Plains, Trains and Jimmy Carter

We all got our picture taken with President Jimmy Carter.

Linda and Ove Jakobsen

Kathy Erikson next. See what you missed Bob.

Bill and me. Julian and Sharon were too shy.

Downtown Plains, Georgia. Birthplace and hometown of Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.

Born October 1, 1924 in Plains, GA

First stop was Plains High School, now a historical site and museum dedicated to Jimmy Carter. Carter graduated from this HS in 1941. In 1943 he attended U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. He met and married Rosalynn Smith the same year.

President Carter's Office from the White House

We watched a 25 minute video about Jimmy Carter's life and career. I never thought I'd ever know as much about Jimmy Carter. One thing I came away with was a clear understanding of the moral and ethical integrity of this man. No wonder he was unpopular in Washington D.C. Mostly because he was dedicated to improving the lives of American's and refused to play the political games so rampant in Washington.

After his father's death in 1953, Carter resigned from the Navy and returned to Plains, GA. to run the family farm and businesses. He was so taken back by how his father, a farmer, could have affected the lives of so many people in just a small town. This was made apparent to him during his father's memorial services. It was then that Jimmy Carter vowed to dedicate his life to helping as many as he could to improve their lives. Until 1962 he served on the hospital and school boards fighting against segregation in the schools.

In 1962 he ran for state senate and lost the state primary but proved blatant election fraud from his opponent and ultimately won the election. In 1966 he ran for Governor and lost. In 1970 he ran again to become Governor of Georgia. He served one term, when he turned his eyes toward the Presidential Ring, later to become our 39th President of the United States.

During his campaign for the Presidency the only large and available building in Plains, GA to use as a campaign office was the local train depot.

Sharon enjoying the rocking chair on the depot platform. Julian, Ove and Bill hanging out.

Julian walking Jimmy's mile.

Jimmy ad Rosalynn Carter are the only President and First Lady to actually walk the Presidential Parade route. Just a few of President Carter's term accomplishments.

1977 Created Energy Department

1978 Signs Panama Canal Treaties

1978 Negotiated an end to hostilities between Israel and Egypt. Signed Peace Treaty 1979

1979 Deregulates oil prices and alternative energy development programs and energy conservation

1979 Signs SALT II Treaty with Soviets to limit nuclear prolifertion.

1979 Establishes formal diplomatic relations with China

1979 Creates Education Department

1980 Signs Alaska Lands National Interest Conservation Act protecting 100 million acres of federal land

1980 Loses reelection to Ronald Reagan. Final act was the negotiated release of US hostages held in Iran since November 1979

1981 - Today Lives in Plains, Georgia. We drove by their home which was heavily guarded and fenced. They are both very active in their community, taking their turn at raking and mowing the church lawns and other community activities.