Your TR Source
President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to say they are waiting for Kermit to send soiled laundry before they send the rubber-soled shoes. Roosevelt says he is very busy and glad he has gotten everything ready in advance. He also talks about directions for the double-barreled 450 rifle.
1909-02-04
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Kermit Roosevelt from a troop ship in Tampa Bay, Florida while waiting to ship out to Santiago. Roosevelt discusses being separated from Marshall and his horses, doing his own laundry, and how Robert Munro Ferguson sleeps on deck because his bunk is too hot.
1898-06-10
President Roosevelt rolls up his sleeves as he looks at a pile of “U. S. Post Office Department” clothing that reeks of “scandal,” “corruption,” and “fraud.” The washtub is labeled “White House,” and the washboard is the “administration.” On the shelf, and in the president’s hand, is “strenuous soap.”
Thanks in part to reforms initiated by Theodore Roosevelt, both as Civil Service Commission in the 1880s and ’90s, and as president, the Post Office gradually diminished its status as an institution of patronage and corruption as much as mail delivery. At one time every postmaster in every town, and other officials, were political appointees who depended upon victorious politicians who dispensed favors… and could be depended upon, in turn, to financially support their party benefactors.
For generations this system was a way of life in American politics; and the Postmaster General was in a way the most powerful figure in a president’s cabinet.
“Busy bears” postcard series highlights Monday as laundry day. Addressee side contains handwritten entry “Howard.”
1901-1907
Forest green postcard featuring a white illustration of an adult-sized teddy bear and a cub washing laundry. Postcard is titled “Monday.”
1907-08-11
Postcard featuring a color illustration of an adult-sized teddy bear and a cub washing laundry.
1907
Print shows a Chinese laundry ticket that states, “Clothes are given to the person showing the check – all responsibility then ceases. None given without a check; if lost, goods cannot be claimed. Not responsible for goods left over sixty days.”
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1882-04-12
C. B. Lee acknowledges payment for provisions and laundry aboard the USS Sylph.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-26