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‘Green Acres’: Why the Hit Show Was One President’s Favorite TV Show

The classic TV show Green Acres wasn’t only loved by the public, but a former president was sure to tune into the wholesome family sitcom.

Green Acres ran for an impressive six seasons. From 1965 to 1971, the CBS sitcom was a popular family series that followed the hilarious happenings of a couple who trade their bustling and hectic life in a big city to head to a much simpler and smaller country environment.

The show was a favorite among viewers, including one very special individual who was sure to tune in.

“Green Acres” Is a Presidential Favorite

Green Acres was a presidential past-time for one former leader of the United States. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower had a special place in his heart when it came to the hilarious TV show.

Although Eisenhower was no longer in office, he elected to watch the show as often as possible during his time in retirement. The Green Acres‘ town of Hooterville was visited through the TV screen as often as possible. In fact, the Eisenhower family loved the sitcom so much that they chose to name their valet driver’s pet pig “Arnold.”

This wasn’t a normal pig. In fact, this little piggy becomes so special to the Eisenhowers, he can run through the president’s house in Fort Sam Houston, TX. He may not have waddled through the White House halls, but he was sure to treat the Eisenhower residence in Fort Sam Houston, TX, as his own presidential suite. Allowing it to freely roam their house and lounge on chairs that their grandkids didn’t even receive permission to sit on.

Dwight D. Eisenhower and Wife Mamie Go Green

Dwight and Mamie began living in their San Houston home in 1941. The couple had two children named Doud Dwight, who passed away from scarlet fever when he was young, and John Sheldon Dowd.

John’s daughter, Mary Eisenhower, is the granddaughter of Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie. Mary recalls what it was like while being at the home of her grandparents.

She says she was once sitting on the porch at their farm and was feeling upset. Her grandfather was watching his favorite TV program. However, he turned from the TV upon noticing Mary’s discontentment.

“He came over, sat down next to me, and put his arm around me, and asked me if I was alright,” Mary says. “I put my head on his chest and heard his heartbeat. I remember feeling so secure.”

The 34th president of the United States died on March 28, 1969, at 78 years old after a “long illness.” The former First Lady passed away on November 1, 1979, at the age of 82.

Similar to Green Acres, the Eisenhower’s legacy is still relevant today even if the couple and the TV program are no longer with us.