Wilcox, Ansley, 1856-1930

Christina Rainsford recalls her childhood memories of observing Theodore Roosevelt and his family while on vacation near Mount Marcy in upstate New York. She describes the events surrounding Roosevelt’s notification that he must return to Buffalo, New York, to assume the Presidency upon the death of President William McKinley.

An illustration of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site and a handwritten message from Eilhu Root to Roosevelt supplement the article. This article also appears in the Summer 1981 issue, volume 7, #3, of the Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal under the title “A Momentous Ride: Theodore Roosevelt Becomes President Eighty Years Ago.” 

Variety marks this edition of the “News and Notes” section, beginning with the celebration of the 90th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt’s inauguration at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in Buffalo, New York, and the establishment of a Theodore Roosevelt Police Award for western New York. “News and Notes” also details the rededication of a monument to Roosevelt in Montana by Edith Roosevelt Derby Williams and provides a lengthy obituary for Cornelius V.S. Roosevelt, son of Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt. A Roosevelt family reunion, bringing together the Oyster Bay and Hyde Park, New York, branches is also covered along with an appeal from Stephen V. Walker for music composed in honor of Theodore Roosevelt’s children.

“News and Notes” also features a text box “About the Theodore Roosevelt Association” that highlights the purpose, work, and history of the Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA). A photograph of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, an illustration of both sides of the TRA medallion, and Howard Chandler Christy’s painting of the Battle of Las Guasimas in Cuba illustrate the section.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1991

Leslie G. Foschio explains how the home of Ansley Wilcox of Buffalo, New York, became, over time, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. Foschio provides an overview of Roosevelt’s career, looks at the history of the Wilcox Mansion, and explores intersections in the lives of Roosevelt and Wilcox. Foschio documents how the house was saved from the wrecking ball more than once, and he details the efforts of local politicians and volunteers who rallied in the 1960s to save the home and secure it a place in the ranks of National Park Service sites.

A drawing of the Wilcox Mansion and an illustration of Roosevelt in a dynamic speaking pose supplement the text.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1983-10-26

John A. Gable provides a comprehensive report on the work of the Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA) in 1981. He details the TRA’s support of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, and he notes the association’s financial support of Youngs Memorial Cemetery, the adjacent Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary in Oyster Bay, and the American Museum of Natural History. Gable also reports on the association’s support of student essay and speaking contests, additions to the Theodore Roosevelt Collection at Harvard University, and the Roosevelt Genealogical Project. He notes the growth in membership and dues for the TRA, and he lists the articles published in 1981 in the TRA Journal. Gable highlights the work of David McCullough and Edmund Morris on Theodore Roosevelt and gives examples of the TRA’s support of the various historical sites associated with the life of Roosevelt.

A drawing of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Historical Site and photographs of John A. Gable with members of the faculty of Richland College and with TRA President William Johnston and David McCullough are included in the report.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1982

John A. Gable acknowledges the various authors who have essays appearing in this issue of the Journal, and he quotes from several reviews of David McCullough’s biography of Theodore Roosevelt, Mornings on Horseback. Gable also notes the opening of a new visitor center at the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, North Dakota, and he highlights the ceremonies surrounding eightieth anniversary of Roosevelt’s inauguration at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1981

Creator(s)

Gable, John A.

Christina Rainsford recalls her childhood memories of observing Theodore Roosevelt and his family while on vacation near Mount Marcy in upstate New York. She describes the events surrounding Roosevelt’s notification that he must return to Buffalo, New York to assume the Presidency upon the death of President McKinley.

A listing of the officers and members of the executive, finance, and Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace committees of the Theodore Roosevelt Association is found on the second page of the article.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1981

Notice about changes in the leadership of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation which helps run the historic site along with the National Park Service. The new and former officers are listed along with the members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The notice also provides a one paragraph history of the site where Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office on September 14, 1901.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1978

Creator(s)

Unknown

Guide to thirteen different sites associated with Theodore Roosevelt from historic homes to national parks and small towns. Many of the sites are administered by the National Park Service. The directory names each site, gives a brief description and history, and provides directions for visitors.  

Photographs of the front of the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site and of the equestrian statue of Theodore Roosevelt in front of the American Museum of Natural History, both in New York City, accompany the guide. The statue was removed in January 2022.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Description of the ceremony on September 14, 1976 marking the seventy-fifth anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt’s elevation to the presidency. The ceremony was held at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in Buffalo, New York where Roosevelt took the oath of office after the death of President William McKinley. The article notes the order of the ceremony and summarizes the remarks of the speakers. It also gives a brief history of the inaugural site, notes the other commemorative programs in the fall of 1976 marking the beginning of Roosevelt’s presidency, and concludes with a paragraph on the challenges faced by Roosevelt from 1901 to 1909 and how he responded to these issues.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1977

Creator(s)

Unknown

This article notes the 75th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt’s elevation to the presidency following the assassination of President William McKinley in September 1901. It traces Roosevelt’s movements and actions in the days surrounding McKinley’s shooting and death, and additionally provides a history of the Ansley Wilcox House in Buffalo, New York that served as the site of Roosevelt’s swearing in ceremony. The article concludes with a look at the state of the nation in 1901, and how Roosevelt addressed the many issues confronting the United States. 

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1976

Creator(s)

Unknown

Holiday postcard with photographs of the Ansley Wilcox house and the Milburn residence. William McKinley passed away while at the Milburn residence, and President Roosevelt took the presidential oath of office at the Ansley Wilcox house.

Collection

Fritz R. Gordner Collection

Creation Date

1901-1907

Creator(s)

Unknown

Color postcard of the Ansley Wilcox house, the location where Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office after William McKinley’s death. Spencer A. Snook visited the Cave of the Winds and found Niagara Falls to be wonderful.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Creation Date

1911

Creator(s)

Snook, Spencer A.

Unknown card featuring a black and white photograph of the exterior of the Ansley Wilcox House in Buffalo, New York, the location where Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office after the death of William McKinley. On the reverse is a description of the house. Below the description is an advertisement for Dr. Pierce’s Cough Syrup.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Creation Date

Unknown

Creator(s)

Unknown

Color postcard of the Ansley Wilcox house, the location where Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office after William McKinley’s death.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Creation Date

1907-1914

Creator(s)

Buffalo News Company

Color postcard of the Ansley Wilcox residence, the location where Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office after William McKinley’s death. The portico is draped with black bunting and a large American flag hangs above the steps. Photographers and others are gathered in front of the house.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Creation Date

1907-1915

Creator(s)

Unknown

Postcard with sepia tone photographs of the Wilcox and Milburn residences. William McKinley passed away while at the Milburn residence and President Roosevelt took the presidential oath of office at the Wilcox residence.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Creation Date

1901-1905

Creator(s)

Buffalo Morning Express

Postcard with sepia tone photographs of the Wilcox and Milburn residences. William McKinley passed away while at the Milburn residence and President Roosevelt took the presidential oath of office at the Wilcox residence.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Creation Date

1901-1905

Creator(s)

Buffalo Morning Express

Color postcard of the Ansley Wilcox house, the location where Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office after William McKinley’s death.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Creation Date

1907-1914

Creator(s)

Buffalo News Company

Postcard with sepia tone photographs of the Wilcox and Milburn residences. William McKinley passed away while at the Milburn residence and President Roosevelt took the presidential oath of office at the Wilcox residence. The postcard also features a calendar for November 1918.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Creation Date

1908

Creator(s)

American Agricultural Chemical Company

Envelope commemorating the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site on September 14, 1971. At left are a black and white photograph of Theodore Roosevelt and the Wilcox Mansion. “Dedication, Wilcox Mansion, Buffalo, New York” is printed above the photographs and printed below is “70th Anniversary Inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt, President, September 14, 1971.”

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Creation Date

1971-09-14

Creator(s)

Unknown