Your TR Source
The third and final draft of President Roosevelt’s speech to the National Congress of Mothers, which was delivered on March 13, 1905, and addressed the role of mothers and fathers in child rearing. This draft was cut into sections by the printer and contains notes made by Roosevelt.
1905-03-02
The first and second drafts of a speech written by President Roosevelt to be delivered before the National Congress of Mothers discussing the roles of mothers and fathers.
1905-02
Theodore Roosevelt writes his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles about a speech he gave at a dinner for Naval Academy graduates. He feels it was good for his children to spend two winters in New York City and describes how Edith utilizes the city for the children’s benefit. He gives his opinion on President-elect William McKinley and does not approve of his choosing John Sherman Secretary of State.
1897-01-24
Typed excerpt from Chapter IX of Theodore Roosevelt’s Autobiography, Outdoors and Indoors, in which he reflects on the joys of parenting.
1913
Theodore Roosevelt will think over the idea that Admiral Chadwick presented to him. He agrees, however, with Chadwick’s comments about the “silly and overburdened curriculum.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-12
President Roosevelt asks if Secretary of the Navy Morton will read an article about the Japanese Navy from an English source since it is applicable to the U.S. Roosevelt would also like to speak with Morton about “the kind of bringing up” to give his sons, specifically about their education.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-07-13
Mrs. H. L. Jones, responding to Theodore Roosevelt’s article on children, describes her difficult home life and financial struggles. She asks for help getting her husband a job at the Curtis Publishing Company, emphasizing she seeks opportunity, not charity.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-07
Endicott Peabody thoroughly agrees with Theodore Roosevelt’s article, “Race Decadence.” He comments on how surprised other travelers are by his five daughters. Peabody declares that Roosevelt and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt need to visit at Groton in the fall.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-17
Consul Keene agrees with his friend’s comment that Theodore Roosevelt is a seer, as evidenced by his article, “Race Decadence,” which is “fundamentally and everlastingly right.” He shares an amusing anecdote about a Dutch consul’s response to a comment by his wife, Emerin Keene, on how disappointing Queen Wilhelmina’s lack of children must be. Using literary quotations and personal narratives, Keene discusses the sorrow of child mortality and marital infertility.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-15
Cecil G. Rhodes greatly appreciates Theodore Roosevelt’s article “Race Decadence.” He believes willful sterility is criminal and shows a perversion of natural instincts. He requests Roosevelt write a follow-up article discussing “right living in nature-up through the animal kingdom till man.” As an aside, Rhodes supports women’s suffrage and believes it has a role in the issue of right living since the home is the foundation of the nation. However, reproduction is vital to the world.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-11
M. F. Emerson criticizes Theodore Roosevelt’s article “Race Decadence,” published in The Outlook, arguing that “morality” is not the only factor contributing to declining birth rates. Emerson addresses points of immigration, issues of living conditions, the increased economic independence of women, and differences in familial circumstances.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-11
Mary E. Drew critiques Theodore Roosevelt’s article “Race Decadence,” published in The Outlook. She argues that finances are a primary factor in deciding how many children a couple can raise, an aspect that his “being of old stock,” prevents him from recognizing.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-10
Thomas F. Welch responds to Theodore Roosevelt’s article “Race Decadence” by presenting the opposing perspective. He posits that parents who recognize they cannot provide their child with a happy future are honorable in sacrificing the joys of parenthood and should not be regarded as “‘fools’, ‘molly-coddles’ or ‘cowards.'”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-07
Reverend Puddefoot “heartily” thanks Theodore Roosevelt for his opinion and advice expressed in his article “Race Decadence.” Throughout his travels, he has noted a “general decay of family life,” of which he shares examples.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-07
Lawrence Abbott heard from Morse about his discussion with Theodore Roosevelt, wherein he shared his belief that every child should have a special responsibility within the family or the household’s organization. Abbott suggests Roosevelt prepare an article on the topic.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-12-21
Sheet music for “Are You Half the Man Your Mother Thought You’d Be,” a sentimental song about growing up. The cover features images of famous men who made their mothers proud, including a number of American politicians such as Theodore Roosevelt.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1916
Theodore Roosevelt shares his opinion of Harry and Daisy White with his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles. He does not understand why they would “denationalize” their children by raising them abroad but compliments Harry White’s skill as a diplomat.
1897-01-08
Theodore Roosevelt describes to his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles how the family spent Christmas. He lists the presents they bought for the children on behalf of Anna. He thinks it is “idiotic” for the Whites to raise their son Jack abroad and criticizes his Police Commissioner colleagues Andrew D. Parker and Frederick Dent Grant.
1896-12-26
Endicott Peabody agrees that Ted Roosevelt should stay with the Wachusett eleven for his own safety and to keep him available for “more important work next year.” Peabody admired President Roosevelt’s letter to Ted and his decision to take Ted into his confidence.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-08