Roosevelt, Franklin D. (Franklin Delano), 1882-1945

Alan R. Havig explores the ways in which Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) used the memory and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt (TR) to advance his own political career and causes. In doing so, he actually helped burnish the reputation of Theodore Roosevelt as a Progressive reformer. He looks closely at the 1920 campaign when FDR, the Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate, attacked the Republican nominee, Warren G. Harding, for denouncing TR and the Progressives in 1912. Havig examines how FDR attacked the Republicans for abandoning TR’s Progressive legacy and how FDR’s adoption of TR’s mantle led to a long feud between the two wings of the Roosevelt family. He also looks at how FDR supported the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. 

Havig also looks at how FDR used TR in 1936 to argue that the latter’s Square Deal had been a predecessor to his New Deal program. FDR, on the occasion of the dedication of the Roosevelt Memorial Hall in January 1936, quoted extensively from TR to demonstrate that he would have supported FDR’s extensive use of government to address the problems faced by the nation in the 1930s.

Robert C. Kimberly provides a detailed examination of the various afflictions and ailments that marked the life of Theodore Roosevelt from his childhood to his death in January 1919. He describes Roosevelt’s struggles with asthma and poor eyesight as a youth, his battle to control his weight, and details many of the injuries he suffered while living out the strenuous life. Kimberly delves into the serious leg injury Roosevelt suffered in a carriage accident in 1902, his decades long struggle with malaria, his near death experience on the River of Doubt expedition, and the treatment he received after the October 1912 assassination attempt. He notes the many doctors who treated Roosevelt as well as the implications his health problems had for his wife Edith.  

A listing of the officers of the Theodore Roosevelt Association is found on page three of the article and an advertisement for the Roosevelt Savings Bank is found at its conclusion. 

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Edmund Morris argues that “the more one analyzes Theodore Roosevelt in the harsh light of historical research, the more authentic an American hero he becomes.” Morris looks at different episodes in Roosevelt’s life, such as his service during the Spanish-American War, to make his case, and he compares Roosevelt’s life to heroic figures from mythology and literature such as Hercules, Beowulf, and King Lear.  

Homer Davenport’s famous cartoon, “He’s good enough for me,” featuring Uncle Sam and Theodore Roosevelt is on the first page of the article.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Obituary of Earle Looker, a childhood friend of Quentin Roosevelt and author of The White House Gang. The notice relates one of the gang’s White House encounters with President Roosevelt and the popularity that the children gained during Roosevelt’s presidency. Looker’s service in both World Wars is recounted as is his work as a speech writer for President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1977

Creator(s)

Unknown

This article describes a visit to the White House by a delegation from the Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA) to present a set of the Memorial Edition of the Works of Theodore Roosevelt to President Jimmy Carter and his wife to be placed in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. The article lists the members of the delegation, provides information about the Roosevelt Room and the donated books, and describes the interaction between Ethel Roosevelt Derby and the Carter family.

A picture of John A. Gable and P. James Roosevelt of the TRA with President Carter opens the article on the front page of the issue.

A listing of the officers of the TRA accompanies the second page of the article.

Sheldon Liebman, winner of the 1975 Theodore Roosevelt Public Speaking Contest, looks at how Theodore Roosevelt addressed the issue of unemployment in a 1915 speech. He argues that some of the approaches taken to tackle this problem, such as unemployment offices, were first proposed by Roosevelt. Liebman quotes Roosevelt’s 1915 speech in his own address.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1975

Creator(s)

Liebman, Sheldon

Thomas Henry Barry, Superintendent of West Point, sends Theodore Roosevelt information on a bill currently in the New York State Assembly that would ban the sale of alcohol near the academy. He believes that it is being held up by saloon interests. In a handwritten postscript, Barry responds to Roosevelt’s note about a separate matter, saying that he “lectured the old fellow.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-13

Creator(s)

Barry, Thomas Henry, 1855-1919

Sheet music for “The Re-Born American Spirit,” which celebrates the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the new “American Spirit” which resulted. The cover features a large illustration of Roosevelt and smaller illustrations of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt.

Collection

Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection

Creation Date

1933

Creator(s)

Jackson, E. M.; Newton, John W.

Sheet music for “Presidents on Parade,” a patriotic song with lyrics that mention all presidents from George Washington to Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Collection

Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection

Creation Date

1933

Creator(s)

Fisher, Fred, 1875-1942; Unger, Stella

Black and white postcard featuring the heads of eleven United States presidents superimposed on to the bodies of football players. From left to right pictured are: Herbert Hoover, Calvin Coolidge, Woodrow Wilson, William McKinley, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Warren G. Harding, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In the background is the United States Capitol.

Collection

Fritz R. Gordner Collection

Creation Date

1933-1943

Creator(s)

Hilborn Novelty Adv., New York

Corinne Roosevelt Robinson expresses her gratitude to John Campbell Greenway for his note and flowers. She also acknowledges the comfort that Greenway brought her, talking about her brother, Theodore Roosevelt. Robinson compliments Greenway’s siblings and is leaving two books with Sara Irvine Greenway Keller for Greenway.

Collection

Arizona Historical Society

Creation Date

Unknown

Creator(s)

Robinson, Corinne Roosevelt, 1861-1933

John Campbell Greenway expresses his disappointment that General Wood did not win the Republican presidential nomination. He feels the Republicans have been weakened in Arizona. Greenway may support the Democratic candidate, Governor Cox. He provides the names of several Arizonans that Wood can thank for their support.

Collection

Arizona Historical Society

Creation Date

1920-08-06

Creator(s)

Greenway, John Campbell, 1872-1926

President Roosevelt has confidentially told Gutzon Borglum that he will be visiting Mount Rushmore. Borglum plans to officially unveil the “great heads” of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln during the visit. He suggests that Representative Greenway could deliver a speech.

Collection

Arizona Historical Society

Creation Date

1936-07-13

Creator(s)

Borglum, Gutzon, 1867-1941

President Roosevelt has confirmed that he will be visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Gutzon Borglum would like Representative Greenway to attend.

Collection

Arizona Historical Society

Creation Date

1936-08-11

Creator(s)

Borglum, Gutzon, 1867-1941

Gutzon Borglum has received no further word from President Roosevelt, but the rumor is that he will not be visiting Mount Rushmore. Borglum advises Representative Greenway not to make the trip.

Collection

Arizona Historical Society

Creation Date

1936-08-18

Creator(s)

Borglum, Gutzon, 1867-1941

Gutzon Borglum complains of the difficulties besetting the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Commission which have been complicated by the involvement of the National Park Service. Borglum will attend a meeting, organized by Senator Pittman, with President Roosevelt the following week with the goal of resolving the matter.

Collection

Arizona Historical Society

Creation Date

1939-06-01

Creator(s)

Borglum, Gutzon, 1867-1941

Gutzon Borglum reviews the historic items to be inscribed on the west wall of Mount Rushmore. He describes the Mount Rushmore National Committee and its composition. Borglum argues that at least three women should be on the committee.

Collection

Arizona Historical Society

Creation Date

1934-03-15

Creator(s)

Borglum, Gutzon, 1867-1941

Superintendent Taylor reviews the rules, judging, and awards for the Mount Rushmore inscription contest.

Collection

Arizona Historical Society

Creation Date

1934-03-22

Creator(s)

Taylor, Charles W. (Charles William), 1874-1943

Dr. Pope encloses a manuscript for the attention of Representative Greenway. He is concerned that the manuscript was not read by the full Mount Rushmore inscription contest committee. He questions the fairness of the committee’s final choice of text.

Collection

Arizona Historical Society

Creation Date

1935-04-22

Creator(s)

Pope, Russell

Text of a speech delivered by Gutzon Borglum on the occasion of the unveiling of the figure of Thomas Jefferson on Mount Rushmore. Borglum notes the historical significance of the impending completion of Mount Rushmore and invokes the architectural accomplishments of antiquity to underscore the success of Mount Rushmore.

Collection

Arizona Historical Society

Creation Date

1936-08-30

Creator(s)

Borglum, Gutzon, 1867-1941