Visiting the childhood homes of well know figures tells us a bit more about the environments that shaped their character and philosophy. On a quest for a National Park Service Junior Ranger experience in Cincinnati, Ohio we came across the William Howard Taft National Historic Site. The house preserves the birthplace, boyhood home, and legacy of William Howard Taft. I must admit that Taft is not a president that was easy for me to remember. I soon learned that he served as the nation's 27th President (1909-1913) and after that 10th Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1921-1930). He is the only president to have served in both positions.
The landmark, is a Greek Revival house was built in 1840. When it was constructed it was in a suburban setting of wealthy residents but now the bright yellow house stands out in the city grew around it. Inside the home absorbing the interior design of the period with the décor of pattern upon pattern upon pattern was my favorite part of the experience. I loved the boldness of the wallpaper and chairs and rug all somehow working together. I also liked seeing the president’s dolls.
The walk through the house, up and down the stairs and around the odd L shape was like a maze, escape room or funhouse due to the addition added to the home to follow the contour of the site. There are guided tours and docents inside the house to answer questions or you can spend time just looking at rooms that retain original furnishings of the period. Some of the rooms are set up like a museum to share details of Taft’s family life and his political career.
The Junior Ranger booklet was packed with engaging information and takes a while to work through the exercises. If you are limited on time ask permission from a ranger to authorize finishing the booklet off-site and hold on to the badge to present when the activities are complete.
