At the time that George Bush was our 41st President of the United States, I didn’t really care for him – but the more I learned about him later (mostly from his book All the Best, George Bush), the more I liked about him. He was a true patriot, having served in World War II and then later going on to hold public offices as Ambassador to China, Director of the CIA, and Vice-President of the United States; he brought a real sense of loyalty and values with him when he entered the office of the President from 1989-1993.
Although widely criticized for his reneging on his “No New Taxes” campaign promises, it was this move that helped to position the country out of the huge deficits from the Reaganomics years and continue the healthy economy of the 80’s on into the 90’s. Other achievements included the quick and decisive victory in the Desert Storm war and his continued peaceful relations with the Soviet Union, whose regime fell along with the Berlin Wall under Bush’s watch.
When I was in Houston in the Spring of 2008, Bob and I drove through Bush’s Tanglewood neighborhood and stopped by his church St. Martin’s Episcopal on Monday, March 31 – only to find out that he had attended services the day before. On that previous day we had visited his Presidential library where he often stops by, but alas, he was not present that day. One day I hope to get a chance to meet him, but for now…
Thursday, July 5, 2012 – George Bush birthplace – Unfortunately, the birth home of George Bush is not all that exciting to see, mostly because it is currently a private residence, located at 173 Adams Street in Milton, Massachusetts. Not much has been made about the fact that he was born on a street named after the second President of the United States, one whose son would go on to be President as well…
Sadly, not only can one not tour the house, but one can barely see it amidst the overgrown tree. I was obviously not feeling very feisty that day, so I respected the current owners and did not trespass. The good news is that a giant plaque has been placed in front on the corner of the house, indicating its historical significance.
As much as can be seen of the George Bush birthsite – without trespassing, that is
At least there is a plaque on the premesis
Monday, July 16, 2012 – The Bush Compound in Kennebunkport, Maine – Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland is Walker’s Point, on which is located the summer home of George Bush. The property was purchased by Bush’s grandfather George H. Walker. The former President spent much of his childhood there and would spend many summers with his family – including his son and future President George W. Bush.
Although the area is heavily guarded by Secret Service and thus, impossible to get too close to, I was actually expecting less of a view than we had from the nearest road running alongside the ocean. It was neat to view, as I often remember hearing mention of Kennebunkport during the elder Bush’s administration. With or without the home, the town of Kennebunkport is a fun town to see, with lots of bustling activity downtown and a real New England feel.
My photo of the main house on Walker’s Point
I mentioned to my friend Bob that if we were die-hards, we could probably swim that distance to the house
Sunday, March 30, 2008 – The George Bush Presidential Library – Bob and I visited the library in College Station, Texas on the campus of Texas A&M University. I was immediately impressed when they let me in free because Bob had a membership card to the Truman Library. Bush’s Library was as dynamic and informative as any I had ever seen. It’s current revolving display was Bush’s personal collection of baseball memorabilia.
Although I opted not to take advantage of it, the Bush Library is the only one that allows photos to be taken of patrons sitting behind the Presidential desk in the simulated Oval Office of the Bush administration – albeit for a fee. Below are some of the photos I took both inside and outside the Museum.
In front of the Bush library
Sculpture outside the library, depicting the fall of the Berlin Wall
Giving a Presidential speech in the library in a room adorned with authentic autographs of all of the Presidents
The George Bush Library or bust!
Continuing my conversation with the copper Bush
With a piece of the Berlin Wall
With George Bush’s speedboat
Upon their passing, the Bushes will be buried in a family cemetery a good walk behind the library. The body of their daughter Robin, who died from leukemia at the age of four has been moved to this site.
The grave of Robin Bush
Future burial site of the Bushes. It was starting to rain so we could not linger.
Return to Sunday in Texas 2008…
Return to Thursday in Massachusetts 2012…
Return to Monday in Maine 2012…
Continue to the next President….
Bush often frequents the Memorial Golf Tournament in Columbus. If I catch wind that he will be here again, I can work on getting you tickets.
Aaron
April 28th, 2008
And unlike the other recent golfing republican president, President Bush has been very nice and respectful both times I have spoken with him! Both he and Barbara are class acts!
Bob
April 30th, 2008
The Prescott Bush mausoleum is about a half mile walk from my front door here in Columbus. Hence his visits to the Memorial.
Chris A.
August 1st, 2012