User:Nfllmrhodes

National First Ladies Library The National Frist Ladies Library was founded by Mary Regula, wife of former congressman, Ralph Regula. It opened in 1998 and it is located in dowtown Canton, Ohio. The First Ladies Library is housed in two different buildings. There is the education and research center, which is a 7-story restored 1895 bank building. It contains the traveling exhibit and the research library. The second building is the Saxton-McKinley House. It is the ancesteral home of First Lady, Ida Saxton McKinley and was almost torn down in 1972. Luckily, the grandson of Ida's sister, Marsh Beldin Sr. saved the house and restored the outside. The house was originally built in 1840 by Ida Saxton's grandfather. After Ida married future President, William McKinley, the two moved into the Saxton house and lived there together for about 22 years. The house is a classic Italianette style and filled with period antiques. There are also a few authentic antiques original to the home. Most of the woodwork is original and is center-cut walnut. Most of the wall paper designs are copies of William Morris designs. They have several items that belonged to the McKinleys including, Ida's dresses, silverwear, writing set and slippers. The National First Ladies Library and Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am-4pm. Tours are conducted at 9:30, 10:30, 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30. Tours typically last 1.5 hours. The gift shop is located on the second floor of the Saxton-McKinley House and is open Monday - Saturday 9am-4pm. Reservations are helpful.