Your TR Source
Wilbur L. Davidson of the National Chautauqua Bureau constantly thinks about having Theodore Roosevelt lecture and hopes he will agree.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-24
Wilbur L. Davidson, superintendent of Chautauquas and secretary of American University, invites President Roosevelt to deliver a series of lectures post-African safari. Davidson praises Roosevelt’s work during his presidency, noting Roosevelt’s accomplishments and reputation, and offers to compensate travel and accommodations. Davidson apologizes that he cannot make this request in-person but hopes that Roosevelt will inspire the masses through these lectures.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-17
Wilbur L. Davidson is writing to thank President Roosevelt for laying the cornerstone for the McKinley Memorial Ohio College of Government. He believes that Roosevelt’s appearance and the press coverage will permit the easy raising of funds needed for the project. American University will stand for Methodism, Protestantism, and Americanism.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-15
Wilbur L. Davidson provides what he believes to be the best route from the White House to American University. The route Davidson recommends to President Roosevelt should take about 3/4 of an hour. The actual cornerstone ceremony should take about an hour. Davidson encloses a program for Roosevelt’s information.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-09
Wilbur L. Davidson has already responded to George B. Cortelyou’s letter of May 8, and believes all of the questions have been fully answered, including the best route to the ceremony from the White House. Davidson sent a program for President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-13
Wilbur L. Davidson is pleased that President Roosevelt will be present at the laying of the cornerstone for the McKinley Memorial Ohio College of Government at American University. He wants to make sure that the President’s anticipated presence can be made known on the invitations. Davidson wants a large crowd, hence the desire to note Roosevelt’s anticipated presence in the religious presses and churches on the Sunday before the event.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-30
Wilbur L. Davidson invites President Roosevelt to be present at the ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone at the McKinley Memorial-Ohio College of Government at the American University. The ceremony had been postponed due to a severe winter and is now scheduled for May 14. Roosevelt declined the previous invitation, but Davidson hopes that he can attend the re-scheduled event. Davidson tells Roosevelt he knows of the President’s interest in education and that President McKinley had promised to lay the cornerstone before his death. Senator Dolliver and Governor Nash of Ohio are to attend.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-23
A majority vote has been reached by the executive committee of American University and the funds will be transferred from the treasury. The matter no longer requires President Roosevelt’s attention but Wilbur L. Davidson likes to occasionally remind Roosevelt that he is a member of the university’s executive committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-19
American University would like to use part of their endowment fund to make a payment on a loan at the Riggs Bank. President Roosevelt is a trustee of the university, and Wilbur L. Davidson asks if Roosevelt approves of the payment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-08