WWI Museum, the Churchill Museum on the campus of Westminster College and the Church of St. Mary the Virgin of Aldermanbury (a 12th century church designed by Christopher Wren reconstructed at Westminster College following bomb-damage during WWII's London blitz.)  


Travelers will also experience Kansas City's world-renown Bar-B-Q, and an iconic 1950's Diner along the "first leg" of the famous Route 66. 

Stock photo of Biograph Theatre
where gangster
John Dillinger was killed.

Routed through Chicago, this memorable Road Trip also offers travelers a "post-Tour option" to remain in Chicago to take in a Broadway play and to visit some of Chicago's famous -- and infamous -- locales. 


Fall is the PERFECT time to be there, too! The weather is generally crisp and brisk -- perfect for strolling, sitting in a sidewalk cafe, and visiting outdoor attractions.


Chicago has always been a personal favourite of Snobby Tours® because we think it has "East Coast sophistication" coupled with "Midwest friendliness" -- PLUS truly FABULOUS architecture and outstanding restaurants often in the heart of Chicago's many well-established ethnic neighborhoods.


For further details, a complete Itinerary, and pricing, visit Snobby Tours®' Website at: http://www.snobbytours.com/PrezLibMidwestFFChicago.html


© 2011 Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Good News/Bad News about the Rising Cost of Gasoline: Forecasting its Impact upon Travel

It's difficult to determine these days whether the global economic downturn (aka the "R" word) is improving, or whether the overall picture still looks rather bleak for the foreseeable future.

There are some indications that various sectors are showing signs of growth, but it seems to be two-steps forward, one step backward -- or vice versa, depending upon whether the travel industry analysts see the gas tank as being "half-full" or "half-empty".

The following commentary is excerpted from an article by David Wilkening which appeared in the April 27, 2011 online issue of Travelmole.  We have included here because clearly, the access to and cost of, fuel is an issue relevant to forecasting travel trends and the overall health of the travel industry.  Wilkening's full article may be read on Travelmole under "News", at http://www.travelmole.com

With gas prices above $4 in some states, some North American travelers are cancelling vacations and re-thinking summer travel plans, but on the other hand, the cost of gas could spur the growth of local tourism.

 

“Despite high gas prices and increasing airfares, a new survey from HomeAway, Inc., finds the majority of Americans still plan to take a summer vacation, but will adjust their plans in light of rising costs,” says the group.

According to a special summer edition of the “HomeAway® Vacation Rental Marketplace Report,” 81 percent of respondents report they will take a vacation this summer. Of those who typically take a summer vacation each year, 38 percent will not change their vacation plans, saying increased gasoline prices and airfares will not affect their travel. The rest of those surveyed will alter travel plans in some way to counteract rising costs, including:
 

Short regional trip in Texas: San Antonio Riverwalk
_©Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---Vacationing closer to home (27 percent)
 

---Cutting back on other travel expenses such as lodging, entertainment and dining out (20 percent)
 

---Vacationing for fewer days (13 percent)
 

---Making other changes to their travel plans (3 percent)
 

“This survey shows that people still plan to take a summer vacation, but they also need to find ways to combat the high costs of traveling to a destination,” said Brian Sharples, chief executive officer of HomeAway. 

Most travel observers envision travelers tending to stay closer to home this summer, particularly if gas prices continue to escalate, but not all agree with the findings.
 

If gas were to go to US$5 a gallon and stay there, some analysts think it could erase the gains the economy is making and tip the nation back into recession, because Americans would sharply curtail spending elsewhere.

Snobby Tours^®, Inc. and Americana Heritage Tours by Snobby Tours^®, Inc.™  invite your comments.