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Thomas: History commentary — Great Plains drought tour
Published 8/8/2009 in Commentary : Historical Page
Garden City has been host to several important figures throughout its history. Some of the most memorable events have been the visits of presidents, vice presidents and presidential candidates. One such visit still remains in the memories of some: President Eisenhower's Great Plains drought tour.
On Jan. 15, 1957, the headlines of The Garden City Telegram read "Eisenhower and Snow Arrive Together." More than 3,500 jubilant Kansans greeted President Dwight D. Eisenhower at Garden City's Municipal Airport in spite of a blustery snow storm that delayed the arrival of The Columbine III, the President's plane. Originally, more than 15,000 spectators were expected, but with an inch of snow covering the airfield and the bitter cold, many people were uncertain as to whether the President would be able to land.
Great preparations were made by Deane Wiley, the city manager, to provide for the security and comfort of the President. There were traffic guards on hand, made up of 85 men from the local police department, highway patrol and National Guard. A special ramp at the airport had to be constructed for the Presidents plane, as well as a conference room, telegraph room for the press, first aid station and a concession stand.
The reason for the President's visit was the five-year drought that affected many farmers across the country. In 1954, Kansas was producing only 40 percent of its average all-crops yield. One Finney County citizen, Clifton Algrim, was chosen to host President Eisenhower on a tour of his family farm. Unfortunately, the tour was called off due to weather, but he was able to have a personal chat with the chief executive. As a sort of consolation prize, Algrim was chosen to demonstrate the chisel, a tool that was used in the Dry Plains to break soil into large chunks and thus prevent wind erosion.
In the Jan. 16, 1957, edition of The Telegram: "He talked just like one of us," said Algrim, after Ike displayed a knowledge of implements by asking a dozen questions about use of the tool, "A real regular guy," added Algrim. At his father's side was a wide-eyed 4 year old, Terry Algrim, who was fascinated by "that great big airplane." Later, little Terry had misgivings about how he addressed the President. "I just said 'Hello' -- I should have said 'Hello, Mr. Eisenhower!'"
Other lucky citizens of Finney County who were chosen to speak with President Eisenhower included a quartet of 4-H youngsters. Darlene Goss, Phyllis Drussel, Douglas Wolf and Robert Heiman were lucky enough to chat with Ike. He asked about their projects and posed with the bunch for photographers outside the airport building.
President Eisenhower's visit to Garden City attracted state and local dignitaries. Accompanying the president was K-State president James A. McCain, Gov. George Docking, retired Congressman Clifford Hope and Gay Powers, Garden City mayor.
"Great day for Garden City," (Cliff Hope) said. "It isn't often we have a President or a snow. And now we have both."
Garden City also has seen its share of visits from candidates that later became President of the United States. Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft visited while going along the campaign trail, and Vice President Lyndon Johnson visited with his wife, Lady Byrd Johnson, giving a major farm address at Clifford Hope Auditorium. Sen. Bob Dole, who ran for President in 1996, visited here during his term as U.S. Senator from Kansas. Although Dole was defeated in his run for president, he still is honored as one of Kansas' native sons for his years of service on Capitol Hill.
You can find more information about President Eisenhower's, and other presidential candidates' visits at the Finney County Museum in our research library.
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