Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt describes to his sister Anna a recent visit by his wife Edith’s mother and sister. He also discusses his and Edith’s trip to Geneseo. Both he and Edith are enjoying the country and sporting events. Roosevelt also discusses the upcoming presidential election and Fourth of July festivities.
1888-07-08
A bald eagle, bruised and battered, stands on a pile of spent fireworks, following the celebration of the Fourth of July.
Modern readers might be tempted to see incipient regrets over an Independence Day celebration by the iconic American symbol. But the wan smile reflects the dangers of handling fireworks (perennial warning cartoons that were ubiquitous in magazines of the day), and not a criticism by cartoonist Keppler of the new American Century in any way.
A crowd of people celebrate a spinning fireworks display showing the head of Uncle Sam at center.
For Puck‘s celebratory holiday issue, July 4th, 1905, cartoonist Frank Nankivell, born in Australia, was given the task of creating a poster-like cover. The United States was at peace, was prospering economically, and had just re-elected a popular president whose exuberant optimism mirrored the nation’s own. It is interesting to note that, among the silhouetted hats on the crowd in the foreground, the most prominent is an army hat reminiscent of Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Rider hat.
Two female drummers play while a young woman bursts from a firecracker. The title “Puck” is formed from firecrackers.
In 1904, the United States was in the midst of its first blush as an expansionist, innovative, prosperous nation, with the previous years’ depression, war, assassination, and labor strife behind it. Automobiles, airplanes, electrification, and motion pictures reflected a vitality in daily life, which in turn, was manifested by the exuberance of America’s popular president, Theodore Roosevelt.
The week before this issue of Puck was on the newsstands, Roosevelt’s Republican Party had re-nominated him, and had every reason to be confident of success. Nevertheless the Democratic weekly Puck chose its splashy Fourth of July issue to boost Judge Alton Brooks Parker, the likely Democrat nominee, and Puck‘s preferred candidate.
A crowd of people wearing colonial dress gather around an old man who is firing off a cannon during the Fourth of July celebration, 1903.
In the first years of the new century, Puck subtly devoted less space and editorial attention to partisan politics, and more to humorous images, decorative covers, and social topics. The magazine was a full decade away from sublimating politics in a major fashion, and that decision might have been motivated by the disinclination to offend roughly have of its potential readership… but in any event the humorous and decorative artwork, and non-political themes, were asserting themselves on Puck‘s covers especially.
Cartoonist L. M. Glackens was a master of political subjects and especially humorous illustration, as demonstrated by this cover, including its subtle coloring. In a decade he proved his mastery of animated cartoons, too, as a pioneer in that field for various studios.
Uncle Sam hugs a youthful John Bull, with firecrackers on both sides and a remarque below showing a Revolutionary War soldier sending the British and the British Lion back to England.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1902-07-02
Father Pitt sits at a desk completing invitations to the Fourth of July celebration. A list on his wall shows that President Roosevelt has accepted his invitation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-20
Cartoon regarding Roosevelt’s plan to speak at Pittsburgh’s 4th of July Celebration. Roosevelt is shown in Rough Rider garb on the back of a horse as fireworks go off and Father Pitt claps.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-17
The Theodore Roosevelt Centennial Commission promotes Independence Day celebrations for 1958.
1958
President Roosevelt asks if it would be safe to give a denial of a New York Sun story about the “scandalous mock celebration of the Fourth in the Department.” An Assistant Postmaster General should investigate the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-13
Theodore Roosevelt cannot attend the dedication of the Boone County, Indiana, courthouse on the Fourth of July.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-06-03
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Alderman Henry H. Curran to thank him for his invitation, but he regrets that he is unable to accept the offer to speak at the Washington Square Fourth of July celebration. Roosevelt remembers Curran and his political achievements and appreciates the consideration, but notes that he is physically unable to accept the many invitations he receives and wishes his friends could understand his position. He is sorry to decline as he knows the importance of the event.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-29
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Nelson H. Henry for the invitation to speak at the Washington Square celebration on the Fourth of July and to lunch to meet the Committee, but he is unable to take on any further commitments.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-28
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary informs the Pain Manufacturing Company that due to an illness in the Roosevelt family, it is impossible for Theodore and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt to have the fireworks at their house on the Fourth of July. They are sorry to have to cancel the order, but hope to be able to renew it on another occasion.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-13
Theodore Roosevelt wishes he could accept the invitation from John A. McKinley to attend the Roseberry Fourth of July Celebrations, but it is impossible for him to do so due to the large number of similar invitations he receives.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-07
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary requests fireworks from the Pain Manufacturing Company for the 4th of July.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-09
President Roosevelt asks if it would be safe to give a denial of a New York Sun story about the “scandalous mock celebration of the Fourth in the Department.” An Assistant Postmaster General should investigate the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-13
President Roosevelt fondly recalls the Fourth of July he spent with the Thorndikes. Next year, he would like Mrs. Paul Thorndike to dine in the new state dining room.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-04
President Roosevelt introduces Father John J. Curran, who has invited Roosevelt to the Fourth of July celebrations at Wilkes-Barre. Roosevelt has obligations elsewhere and hopes that Judge Gray can attend the festivities for him, especially due to Gray being an integral part of the Anthracite Coal Strike Commission.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-19
Wardner Williams asks Theodore Roosevelt to give a speech on patriotism at next year’s Independence Day celebration in Denver, Colorado.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-01