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.
President Roosevelt is happy to hear Kermit’s crew team won. Roosevelt says he cannot wait for Kermit to come home to divide all the treasures from his western trip between the children, but Kermit’s share will be set aside. Josiah the badger is “very good natured.” Roosevelt had a good trip but is tired and homesick.
1903-06-05
President Roosevelt is happy Kermit has been acting as cox on the rowing team. Roosevelt describes his trip into the Grand Canyon and all the animals and plants he has seen. He has collected a variety of treasures which he will bring home for Kermit and the other children. These treasures include a badger named Josiah.
1903-05-10
President Roosevelt sends Kermit a “picture letter” of things he has done and seen on his western trip with John Burroughs. There is a sketch of them chasing elk, a sketch of an owl, and of mountain goats. Roosevelt says he has enjoyed the trip.
1903-04-16
President Roosevelt loved Kermit’s letter and reports that his western trip has been very tiring. Roosevelt plans to go for a ride with Seth Bullock.
1903-04-05
President Roosevelt reports that he is struggling to get his two treaties ratified by the Senate and has stopped his broad-sword and single-stick play in favor of riding and walking. He hopes that Billings will allow Kermit and Ted to start home Saturday evening since Roosevelt is leaving for his western tour right after the Senate adjourns.
1903-03-15
President Roosevelt reports on the snowy weather and riding the horses through Rock Creek Park. Edith traveled to Philadelphia, so Roosevelt told stories to Archie and Quentin. He had his last sitting with John Singer Sargent and likes Sargent’s portrait.
1903-02-19
President Roosevelt talks of missing Kermit, but writes how proud he is of how Kermit has handled himself at school. Roosevelt wishes Kermit could spend some time on William Holland Wilmer’s farm. Roosevelt says he enjoyed a ride in the rain with Senator Lodge the previous day.
1903-03-09
President Roosevelt talks of horseback riding with Edith, and how he has been reading to Archie and Quentin while she is sick. Roosevelt attended the Army and Navy reception where Chief Joseph and seven other Nez Perce Indians came in full war dress. John Singer Sargent is staying at the White House and painting Roosevelt’s picture.
1903-02-15
President Roosevelt discusses literature and a visit from his friends from North Dakota, the Sewall family and Mrs. Dow and her son. He lists all the attractions they saw in Washington, D.C., and who they met. Roosevelt relates that he has a cold but is very busy, and met the new French ambassador.
1903-02-08
President Roosevelt reports on one of the dogs, Edith’s beautiful dresses and her Friday musicals, and pillow fights with Archie and Quentin. Roosevelt adds that Chartran has been painting his picture but he does not like it.
1903-02-01
President Roosevelt reports to his son Kermit on playing single-stick with General Wood and chopping trees with James Rudolph Garfield and Gifford Pinchot. Roosevelt is having a terrific time trying to get things through Congress. Roosevelt also talks about playing with Archie and Quentin.
1903-01-17
President Roosevelt writes to his son, Kermit, that he and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt have been riding regularly and have had many visitors, including the Grant La Farges, Winty Chanlers, John Fox, Procter and William Dudley Foulke. He says Senator Hanna enjoys playing with the kitten and Ethel had a friend over. Roosevelt also complains about the pain in his arm and says that Kermit and Ted should go to Harvard.
1903-01-25
President Roosevelt tells his son Kermit he was melancholy after Kermit and Ted went back to school. He reports on the antics of the cats and one incident that involved the next Speaker of the House Joseph Cannon. Roosevelt adds that he has his hands full with presidential work, and Ethel reluctantly returned to boarding school.
1903-01-08
President Roosevelt tells his son Kermit he cannot take any hard walks because of his leg but he is playing singlestick with General Wood. Roosevelt also says he rides almost every day with Edith, Ted or Senator Lodge. Roosevelt adds that Kermit will be delighted with the changes to the White House.
1902-12-04
President Roosevelt is not happy with his son Kermit’s “black marks.” He also reports that he was unsuccessful on his bear hunting trip and probably will not hunt again while President.
1902-11-24
President Roosevelt informs his son Kermit how the family spent Thanksgiving Day riding horses with the Lodges, Robert Ferguson, and General Wood, eating and dancing. He also talks about the family pets.
1902-11-28
President Roosevelt reports to his son Kermit how he spent Election Day at Sagamore Hill with family and all six dogs.
1902-11-06
President Roosevelt is pleased with his son Kermit’s grades and mentions the horses. He says Ethel has been riding with him on Miss Root’s pony.
1902-10-31
Governor Roosevelt informs Captain Andrews that his letter made up Roosevelt’s mind to sign the bill. He tells Andrews how much joy he brought his son Ted when he allowed him to visit.
1899-05-25
Theodore Roosevelt looks forward to seeing H. D. Minot next Sunday. Roosevelt writes that he will come over in his cart so he can return on time for Sunday School.
1879-11-04