Your TR Source
President Roosevelt is amused with Frederick J. Schussel’s letter and formally surrenders ownership of the handkerchief.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-17
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary thanks Arthur E. Cramer upon receipt of a letter, a silk bandana, and campaign handkerchiefs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-19
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary thanks Edwin T. Earl for his suggestions about how to bypass the Progressive Party’s use of charter member certificates. These suggestions, along with those regarding the use of handkerchief scarves by the Progressive Party, are presently under review by central headquarters.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-22
Theodore Roosevelt asks Mary J. B. Frazer to congratulate the father and mother of the prize-winning baby and all parents who participated. He encloses a handkerchief from Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt for the winner.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-15
On behalf of Alice Roosevelt, Isabella Hagner informs Mrs. L. H. Berg that it is impossible to accept all the gifts which are sent to her, and as a rule she has to decline any gift except those sent by personal friends. Roosevelt further has so many handkerchiefs that she does not need to purchase more at this time.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-01-31
President Roosevelt thanks Nancy Michie Wayland for the handkerchief.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-27
On behalf of Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt, George B. Cortelyou acknowledges receipt of Harriet R. Doak’s letter and explains that because of the similar number of offers, Roosevelt is not able “to purchase many of the things which under other circumstances she would be pleased to possess.” He therefore returns the handkerchief.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-11
In verse, Myrtle Mable Preble asks Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt to send a handkerchief for the booth she is tending at a fair. In a note below, she asks if her daughter Ethel would also be interested in sending one.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-12-01
Dame Democracy is startled when President Roosevelt shows her the portrait he painted as he holds a “letter of acceptance—a party that has no policy.” The likeness features a frame that reads, “Without policy or principle—the Democracy 1904.” In the portrait, Dame Democracy wears a “dire menace” hat, has “free trade” and “free silver” hair, and wears a “Parker fichu.” At the bottom of the picture is a sign: “Political portraits painted while you wait. T. Roosevelt.” Caption: Dame Democracy (the day after the letter came out)—Oh Theodore! How you do flatter me!!
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08
Red decorative handkerchief that features Theodore Roosevelt’s portrait wearing a Rough Rider era hat and bandana. From inner edge of banner to center logo, in white letters, “TR” is repeated. Center design is a white square with a red cowboy hat inside of it.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
1912