Your TR Source
In 1887, the Newberry Library opened for business, funded by a bequest from Chicago businessman Walter L. Newberry for a “free, public” library on the north side of the Chicago River. Since then it has evolved into a leading research library with an extensive collection of rare books, maps, music, and manuscripts. Part of the library’s collection celebrates the history and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt.
Materials in this collection include letters from Theodore Roosevelt to cartoonist John McCutcheon, letters from Edith Roosevelt to author Alice French, and a scrapbook of materials showing how Roosevelt’s memory was preserved immediately after his death and into the 1920s.
See below to view items from the collection.
Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt had already ordered Alice French’s new book but is pleased that French sent her a copy. The Roosevelts hope to see French this winter.
1905
Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt invites Alice French to dinner, where she looks forward to presenting Ethel Roosevelt. Captain Lee will unfortunately be leaving to join his regiment before French arrives.
1901-1909
President Roosevelt is unlikely to visit Davenport, Iowa, but Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt is sure he would visit Alice French there if he could. Edith appreciates the kind words regarding Archie Roosevelt. Emily Tyler Carow, Edith Roosevelt’s sister, would send her own message but she is at her villa in Italy.
1901-1909
On behalf of Ethel Roosevelt, Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt thanks Octave Thanet for the book. Edith Roosevelt thanks Thanet for being kind to her son.
1905-1909
Text of the speech delivered by Theodore Roosevelt before the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences on January 30, 1916. Roosevelt calls for the United States to carry out its international duties and support military readiness.
1916-01-30
Theodore Roosevelt provides a letter of introduction for Newell Dwight Hillis. He considers him a personal friend, a great moral force, and a champion of the Allies. He hopes that every effort will be made to allow Hillis to view the conditions, so he can awaken the American people to what is happening and what they must do to help.
1917-06-28
Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt thanks John T. McCutcheon for the orchid and agrees to search for a document in President Roosevelt’s papers. If the document is not there she will reclaim it from Groton School.
1911-03-25
President Roosevelt thanks John T. McCutcheon for the cartoons. He expects that Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt will also enjoy them.
1905-05-25
President Roosevelt is pleased with the cartoon and sends John T. McCutcheon a photograph.
1904-12-01
Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt has received John T. McCutcheon’s note and book of cartoons. She enjoyed the cartoons very much.
1903-05-11
On behalf of President Roosevelt, George B. Cortelyou thanks John T. McCutcheon for the drawing.
1902-12-06
Kermit Roosevelt will reach Chicago, Illinois, by Thursday afternoon and suggests they visit the Field Museum of Natural History.
1911-07-26
Kermit Roosevelt thinks that John T. McCutcheon’s Far East trip sounds interesting. The Soviets are reluctant to provide American visas, and Roosevelt cautions that arranging for a crossing of the Gobi Desert or Siberia will be difficult. He offers to write letters on behalf of McCutcheon.
1924-06-07
Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt thanks John T. McCutcheon for the cartoon.
1908-03-01
Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt thanks John T. McCutcheon for his work.
1912-06-18
Robert J. Collier invites John T. McCutcheon to a dinner with President Roosevelt on June 22 at Sherry’s.
1905-1909
Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt is traveling with daughter Ethel Roosevelt and a friend to Arizona to meet President Roosevelt and visit the Grand Canyon. She will be stopping in Chicago, Illinois, and requests to meet with John T. McCutcheon.
1911-03-02
Victor Rosewater returns the cartoon sketch.
1908-09-23
List of political cartoons featuring Theodore Roosevelt and the magazines where they were published.
Unknown
This draft of a satirical magazine articles discusses what will happen when President Roosevelt leaves the White House and embarks on his travels. It suggests that Roosevelt’s greatness will increase as he sails farther away from America and that his trip will outdo those of other former presidents. The article concludes by suggesting that Roosevelt’s hunting trip to Africa will be a “tremendous success.”
1908