Two (2) Autograph Letters Signed
Oyster Bay, NY: May 18 21 [1919]. Pair of letters regarding the family's preferred portrait of the late president, written within three days of each other. Autograph Letters Signed to Edward Bok. 2 and 3 pages, about 7 x 4 1/2 inches; minimal wear and light toning. The 3-page letter is written on mourning stationary with black trim, the 2-page letter on stationary letterhead 'Sagamore Hill'. These letters were written a mere three months after Teddy's death in February 1919.
Content; Edward Bok, the longtime editor of Ladies'' Home Journal, was apparently planning an article on the late president and had written to Mrs. Roosevelt regarding the family''s favorite portrait. On 18 May, she responded "the picture we like is the Lazlo portrait" but "it may not be entirely suited for your purpose. . . . Perhaps the Sergeant portrait in the White House would be better, tho'' we do not care as much for it. The photograph which we all like is a head by Pirie MacDonald, but perhaps you prefer a full-length picture." 3 days later she followed up: "If you write to Pirie MacDonald . . . he will send the one we prefer. . . . I am quite sure the Pirie MacDonald head will make a fine picture. It is a wonderful likeness." She refers to the well-known portrait which was used as a frontispiece to one of Roosevelt''s last books, The Great Adventure, published in 1919. She adds: "I do not know of any one of the family who is writing articles about Mr. Roosevelt. My sons are writing their war experiences, which must be the foundation for the rumor of which you speak."
Edith Kermit Roosevelt (1861 – 1948) was the second wife of President Theodore Roosevelt and served as the First Lady of the United States during his presidency from 1901 to 1909. Roosevelt was the first First Lady to employ a full-time, salaried social secretary. Her tenure resulted in the creation of an official staff, and her formal dinners and ceremonial processions served to elevate the position of First Lady. She and Teddy had five children and she of course helped raise Alice, the orphaned daughter from Teddy's first marriage. One of her great contributions to the nation was bringing racial diversity exposure into the White House. Item #1709
"One cannot bring up boys to be eagles and then expect them to be sparrows." - Edith Roosevelt.
Price: $650.00