Your TR Source
A baseball player holds a “presentation speech” and hands President Roosevelt an “annual pass to all ball games” while two boys look on over a fence.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-04-16
President Roosevelt holds up a “railway rate problem” boy and grins. A boy, who holds a “tariff revision sentiment” hat, says, “I guess he doesn’t know I’m here.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-12-07
A girl and boy sit on a bench. The girl is possibly Eleanor Butler Alexander. Information regarding photograph is covered by other materials in the scrapbook.
A young boy sits on the ground, leaning against a tree, asleep. Around him are clusters of fireworks waiting to be ignited.
A boy’s dream (as would have been specified in the Old Days) on the Fourth of July. Napping in a little country spot on the Fourth, as per the magazine’s issue date above his head, flowers have turned to pinwheels, Roman candles, and other fireworks.
A young boy in uniform and cap labeled “1905” sweeps an office clean of many papers labeled “Yellow Peril 1904, Broken Resolutions, Dave Hill ‘I was a Democrat’ 1904, [and] St. Louis Graft 1904” and a large crown labeled “Imperialism.” Some papers labeled “Tom Taggart, [and] Campaign Oratory 1904” are already in the wastebasket.
Frank Nankivell, Puck‘s Australian-born, Japanese-trained cartoonist, opened the new year of 1905 with traditional New Year Baby in a decidedly contemporary office-boy uniform, the model of efficiency, clearing the floors of old issues, old controversies, and old public figures.
Two Irish housewives are visiting. One is sitting in a chair, holding an infant, and with a young boy standing next to her, smoking a cigar. They are discussing the boy’s desire to work for Richard Croker, a Tammany Hall boss. Caption: Mrs. Grogan. — Little Patsy siz phwhin he grows up he wants ter git a job workin’ fer Dick Croker. Mrs. Hogan. — Doin’ phwhat? Mrs. Grogan. — Either mayor or jockey; – he don’t care phwhich!
Behind the wonderful drawing by Rose O’Neill, who created the iconic Kewpie Doll a decade after this cartoon’s publication, and stagey Irish dialect is a political fact of which most readers would have been aware: “Boss” Croker of New York City’s corrupt Democratic machine Tammany Hall was also a breeder of thoroughbred race horses. Many Tammany politicians, from ward-heelers to mayors were, like Croker himself, rough Irish immigrants.
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Edward Hulse for his letter and states he is in favor of any government that addresses the needs of unfortunate people who live in the mountains of the South. Roosevelt is aware of the “great strides” by Miss Berry’s school in Georgia in training boys from the mountains and hopes similar programs will be carried on where the same problem exists in other states.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-06-07
Theodore Roosevelt writes E. A. Pilgram, editor of The Reveille, that he cannot give opinions on institutions when he is not personally acquainted with their work. Roosevelt wishes well to organizations that help “our boys to be better citizens in the time of peace and to be ready to be good soldiers if ever the need should arise.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-24
Theodore Roosevelt praises the Boy Scouts of America in developing citizenship and leadership among boys. Roosevelt emphasizes such teachings incorporate the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule to instill honor, respect, courage, and fair dealing. Roosevelt relates how scouts from two troops in Manila assisted firefighters in a devastating fire in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-20
Theodore Roosevelt greets the boys of the Roosevelt Athletic League through his letter to Ruth E. Granger, and congratulates all those who will take part in the 1911 meeting. Roosevelt expresses his confidence in the public school system and the athletic training they provide. Roosevelt also hopes that girls may soon receive just as much attention for their athletic endeavors as the boys do.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-25
After receiving the message from the YMCA boys who ran from New York to Washington, D.C., President Roosevelt gives Richard Cary Morse a message that he can use at any time. He reflects on the importance of exercise and physical fitness in the “after life” of the boys who delivered the message. Although “hardy and vigorous bodies” are important, it is important that the bodies be servants as the boys do “the work of the world.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-23
President Roosevelt does not think that the United States army will go to China. In any case, he advises Wade C. McClarin not to try to enter the army as a boy, but to work hard and grow in body and mind so that when there is a need, he will be able to join the army and do his duty as a soldier.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-02-19
President Roosevelt agrees with his son Kermit’s thoughts on Nicholas Nickleby, and says that in general, he prefers novels that have joyous and noble aspects, rather than ones that are depressing and have sorrow, shame, and suffering in them. He updates his son on the activities at the White House, including a visit from African big game hunter Frederick Courteney Selous, and Quentin Roosevelt’s birthday celebrations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-19
President Roosevelt wishes Frances Griscom Parsons success in her work and regrets he is unable to visit the farm. In lieu of a visit, he sends photographs of himself and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-07
President Roosevelt informs Endicott Peabody that Finley Peter Dunne plans to put his fifteen month old son, Finley P. Dunne, on the list for Groton School. Roosevelt hopes Peabody will give them a special advantage because they are “Chicago people” and therefore westerners, even though Dunne is currently living in New York. The president supports Peabody’s desire for Groton to be “the representative school of the country.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-10
Frank Jacob informs Theodore Roosevelt that he just had a “fine, big boy.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-18
James E. West would like Theodore Roosevelt to write a few paragraphs about how Boy Scouts can show patriotism and be valuable assets to their communities. He sends Roosevelt a proof edition of the Boy Scout Manual, along with various letters, clippings, and other documents that might help him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-14
William J. Sly has been working to compile an anthology work for boys, and asks Theodore Roosevelt if he would consent to write a piece for the work on the topic of “The Worth of a Boy.” Sly has been working with several experts, and believes the work will be a great contribution to home education.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-10
William Velpeau Rooker would like to send Theodore Roosevelt a copy of his book The Weatherbeaten Man: A Tale of American Patriotism. The book is for boys, and Rooker would like Roosevelt to give the copy to a boy who could benefit from it after he reads it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-01-02
Anna Roosevelt Cowles tells her brother, President Roosevelt, that his “two small […] boy guests” went home “radiant with joy.” She tells him about their visit and what they said about their gifts.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-02