WILKES-BARRE -- Former President Jimmy Carter was at The Mary Stegmaier Mansion in Wilkes-Barre Tuesday night.
Carter visited with about 65 people as part of a fundraiser for his hometown, Plains, Georgia. Each of the guests purchased tickets.
"I've seen a little bit about the history here and this has always been a beautiful part of Pennsylvania for me," he said.
There was a silent auction and time to pose for photographs with 90-year-old Carter.
Ten-year-old Tommy Lynch got a handshake from the former Democratic president.
"I've never met a president and I really wanted to meet a president and I thought it would be cool to meet one," said Lynch of Wyoming.
Carter and his wife are friendly with a family from Plains Township in Luzerne County. They have been in the area before for their friends.
The former president spoke at the Wyoming Monument in Luzerne County in 2013. And in 2011, the Carters attended an auction in Plains Township. Money raised then also went to benefit Carter's hometown.
"Just overwhelming to me. He has a special place, you know, in our hearts," said Stegmaier Mansion owner Joe Matteo.
Carter's recent visit comes amidst news that Hillary Clinton, who has family ties to Scranton, will run for President of the United States.
"I don't have any doubt that she's got the Democratic nomination and I think she has a very good chance to go all the way," said Carter.
As part of Tuesday night's visit from former President Carter, Joe Matteo announced the mansion place will be opened as a fine dining restaurant by the end of the year and next year will also be a banquet facility.
