Your TR Source
Harvard University’s Theodore Roosevelt Collection, housed in its Widener and Houghton libraries, is a major resource for study of the life and times of Theodore Roosevelt. The collection originated as a comprehensive library opened in New York City by the Roosevelt Memorial (later Theodore Roosevelt) Association in 1923, and donated in 1943 to Roosevelt’s alma mater. The collection, since enlarged, includes manuscripts (Theodore Roosevelt’s papers other than those designated by him for the Library of Congress and papers of other Roosevelt family members), ancillary archival resources, printed works, photographs and cartoons, and ephemera relating to Roosevelt’s personal and professional life.
Portions of the collection, already cataloged, were digitized at Harvard and then received by digital library staff. Our digital library currently holds some 3,000 items from the Harvard collection, consisting of its total holdings of Theodore Roosevelt’s diaries, outgoing correspondence, and compositions, as well as eleven personal clipping scrapbooks, 1881-1899. See below to view items from this collection in the digital library.
Reproduction or publication of these materials requires the permission of the Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Theodore Roosevelt is enjoying visiting family. Ted Roosevelt agrees with Archie about the French. Roosevelt discusses how the U.S. draft army is learning the basic skills with inadequate equipment.
1917-12-10
Theodore Roosevelt agrees that the Germans are not likely to revolt against their government due to the German character. He also blames the president for the lack of winter shoes for the troops in Europe and inadequate training equipment in the camps.
1917-12-18
Theodore Roosevelt wrote about Christmas day to Ted Roosevelt and asks that Archie Roosevelt read that letter as well. Roosevelt wonders if he can use his influence to help the troops at the front with the officer changes and to get winter shoes to the troops, but only if Archie wants him to do so. Eleanor can send him the information without going through the censors. Other troops need adequate clothes as well according to a visitor. Roosevelt believes the regular officers are too old and weak to be leading the army.
1917-12-25
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Joseph Bucklin Bishop about the first chapter of his autobiography and is glad Bishop enjoyed it.
1913-03-20
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Joseph Bucklin Bishop after reading Bishop’s book. He congratulates Bishop on his work and discusses writing his autobiography.
1913-10-15
Theodore Roosevelt was thrilled to hear that General Pershing had recommended Archie Roosevelt for promotion. General Duncan also praised Archie and Ted Roosevelt. There is a coal shortage in New York. The drafted troops are still using wooden rifles and canons for training. Roosevelt is still trying to get shoes for the troops.
1917-12-30
Theodore Roosevelt is sending Grace Stackpole Roosevelt a copy of his new book and is looking forward to her visit.
1917-04-17
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Grace Stackpole Roosevelt for remembering his birthday. He comments on Archie Roosevelt’s last letter to her and reports that he has grandchildren visiting.
1917-11-01
Theodore Roosevelt explains that Archie Roosevelt married quickly because he was called to duty suddenly.
1917-04-05
Theodore Roosevelt suggests B. A. G. Fuller look at the Song of Deborah in the Book of Judges to compare the character of Meroz to President Wilson.
1917-01-26
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt writes to the chairman of Naval Affairs that they need funds for coal.
1898-02-26
Vice President Roosevelt donates five books to a library in Philadelphia and suggests others that may be appropriate.
1901-06-29
Elihu Root has advised President Roosevelt that it might not be wise to have the reception for the Republican Club on July 1, or perhaps to have it at all. Roosevelt asks William Murphy if it would hurt “the boys'” feelings to cancel the reception altogether. If the election goes well, Roosevelt would be happy to have a reception and dinner and give a speech. However, if necessary, Roosevelt agrees to stop by a reception when he is back in Washington, without giving a speech. Roosevelt asks Murphy to speak to Root about the suggestion.
1904-04-04
A poster with four pictures and a timeline of the life of Theodore Roosevelt. Included is a detailed timeline of Roosevelt’s trip to Africa.
1909
Governor Roosevelt thanks Eliot Norton for his letter and says it may be of service to him.
1898-12-19
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Eliot Norton for his congratulations on the Syracuse outcome. He also discusses the issue of dual nationality and eligibility for the United States Presidency and mentions Colonel George W. Goethals as an example.
1915-05-29
Theodore Roosevelt comments on World War I and the nature of the soldiers fighting at Verdun.
1916-10-31
On Theodore Roosevelt’s behalf, Treasurer of The Outlook Company Frank C. Hoyt, acknowledges Ambassador Page’s letter about the American Universities Club. Since Roosevelt is in the interior of South America and cannot be reached, Page’s letter will not be forwarded.
1913-11-25
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Ambassador Page for inviting him to dinner, but writes that he will not have time for formal engagements during his trip to London. He writes that he may speak to the Royal Geographic Society and will stop by the Embassy.
1914-05-23
Governor Roosevelt informs Frederick William Holls that Judge Joseph Daly will accept the appointment and discusses other possible appointments to the educational committee, asking if Holls still prefers Robert F. Wilkinson. He advises Holls to appoint another person from Buffalo if Emerson will agree.
1899-10-10