News outlets are reporting that Margaret Truman Daniel died a few hours ago at the age of 83. The New York Times, which husband Clifton Daniel managed, has a big story. Condolences to her family.
MTD was the only daughter of President Truman, lived in the White House for part of his administration, and authored several novels set in the White House and elsewhere in Washington. Her bedroom is now the Family Kitchen.
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Margaret had the distinction of being the last person alive to have lived in both the "old" (1817 - 1948) White House and the "new" (current) White House.
ReplyDeleteShe always seemed like a pretty normal, level-headed and extremely likable person. When I was on my 2-day trek (with cats!) to Cincinnati, I very much enjoyed listening to the book-on-CD version of her wonderful history of the White House, "The President's House".
I wonder if there are any remaining residents of the "old" White House? I believe the Roosevelt grandchildren Curtis ("Buzzy") Roosevelt and his sister "Sisty" are still around...
As far as I know, Curtis Roosevelt in still alive. He was born in 1930, so he'd be in his late 70s by now. I knew his daughter Julianna, who was a classmate of my sister's in grade school. I met Curtis a couple of times, and he talked alot about his grandparents, particularly his grandmother, but not much about his stays in the White House. I knew his wife, Jeanette (wife number 3), much better, but, of course, she never lived in the White House. (This was in the days when mothers were far more involved in their children's schools than the fathers.)
ReplyDeleteChris
PS: Again an anonymous posting because google isn't recognizing me. I feel so rejected!
Nice hug John! Feels Good!
ReplyDeleteHappy Shrove Tuesday!
(From one of those update northern European types for whom Mardi Gras is just WAY too decadant!)
Chris
I have read many of MTD's books. I really enjoyed her Washington Mystery series, of which I happen now to be reading "Murder at the Opera." Her last, "Murder on K Street" will be next, and unfortunately, last.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in Colorado and made 2 trips a year to DC and Gettysburg, PA, I always read one of her books on the plane to "get in the mood."
My question is - how many of the Mardi Gras celebrants are awake and there to receive ashes on Wednesday?
ReplyDeleteYes, for Northern European/Swedish Lutherans like me, it is really decadent! We go more for Shrove Tuesday Pancake Suppers.
Oh, I assure you that the *local* Mardi Gras crowd shows up at church the next day to get their ashes - droves of people show up. What most people don't realize is that Mardi Gras is a religious festival - the last fling before the reflection, contemplation and sacrifice of Lent. Showing up at church on Ash Wednesday is as much a part of Mardi Gras as parades, beads and carnival balls!
ReplyDeleteMargaret Truman was simply great- as were her parents!
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret for being so wonderful and for your terrific books!
You will be missed!