In thinking about yesterday’s post I need to insert a couple of things. When we visited the Capital Building our group was taken to our Missouri State Senator’s office. He wasn’t there, however, but we did see where he worked and met his impressive staff. Also, we were taken to a round room (like a small rotunda) which I think was called either the “Whispering Room” or the “Statue Room.” I may be thinking of two different rooms but it seems there were statues of early notable men who shaped our country ringed around the room. We were told that two of the opposing lawmakers were on opposite sides of the room whispering to their counterparts when one heard the other whisper his strategy; thereby enabling the other man to kill the bill. Naturally we had to try it (being from Missouri..the “Show Me State”) and the acoustics were indeed amazing.

We were also shown the scars on the original part of the building where the British actually were able to burn and harm part of the structure. My friend, Leola, thinks it was the war of 1812. If anyone has correct information on all this please feel free to comment as I am only writing from what I remember. Obviously some of the facts are missing so I’m only painting half a picture for you. I shall do a little research on the facts even I am wondering about……but I digress.

In 1949 we were allowed to climb the steep metal stairs up the dome of the Capital above the main rotunda. I cannot imagine that it is still possible to do so and I’m curious to know when they may have discontinued that part of the tour. It was quite a climb as we came nearer to the top and once we were in the observation area at the center of the dome we had one of the most frightening and fantastic views of our lives. We were hanging over the rotunda in a small cage while the interior walls rapidly descended outward and away from us. With nothing under us but the marble floor hundreds of feet below we didn’t tarry long. Scary as it was I’m glad I made the effort for I’m sure it would be impossible now. Having seen something that is no longer available makes the experience even more rewarding. Not many of the girls made the climb and some of the boys opted to stay behind but I feel they missed a once in a lifetime opportunity.

We were shown the dining room where dignitaries and members of congress could eat and then we were taken to the cafeteria where we were able to eat before moving on to the next location for the day.

We had a wait to go up into Washington’s Monument. Our class was ringed around the waiting area but eventually we were taken up in the elevator to the top. The guide told us it was best to ride the elevator up and then walk down. Each State had contributed a marble block with their State Seal and other information on it. There were also ones from national contributors and foreign countries as I remember. Once started down there was no way of catching the elevator later if you became tired. It was non-stop up and down only. There are over 400 steps to the bottom and the ones of us who walked down discovered the next day our leg muscles were very sore.

Lincoln’s Memorial was a challenge for our bus driver to work his way from the outer traffic circle to the curb. When he was able to do so we eagerly headed for the front of the monument. As we climbed the steps we were talking and laughing but only until we were able to see Lincoln in his chair. A reverent hush fell over our group as well as others who entered the building. It seemed his eyes followed you no matter where you walked in the presence of the statue. I remember to this day how affected I was by the experience. Somehow the sculptor had captured the extreme sorrow of him but with compassion in his gaze rather than for internal grief. I found it the most influential statue of any I had seen.

The front of Lincoln’s Memorial faces towards the Washington Monument so that is what you see when you come back down the steps. The Reflection Pool of Washington’s Monument lies between the two memorials and is lined with the cherry trees gifted by Japan years ago. During WW11 there was talk of removing them but I’m glad they didn’t. As a quarrel within a family eventually there is forgiveness and peace between countries. A gift should be remembered in the vein it was given and shown respect even when passions fail.

We will be spending more time on our trip than first planned. We were given a special rate for an extended 3-days and Mr. Schuster called back home to see if some of the businesses and organizations would donate for this opportunity. They did and so we were treated to greater expansion of our tour. Our class of ‘49 was the first class to attempt such a venture and the community was behind us from the beginning. Thanks to generous people, many of whom are now gone, they gave a bunch of kids some sights and memories that couldn’t have happened otherwise. We are in debt to their generosity………

Tomorrow we begin another day of sightseeing.
Until then,

Essentially Esther