Periodical editors

William N. Tilchin reflects on his fifteen years as editor of the Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal (TRAJ). Tilchin acknowledges the work and collaboration of four journal designers whom he credits with helping craft the appearance of the TRAJ, and he stresses his commitment to issuing a journal of substance free from errors. Tilchin notes some of the highlights of his tenure, including the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the TRAJ in 2015.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

2021

Robert Wexelblatt describes his friendship with William N. Tilchin, the editor of the Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal (TRAJ). Wexelblatt explains how Tilchin made him into a Theodore Roosevelt expert by repeatedly asking him to review books about Roosevelt for the TRAJ. Wexelblatt writes that reviewing Philip James McFarland’s Mark Twain and the Colonel made him an enthusiast for Roosevelt while lowering his estimation of Mark Twain, and he admires Roosevelt for defeating the demon of depression.

A photograph of Wexelblatt and the front cover illustrations of three books supplement the address.

William N. Tilchin examines the history of the Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal (TRAJ) with an emphasis on the work of John A. Gable, the long-time executive director of the Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA) and the founder and editor of the TRAJ. Tilchin explains that Gable founded the TRAJ as a way to grow the membership of the TRA and to provide an outlet for the study of Theodore Roosevelt. Tichin notes that Gable succeeded in both tasks, and he explains the changes he has made to the TRAJ during his tenue which began in 2006. The changes include requiring peer review of submitted manuscripts, publishing regular columns like “Presidential Snapshots” and “The Material Culture of Theodore Roosevelt,” and updating the design and layout of the journal.

The article includes nineteen front cover illustrations from the TRAJ as well as six pages of excerpts from articles, reviews, and speeches. A text box with the mission statement of the TRA appears at the end of the article.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

In the first cartoon, President Roosevelt starts writing at his desk in The Outlook Editorial Rooms, remarking “Here’s a little introductory note,” as he gives the “copy boy” a pile of papers. Meanwhile, Lyman Abbott, “Editor in Chief,” sits at his desk. In the second cartoon, Roosevelt starts to write more and says, “A couple more sheets please!” In the third cartoon, Roosevelt and Abbott are almost completely surrounded by papers. Roosevelt says, “Ah now I’m getting warmed up!” In the fourth cartoon, the room is completely filled with papers, including one that reads, “Note to Editor in Chief. Please save room in this issue for a couple more little thoughts. Will be back after lunch.–Yours T.R.”

comments and context

Comments and Context

This multi-panel fantasy envisioned by Jay N. “Ding” Darling appeared just as the 1908 presidential campaign ended. President Roosevelt’s post-presidency plans could now be safely addressed outside the realms of rumor, changed minds, or miracles.

Lyman Abbott was interested in President Roosevelt’s letter about the attempt to “stir up religious animosity” against president-elect William H. Taft. Abbott had also decided not to dignify the issue by referring it until after the election, when he wanted to write an editorial on it. He had planned on taking a vacation, so he handed the matter over to an associate. He encloses a passage from Woodrow Wilson’s lectures about the Constitution. He discusses when he and his daughter will arrive in Washington, D.C.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-11

Theodore Roosevelt expresses to Secretary of the Navy Meyer how greatly relieved he is to never have to make another speaking tour. Roosevelt fears that it may be too late for the editors of The Outlook to use Meyer’s article, but he thanks him for sending it. Roosevelt reminds Meyer that he and his wife are invited to spend the night with the Roosevelts on their journey East. He will read Ballou’s paper with interest.

Collection

Massachusetts Historical Society

Creation Date

1911-04-25

Theodore Roosevelt thanks Edward A. Rumely and will speak to the managing editor of The Outlook regarding Rumely’s manuscript.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-08-19

Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary returns the poem and informs Robert I. Patterson that Roosevelt has no objection to him using it in a publication. If Patterson wants to publish it in The Outlook, he must get in contact with the managing editor.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-01-24

On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary thanks William C. Weisbrod for his letter and enclosure, but informs Weisbrod that Roosevelt is a contributing editor to The Outlook and does not make decisions about accepting articles. Weisbrod must reach out to the managing editor to pursue such matters.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-15

On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary thanks James Hale Porter for sending his letter. Roosevelt is a contributing editor of The Outlook and does not have anything to do with the selection of articles for publication. Roosevelt’s secretary suggests Porter reach out to the Managing Editor for such matters.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-15

Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary replies to F. S. Starrette that Roosevelt does not attempt to influence editors and newspaper publishers. He further notes that editors look at the quality and appropriateness of an article above all else. Roosevelt would quickly become overwhelmed if he took on the job of submitting articles for authors and is not able to do as requested.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-03

The secretary of Theodore Roosevelt acknowledges receipt of Annie R. Brown Dyer’s letter and its enclosure, but wishes to clarify that Roosevelt is a contributing editor to The Outlook and not the person who chooses the articles for publication. Consequently, he returns the enclosure and advises Dyer to contact the magazine’s managing editor.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-05-10

Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary thanks Reverend Burgess for his letter. Roosevelt has passed the letter on to the managing editor of The Outlook, as the decision about whether or not to publish it rests with him.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-05-03

Theodore Roosevelt informs Treadwell Twichell that he has yet to receive the paper, but expects it to reach him soon. When it does, Roosevelt will read the paper “with deep interest” and share it with the other editors of The Outlook. Roosevelt tells Twichell that he was impressed and interested by his conversation “with you gentlemen.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-05-02

Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary acknowledges receipt of W. H. Peters’ letter and enclosure. As a Contributing Editor to The Outlook, however, Roosevelt is not responsible for deciding which articles are accepted for publication. Peters is advised to contact the Managing Editor instead.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-04-24

President Roosevelt has heard from Henry Beach Needham. He concludes that Caspar Whitney’s note about the statement’s origins provides sufficient context for both Needham’s and his own purposes.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-05

Business card of Arshak Chʻopanyan (also spelled Archag Tchobanian). Chʻopanyan is the director of Anahit, a monthly literary and artistic review in Armenia, and a handwritten note indicates that he is interested in conditions in Armenia.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-08-18

Albert Shaw liked the “spirit” but not the prose of Judson C. Welliver’s article about President Roosevelt. He has asked Welliver to write a new piece in simpler language that delivers a systematic overview of the Roosevelt administration’s accomplishments. Shaw is optimistic about Edward B. Clark’s article for young readers on Roosevelt’s Africa trip. It is almost complete, and will be published in the March edition of The American Review of Reviews. Shaw shares his plans for the accompanying illustrations, and requests a photograph of Roosevelt in hunting attire. He also requests the short letter outlining Roosevelt’s goals for the trip that they discussed Friday evening. Shaw’s editorial remarks in the March issue will endeavor to frame Roosevelt’s legacy and future career plans in a flattering light.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-01

Albert Shaw has asked Judson C. Welliver to write a new article for The American Review of Reviews that provides a more informative overview of the Roosevelt administration. The “spirit and the intelligence” that William Loeb and President Roosevelt liked in the original manuscript will be retained. Shaw thanks Loeb for sending Welliver to him, and is optimistic about both this article and Clark’s piece on the Africa trip.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-01

John Adams Thayer shares his idea of starting a national journal with President Roosevelt, which Roosevelt would edit post-presidency. Such a publication would give Roosevelt free rein to discuss the country’s problems and act for the common good.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-08-12