Hometown proud of President Harry
First Missourian in highest office
INDEPENDENCE, Missouri (UP) – The hometown neighbors of President Harry S. Truman – regardless of how they differ with him on political questions – were certain today that he would make a good Chief Executive.
They were against him heavily in the election last fall, but one and all, they weir proud to have Missouri’s first President come from Independence. and they wanted him to know it.
Mr. Truman is just “Harry” to the residents of this old Jackson County courthouse town. Despite the fact that he now holds the highest office in the nation, he probably will continue to be “Harry” when he comes back home for a visit.
Discuss trick of fate
When the news of Franklin Roosevelt’s death was flashed across the Nation yesterday, men from all walks of life gathered around the courthouse, where the new President once presided as a county judge, and discussed the strange trick of fate that had elevated a “local boy” to the presidency.
They talked far into the night, recalling anecdotes about the new Chief Executive. Their mourning for Mr. Roosevelt was intermingled with a feeling of pride that his successor was their neighbor and friend.
Proud of Harry
“Harry will make a good President,” said Col. William Southern, editor of the Independence Examiner, who has known Mr. Truman all his life.
“With everyone else in Independence, I am proud that a man from Missouri – and one from Independence – has become President of the United States,” he added.
Mrs. Margaret Ellen Truman Noland, 96, an aunt of the President, lives across the street from the Truman home. She said she was “stunned by the great responsibility which is thrust upon Harry.”
“But,” she added, “I’m proud of him and have all the faith in the world he can handle the job.”
Callers galore seek to rent Truman house
WASHINGTON (UP) – The Harry S. Trumans are moving to the White House from their Connecticut Avenue apartment, and house-seeking Washingtonians are keeping the telephone lanes busy in the hope they can get it.
The operator at the apartment house switchboard, however, has a stock answer: “The owner has asked me to save this apartment for at least three different people, but I will keep you in mind.”
The Truman apartment consists of two bedrooms, a large living room, bath, foyer, sunporch, dining room and kitchen. It rents for $120 a month, unfurnished.