Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt speaks on a platform in the middle of a crowd at the first Progressive Party Convention in the Chicago Coliseum. Banners and signs with state names are arranged around the arena.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1912-08
Postcard featuring the statement, “I Suppose if I Vote for Roosevelt I Can Stick Around on My Job”. The word Roosevelt is in a large red and green pennant flag on the left side of the postcard and a cartoon drawing of a police officer is on the right. On the reverse is a handwritten note to Henry Losier that states “Solid ‘Bull Moose’ Here. Get Busy Henry!”.
The postcard was most likely produced in 1912 during the presidential campaign in which Theodore Roosevelt would run as a member of the Progressive Party, also known as the Bull Moose Party. Roosevelt would lose the election to Woodrow Wilson.
Draft of a speech prepared by Theodore Roosevelt to deliver before the 1912 Republican Convention in Chicago, Illinois. He believes the nominating votes have been fixed in President Taft’s favor and refuses to accept any nomination from the convention. Roosevelt announces he will run on a progressive platform.
1912-06
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Frank A. Johnson regarding campaign strategy for the 1912 Presidential Election. Roosevelt advocates integrating the Republican Party into the progressive movement where possible, but notes that in New York, it must be a third party campaign.
1912-07-25
Theodore Roosevelt introduces Ernest Harner to Justice Hotchkiss. Roosevelt writes that Harner can organize the Democratic end of the movement.
1912-07-01
A copy of a letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edwin A. Van Valkenburg, the editor of the Philadelphia North American. Roosevelt thanks Van Valkenburg for the hint as to a proper view of the Democratic Party. He says he agrees all tariff abuses should be cut out, but feels it would damage the country to adopt the theory of free trade.
1912-01-25
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Charles Sumner Bird for being a source of support and strength for the Progressive movement.
1916-07-07
Theodore Roosevelt acknowledges the sacrifices Charles Sumner Bird has made and writes that he is sorry Bird will not run for office. Roosevelt writes that he himself will not be a candidate in the next election because he is “out of kilter with the trend of American thought.”
1915-07-07
Theodore Roosevelt writes about the Progressive movement and the choices he made regarding the direction and future of the movement. He also discusses his disagreements with those who wish to take the Progressive movement in a different direction. Roosevelt mentions the libel suit brought by William Barnes.
1914-07-29
Theodore Roosevelt expresses his regret that Charles Sumner Bird will not be running for governor. However, Roosevelt respects his decision, as he has made the same choice.
1914-07-13
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Charles Sumner Bird for his support of Roosevelt’s presidential candidacy and the Progressive movement.
1912-11-04
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Henry Justin Allen for his work and dedication during Roosevelt’s presidential campaign. Roosevelt writes that the task is now to make the Progressive Party permanent and hopes that Allen will lead the way in Kansas.
1912-11-15
Theodore Roosevelt tells Chancellor Allison that he will require more time to think over the Chancellor’s request. Roosevelt is hesitant to intervene in the matter, as he would then have to intervene in many other cases. Roosevelt also expresses his happiness that Allison will represent Tennessee in the Senate.
1912-11-16
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Belle Roosevelt, but is unsure where she and Kermit Roosevelt are due to the war. Roosevelt sends the letter in care of the Ambassador to Brazil, hoping it reaches Belle. Roosevelt writes about what he and Edith Roosevelt have been doing of late, along with updates about the other Roosevelt children.
1914-11-07
A stenography notebook written by Frank Harper, Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary. On the front is written “Progressive Campaign.”
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
1911-1912
Everett Colby renews his allegiance to Theodore Roosevelt and the Progressive Party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-11
![TR at Fargo, N.D., during Progressive campaign, 1912 [1]](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/theodorerooseveltcenter/TRC/Video/Video_Thumbnail.JPG)
As part of a western campaign tour, Theodore Roosevelt speaks to crowds and firms up Progressive Party structure in the area of Fargo, North Dakota, September 6, 1912. Several views from varying distances of Roosevelt greeting and speaking to crowds from rear of train; addressing large crowd from a decorated platform, apparently in a stadium; speaking from rear of train to Native American men, women, and children assembled on open plains; several long shots of crowds; medium-close silhouette of Roosevelt and three men conversing, one of whom appears to be George Emlen Roosevelt, his cousin and campaign secretary in the 1912 election.
Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound
1912
Campaign poster from Butte, Montana for Theodore Roosevelt and the Bull Moose Party created years after Roosevelt’s death.
Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation
1964-1986
Theodore Roosevelt writes to former Representative Charles Washburn to list his reasons for considering running for president again. He lists the concerns of social justice on one hand, but expresses unease of the LaFollettes. He believes President William Howard Taft only represented the monied interests.
1915-11-29
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to discuss the presidential campaign and his hopes that the Progressive party will have another candidate ready in four years. He also mentions how much he likes Kermit’s letters and talks of the work Kermit is doing in Brazil.
1912-11-01