Your TR Source
From the personal collection of Larry and Julia Marple, the Marple Collection features several high-quality digital scans of Theodore Roosevelt postcards, mainly featuring political cartoons, photographs, and locations visited by Roosevelt. The collection also includes a digitized copy of the speech, “Theodore Roosevelt: ‘The Most Courageous American,’” by Warren G. Harding and a letter written by secretary, George B. Cortelyou, on behalf of Roosevelt.
Larry and Julia Marple are educators from Ohio, and have spent decades learning about Theodore Roosevelt and collecting Theodore Roosevelt memorabilia. The Marples are also well-known for their reenactments of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt across the country, including during summers in Medora, North Dakota. The Marples are involved with the Theodore Roosevelt Association and the American Political Items Collectors group, and Larry Marple co-hosts the podcast “Talk About Teddy” with Kurt Skinner.
To view items from the Marple Collection, please see below.
For more information on the Marple Collection, please click here to read a transcript of an interview conducted via email by co-director Erik Johnson with the Marples in 2025.
Pamphlet of a speech given by Warren G. Harding to the Ohio Legislature on January 26, 1919 praising Theodore Roosevelt for his patriotism and Americanism. Harding comments on Roosevelt’s involvement in the Panama Canal, support for American involvement in the First World War, and his radical, yet noble views.
1920
Postcard showing Sagamore Hill. A note on the reverse mentions a visit to Sagamore Hill and hearing Theodore Roosevelt speak.
1910
Postcard to Jacques D. Hegeman requesting coffee to be sent to First Lady Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt at the White House.
1901
Postcard showing a crowd surrounding a platform with President Roosevelt’s portrait above it in Sherman, Texas. The courthouse in the background is decorated with American flags, bunting, and decorative banners.
1905-04-05
Postcard advertisement showing Theodore Roosevelt standing in front of the Sioux Falls Press Prize Automobile. Text on the front of the postcard states Roosevelt rode in the vehicle on September 4, 1910. Text on the reverse advertises various prizes to be won from a subscription contest through The Sioux Falls Daily Press, including cars, pianos, diamond rings, gold watches, and more.
1910
Colorized postcard showing Theodore Roosevelt giving a speech at Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington. Text on the front of the postcard state 40,000 people attended his address, with many of them visible in the stands and in the area behind the stadium. The high school is in the background on the left.
1911
Political cartoon postcard featuring Theodore Roosevelt emerging from the tall grass with a gun labeled “1912”. President William H. Taft attempts to give Roosevelt a baby labeled “Roosevelt Policies,” stating, “You’re just in time, take back your kid ouch!” as the baby pulls his hair. The White House is in the background.
1910-1912
Postcard showing President Roosevelt speaking to several men and soldiers at a camp in Newark, New Jersey. Text on the front indicates this postcard is part of the U.S. Army and National Guard Series.
1905
Leather postcard showing Theodore Roosevelt holding two babies. Roosevelt is carrying another two babies in the pockets of a large overcoat that has been colored red.
Unknown
Postcard featuring a portrait of President Roosevelt laughing.
1903
Postcard showing the house in which Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City. Text on the front of the postcard notes the library and historical museum in the adjoining house. Text on the reverse states that the Woman’s Roosevelt Memorial Association is responsible for the birthplace and museum. A handwritten note is also included on the reverse.
1938
Postcard showing the nursery in the Roosevelt House in New York City. A bed, a crib, and several chairs are seen throughout the room, which is covered in decorative wallpaper. Text on the reverse notes that the Woman’s Roosevelt Memorial Association is responsible for the house and the museum. A handwritten note mentions a visit to the home.
1938
Postcard featuring a drawing of the birthplace of Theodore Roosevelt at 28 East 20th Street in New York City. A small, circular portrait of Roosevelt is in the upper left corner of the postcard. A horse-drawn carriage and several people can be seen in front of the home.
1920
Leather postcard with a Theodore Roosevelt caricature on the left side. Roosevelt has his hand extended, ready to greet the line of people on the right.
1906
Postcard featuring a head-and-shoulders portrait of Theodore Roosevelt on the left and a quote on the right. A decorated border surrounds the postcard.
1906
Postcard featuring a quote by Theodore Roosevelt, which states, “No man is worth calling a man who will not fight rather than submit to infamy or see those that are dear to him suffer wrong.” Colored, embossed decorations are included on the left and below the quote.
1910
Postcard featuring a depiction of President Roosevelt riding a donkey while visiting Colorado. The postcard features a handwritten note from Anna Mylander Faust and George F. Faust to his mother, Christine Faust, about a trip to a gold mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado.
1904
Faust, Anna Mylander, 1869-1939; Faust, George F., 1862-1930
Postcard featuring a movable seesaw with Theodore Roosevelt in his Rough Rider uniform on the left and a black bear with fur on the right. The background is colored and shows a grassy area and several buildings in the distance.
1908
Postcard showing President Roosevelt operating a steam shovel at Culebra Cut in the Panama Canal. Several men surround the steam shovel.
1906
Postcard showing President Roosevelt viewing The Old Oregon Trail Monument Expedition covered wagon. Roosevelt is speaking to Ezra Meeker, the man responsible for the expedition, and other men are standing around the pair. Text on the reverse comments on Roosevelt’s interest in and support for erecting of monuments along the Oregon Trail.
1907