President Truman made a series of what came to be known as whistle-stops—quick stopovers in cities and towns along the path of the railroad. On this day, he was making remarks to a crowd in Trenton, Missouri, from the rear platform of his train.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.