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Postcard showing an embossed Teddy Bear and Billy Possum clasping hands as the Teddy Bear leaves Washington, D.C. and Billy Possum walks towards the capitol. A photograph of Theodore Roosevelt is featured to the left of the bear and a photograph of William H. Taft is featured to the right of Billy Possum.
1909
President Roosevelt and President-elect William H. Taft talk. Roosevelt holds a riding crop and says, “Bill, think of it. 98 miles in one day.” Taft replies, “But, Theodore, did you ever eat a ‘possum an’ sweet taters?”
This unsigned cartoon, which was clearly drawn by Clifford Kennedy Berryman for the National Tribune, the weekly veterans’ newspaper, addressed two legendary feats — one true and one likely what would today be called an “urban legend,” a commonly shared plausibility that lacked substantiation.
“Bumble puppy” and “Billy possum” carry a teddy bear with a “big noise” drum on a stretcher past a “persimmon tree.” In the background, President-elect William H. Taft swings a golf club.
Cartoonist W. A. Rogers, seldom friendly to President Roosevelt, marked the end of his administration with irony and condescension in a drawing composed entirely of icons and symbols.
President Roosevelt writes on a “Defi to Congress” as he also looks at a man holding a “dandy” gun, who asks, “Can’t I sell you one of our dandy guns?” A “rebuke from Congress” missile flies behind Roosevelt near a copy of the “N. Y. World” that Roosevelt is hitting with “the big stick” thanks to “spanking machine” that he is operating with his left foot. “Bill possum” chases a “teddy bear” near Roosevelt’s feet, and there are “Ananias Club tickets,” a “message,” and “98-mile ride” boots on the ground. Roosevelt uses his right foot to send a “wire to California.” He holds a “pat. gladhander” in his left hand as he shakes hands with a “big game hunter,” an “office hunter” and a “prize fighter.” A phonograph plays “Delighted, delighted” on it. Meanwhile, a man carries out a mattress and sings, “Moving day.” Caption: With only a few weeks more in which to finish up his work.
For two presidential terms political cartoonists of all persuasions had dutifully drawn cartoons trying to capture the omnivorous activities of the polymath in the White House; Theodore Roosevelt as cognoscente, strenuously pursuing interests and guests of all sorts. Willis H. Thorndike of the Baltimore American would have been one of the last, in the last weeks of the Roosevelt presidency, and he covered many areas of the president’s activity (or hyperactivity) — almost a compendium of minor issues and passing disputes.
President-elect William H. Taft holds “The Solid South” possum in his left hand as he puts as teddy bear on a shelf filled with cobwebs. Taft says, “Back to the shelf with him. The possum for me,” while the teddy bear says, “It’s all off with me.” President Roosevelt looks through the doorway and says, “Well, I swan! Possum Bill.”
Archibald G. Allan’s cartoon documents — or more likely merely perpetuates — the legend of William H. Taft’s appetite for possum, and the original of the failed campaign to duplicate the popularity of the stuffed toy associated with his predecessor, the Teddy Bear.
Sheet music for “O, Billy, Billy Possum,” a campaign song for William H. Taft’s presidential campaign. The possum was the Taft campaign’s response to the popularity of the teddy bear representing Theodore Roosevelt. The cover is red with a central photograph of Taft surrounded by flowers.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1909
Sheet music for “Won’t You Be My Billie Possum,” a reference to the opossum representing President Taft, similar to teddy bears representing Theodore Roosevelt. The cover features a baby playing with a possum doll.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1909
Sepia tone postcard featuring a teddy bear and billy possum clasping paws. In the background, the dome of the United States Capitol is visible. In the upper left corner is a circular photograph of Theodore Roosevelt and in the upper right corner is a circular photograph of President Taft. The caption reads “Good Bye Teddy.” The written message states, “I guess that William will beat him 2 to 1.”
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
1909
Theodore Roosevelt thanks his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles for the presents and describes what he intends to buy for himself. He details a hike with son Ted and house guest Bob, who came for Thanksgiving, including the shooting of a possum. He enjoys the fact his work as Police Commissioner has put him in contact with the philanthropic work in the city.
1896-11-29
Theodore Roosevelt agrees with his daughter Ethel Roosevelt about the possum and suggests it be sent to the zoo. He wishes she could see his dogs and looks forward to seeing her new stuff dresses.
1899-11-22
President Roosevelt thanks Postmaster Gault (spelled Ganet) for the opossums he had sent.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-27
Ignatius T. Werner tells The Outlook he is an avid admirer of Theodore Roosevelt. Werner asks the publication staff to tell Roosevelt to come to Virginia and go hunting for possums and raccoons in the fall.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-12
Theophilus A. Rogers, a three-year-old boy from Jones County, Mississippi, is interested in President Roosevelt’s hunting trips, especially his bear hunting trip in Louisiana. He invites Roosevelt to visit Mississippi and hunt with him there.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-12
Scottsville Postmaster Gault sends President Roosevelt two opossums he had caught near the Pine Knot cabin, as Roosevelt will not be able to come to Pine Knot for Thanksgiving.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-25