Oral Histories: M
Lola Mann and Donald Gore Mann, Lola and Donald Gore Lola Mann and Donald Gore through their interview represent the majority of the Independence population. Mann and Gore, though not friends of the Trumans, provide examples of the average Independence resident's respect for the Trumans' attempts to be "regular" citizens after the presidency. 
Rosanne Mapes Mapes, Roseanne Roseanne Mapes, longtime area resident and daughter of former Watson Methodist Church minister discusses the community and the Watson Methodist Church. The church once stood on the corner of North Delaware and Maple Streets near the Truman Home. Interview Not Transcribed 
John Martino Martino, John John Martino came to work at the Truman Library in 1958 as a custodian. When he retired in 1972, he was an assistant superintendent. Martino accumulated a treasure trove of stories and memorabilia from his association with Harry S Truman as his secondary driver and maintenance employee at the library. 
David McCullough McCullough, David David McCullough, author and historian, spoke to National Park Service employees about his research conducted in preparation for his book about Harry S Truman. He addresses popular questions about Truman, Truman's childhood and developmental process; and Truman family relationships. Interview Not Transcribed 
Rev. Thomas Melton Melton, Rev. Thomas G. The Reverend Thomas G. Melton [28 November 1919-25 September 1997] lived at 305 North Delaware, across from the Trumans since 1964. Melton recalls his first meeting with Harry S Truman, daily walks, and neighborly visits with both Trumans. Interview Not Transcribed 
Doris Miller Miller, Doris Doris Miller was Bess Truman's beautician from 1953 until 1982. She discusses the development of her beauty shop and her husband's barber shop, where Harry Truman had his weekly trims. Interview (pdf - 911KB) 
Edmund Muskie with Harry Truman, 1968 Muskie, Edmund S. Senator Edmund S. Muskie discusses his visit with Harry S Truman in 1968, accompanied by his wife, while campaigning with Hubert Humphrey as the Democratic nominee for vice president. Interview (pdf - 7.45MB) |
Did You Know?
Harry apparently never had a girlfriend other than Bess. After reading an anniversary letter from him, she teasingly wrote back, “It always amazes me how you can write such so-called love letters with such little practice.”