3-30 Driving back to FLL

Today we took our time getting out of bed.  The only things we had on our schedule was to visit the Hemingway House or Truman's Little White House.  Then we were heading back up to Fort Lauderdale.

We decide on Truman's Little White House and we're glad we did.  The conch style home, (1-2 story rectangular with full width porches on each floor) was built in 1890 and initially served as the naval stations's Command headquarters.  In 1946 President Truman began using it as a winter White House.

In 1974 the Naval Submarine Base closed and the house sat unused or years.  Then in 1987 the museum was transferred to the state of Florida where it became a protected property and it is entirely supported through donations and tour sales.  The home can still be rented by current and past US presidents, their children and grandchildren.  But a fee is charged because every time someone stays overnight, all the original antique furniture is removed and replaced with functional furniture, and then reversed after the visit.  The last person to stay there was Susan Ford and her children a few years back.  The Obama's have never vacationed there.

It was nostalgic touring the house.  Bess Truman's bedroom furniture was blond wood, the same color of the bed set I still sleep in when I visit my mother.  Another deja vous item was the studio sofa in the president's bedroom.  I remember my mother having a "studio sofa" in her den after her 1950's remodel.  The studio couch was used for daytime naps because back then one didn't climb back into one's bed during the day. Perhaps that why I don't like to nap in my bed during the day.  It's an old cultural custom!  Unfortunately no photos were allowed in the building, so I've had to rely on the internet for some pics of the interior.

The Little White House - Key West

Bess Truman's Bedroom - Note the blond furniture

Harry Truman's Bedroom - He made his own bed 

and napped on the studio sofa.

So after our tour we headed back up Highway 1 to our hotel in Fort Lauderdale.  Tomorrow is our last day in Florida and then we set sail.  Not sure how much I'll be blogging during the cruise.  Out of the 15 days, half of them will be at sea.  Don't think there will be a lot to report ... or if we'll even have internet.

Here are a few pics from our drive back up Highway 1:  Day 4 - Overseas Hwy