A tour will certainly make you feel good
A Presidential
Site unlike any other
The George W. Bush Childhood Home is a truly unique place in
American history. Home to two Presidents, two Governors, and a First Lady, this
remarkable 1950’s restoration gives visitors a unique perspective of the Bush
family and their legacy, insight into the restoration of this modest home and
provides an interesting view of life in 1050s Midland.
Purchased in 2001, the home has been restored to the period
of 1950-1951 when George H.W. and Barbara Bush and their family lived here. The
restoration process took nearly 5 years to complete. This process included
document research, meeting with the former owners, including the Bush Family,
historical research into the history of Midland, acquiring necessary approval
from the National Register of Historic Places, Texas Historical Commission and
other city, county and state agencies. The actual restoration process proved to
be quite a challenge given the condition of the home and the modifications
which had been made from 1956-2000.
Built in 1939, this home was then located in an area of wide
open fields. By the time the Bush family bought the home, many of the
surrounding homes had been built and it was a thriving neighborhood with many
children with which George W. and Jeb could play.
The home saw lots of laughter and joy during the early
1950’s. Neighborhood barbeques and parties were common and local children would
visit the home to play in the spacious backyard. Jeb Bush was born while the
family lived here and so was Neil Bush. It was while living here that the
family lost their beloved Pauline Robinson (Robin) to leukemia.
When the family outgrew this home they purchased a larger
home in Midland where they lived from late 1955-1959.
The George W. Bush Childhood Home was dedicated on April 11,
2006. Since then over 60,000 visitors have toured the home. These include
guests from over 80 foreign countries, all 50 states and 3 US territories.
Paul St. Hilaire, Executive Director, is awed by some of the
feedback given by visitors, “Many have no idea that George and Barbara had 6
children and the extent to which they dedicated themselves to the community.
Some of their legacy includes volunteering at the hospital,
teaching Sunday School at First Presbyterian, serving on the PTA of Sam Houston
Elementary and raising funds for our first YMCA building & first Midland
Symphony Orchestra. Barbara was in the Womens League and was a den mother for
George’s Cub Scout pack. George H.W. established Little League baseball in
Midland.
Many visitors are also amazed at the variety of items in the
Gift Shop. Toys of the 50s, t-shirts, hats, polo shirts, books written by and
about the Bush Family, cookbooks, historical books, patriotic items,
collectibles, posters, mugs and many other items line the shelves of the Gift
Shop, located across the street from the historic home.
Visit this unique attraction and rediscover an important
piece of Midland’s and the nation’s history.
The home is open for tours from 10 AM-5 PM Tues-Sat and 2-5
PM on Sunday Tours given until 4:30 PM. A staff of dedicated volunteers
provides the tours.
1412 West Ohio Avenue
Midland, TX 432-685-1112
For more information, visit: www.bushchildhoodhome.org
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