Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972

An edited 8mm film with short footage scenes depicting the inaugural parade commercially released by Ford Photos. See also MP2016-19.

Color home movie of scenes from the 35th Division reunion in St. Louis, Missouri, attended by President Harry S. Truman. Mr. Truman fought with the 35th Division in World War I.

Former President Harry S. Truman recalls the problem of refugees discussed at the Potsdam Conference. He also reads from a letter he wrote to his mother and sister about the vote on the UN Charter and his experiences with Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin at the conference. NOTE: Mr. Truman uses a racial slur in this video. The out takes both repeat from different camera angles. Sound and picture.

Former president Harry S. Truman explains that the government purchased eggs and powdered milk and stored it in a farm in Kansas. This was probably meant for use in the episode "Where Tillage Begins" about farm policy. 

Former president Harry S. Truman discusses the 1940 Senate Democratic primary election, which was a three way race between the governor of Missouri (Lloyd Stark), (Maurice) Milligan, and Truman. Truman explains that it was difficult to overcome the governor's 4000 patronage jobs, but he traveled across the state trying to convince people that he was best positioned to help Missouri because he had gained some seniority in the Senate. He won that race by about 8800 votes. 

Former president Harry S. Truman explains the complexity he faced with moving American troops out of Europe after the Germans surrendered. They needed to be pulled out, some needed to be repositioned within Germany according to the agreement with the Russians, and some needed to be re-deployed to the Pacific front.

Former president Harry S. Truman explains that even though Stalin and the Soviets did not keep their agreements, the United States kept theirs. This segment repeats silently with a different camera angle.

Former president Harry S. Truman explains that a month after he was sworn in as president, Germany surrendered and he had to tackle the difficult problem of demobilization. He said there were, "problems after problems unloaded on me at that time as president, and I had to meet them all, whether I could or not."

Former president Harry S. Truman, with former first lady Bess Truman seated next to him, reads from a diary entry about eating alone at Blair House, being waited on by the butlers Ficklin, Barnett, and John, written November 1, 1949.

Former president Harry S. Truman says Americans live under a good government, the constitutional democracy of the United States of America.