Rest In Peace Mr. McCullogh. Absolutely one of the finest historians and biographers of American history, and a must-have addition to anyone’s library.
I am a naturalized citizen. And I feel like appreciating the words David McCullough says and writes makes me more American than the oath. I especially enjoyed reading The Wright Brothers by him.
I'd be fascinated to learn how this particular evening came about. It looks like a gutsy seventh-grader. McCullough lives on Martha's Vineyard; if this boy was traveling with parents, perhaps it was during a holiday break? I can only surmise that he was assigned to do a report on the Great Depression, and he had the idea (or Mom/Dad did) to contact David McCullough and ask him to sit down for an hour and discuss the topic. And the great man said "sure, come on over to my home." I wonder how many OTHER times he's done this.(And, I have to chuckle at the fact that a sit-down with a twelve-year-old didn't cause him to forego his evening martini.) :)
I turned this on by accident and I couldn't turn it off. Wonderful on many levels. I assume that was David's grandson interviewing him for a school project or something, but it was kind of compelling. Just a kid talking to his grandfather. Thanks for posting.
My 98 year old mother loves chipped beef too. They still sell it in the grocery stores made by Stouffers. Thank you for this little memoir. I loved listening to you and to my mother on this subject. I especially love all you inspire in the memory of our country's founding with our God given leader, President George Washington. Do you have any knowledge of his mother's prophetic dream of her unborn son's future? She felt God told her that he would be instrumental in founding a country based on freedom especially of religion? It is all so inspirational to me at this time in our history, (2021) when we need men and women who lead by serving. God bless!
Thank You SO MUCH for posting this! I am transported into his living room having a personal moment with him. We have been extremely fortunate to have this man in our lives I wish I’d seen him speak in person.
I will miss him. I was fortunate to hear him speak. In a small intimate gathering as I was working for Barnes and Noble and he was a guest at our GM meeting. Honestly turned me back on to one of my favorite subjects...history just a great enthusiasm and a gift of story telling. I don't ever remember seeing him ever using notes not in the library of congress addresses or 60 minutes Charlie rose or college addresses....he will be missed.
Thanks so much for your study of and writing about the people who made America wonderful! I’ve tried hard to teach my 6 children to appreciate the great efforts and sacrifices made by those who came before them. I’m 72 and they are all patriotic and aware of the serious loss of freedoms now. You are gifted!
My daddy was born Jan 3, 1933. He said it was hard, but he grew up on a farm. So, they had chickens, hogs, a milk cow etc. No money, but they bartered or traded for what was needed. Plus, they hunted and fished.
I’m two years older than McCullough- I remember men coming to back door foe a sandwich also. We were all poor for nine years but nobody knew it. Great memories- Americans respected each other.
My mom and dad told me. They would have meat once a week and usually made a gravy so every body had at least the drippings of the meat. The rest of the time it was Beans or vegetables and rice or potato's and gravy. They would cook a chicken or rabbit or squirrel.
Your grandmother was correct on FDR, not your father. Modern America owes so much to him. Alas he was unable to complete his entire vision. Healthcare and a fair tax system would transform the nation... My dad is 91, two yrs older than McCullough, and remembers his mom feeding people at their back door too.
