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 Theodore Roosevelt is pleased that Kermit Roosevelt was chosen as captain of the seventh but fears he will fall behind in his studies. Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt is back home now and has brought Aunt Emily. Today was Quentin’s birthday.
1903-11-19
President Roosevelt reports that while preparing his speech to Congress on Panama, he received the telegram from Kermit and Ted informing him about the football match. He says he, Edith, and Ethel all cheered. Roosevelt says he was pleased with the results of the elections and then describes what is happening in Panama.
1903-11-04
President Roosevelt reports on the family animals and how he has been acting as “vice-mother” while Edith is gone for nine days. He has been reading a lot to Archie and Quentin. Roosevelt expresses his disappointment at Seth Low’s recent defeat. William Loeb inquires as to whether Kermit is receiving the Saturday Commercial Advertiser.
1903-11-15
President Roosevelt sketches scenes from family life and describes them: Mother on a horse, the white rabbit, the dog chasing the white rabbit and Ethel chasing the dog, and a pillow fight between Roosevelt, Archie, Quentin and Ethel.
1903-10-27
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Frédéric Mistral for sending him and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt a copy of his book and a medal. Roosevelt goes on to wish Mistral success and praises him for the lessons found in his writings. Roosevelt writes of the limitations of material happiness and the need to also take into account the “nation’s soul.” This item is included as a different draft of the original December 15, 1904, letter, because of the quote it contains at the bottom of the page.
1904-12-15
Theodore Roosevelt writes to H. D. Minot to express his sympathy and sadness over the death of Minot’s mother.
1880-07-05
President Roosevelt is pleased that Kermit Roosevelt has been made captain of the third string football team. Roosevelt relates a story of horseback riding with Edith and Ethel and a pillow fight with Archie and Quentin. He also read the boys Uncle Remus.
1903-10-19
President Roosevelt reports that he is having a touch of the “Cuban fever” and is glad to be in the house with Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt. He reports on the family pets and that Quentin is learning to ride a pony. Edith is going to take the three children to Doctor Rixey’s farm. Roosevelt says he is working hard on his address to Congress.
1903-10-24
President Roosevelt tells his son Kermit that he is glad Kermit is playing football, but does not want him or Ted to devote more time to sports than studies. Roosevelt is glad to be President but overwhelmed with work, and takes comfort in reading about Abraham Lincoln. Roosevelt also relates news on family pets.
1903-10-02
Theodore Roosevelt thanks H. D. Minot for offering to host a dinner for the newly engaged Roosevelt and Alice Lee. Roosevelt suggests a date for the dinner and Alice’s choice of guests, which include Henry Shaw, Robert Bacon, Bessie Whitney, and Julia Bacon.
1880-02-19
President Roosevelt says the house feels empty without Kermit and Ted and reports on the activities of the rest of the family. C. Grant La Farge and Owen Wister are coming to visit.
1903-09-23
Theodore Roosevelt writes to announce his engagement to Alice Lee. Roosevelt asks H. D. Minot to not mention the engagement to anyone until Monday.
1880-02-13
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