On October 27, 1858, a man was born who would leave an indelible mark upon America's history, military, politics, and conservation. This man of the past would also impact antiquities and collectibles of the present day; some of which are procurable on Ruby Lane.
In our nation's 26th and youngest President, we find a man of immense character, energy, activity, talent, and accomplishment. Impressive, considering he suffered from asthma and terrible near-sightedness so much so that his father built a gym in the home to strengthen "Teedie's" weak constitution. "You have the mind, but not the body; you must make your body." He took his father's words to heart and would later become known as the "Bull Moose" for this strength and drive. While campaigning for election, Roosevelt would take an assassin's bullet to the chest and continue on with his 90 minute speech. "I don't know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot, but it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose," he quipped.
Just a few of Roosevelt's many roles outside of his presidential and political interests were: family man, Sunday school teacher, boxer, soldier, author, historian, sportsman, rancher, naturalist,cowboy, deputy sheriff, police commissioner, conservationist, scientist, explorer, and lawyer. Though these interests were varied all were characterized by his zeal for "up and doing", and this "doing" was with all his might. His deeds were backed by his strong personal integrity and good intent as his following words reflect: "No man can lead a public career really worth leading, no man can act with rugged independence in serious crises, nor strike at great abuses, nor afford to make powerful and unscrupulous foes, if he is himself vulnerable in his private character."
Perhaps this "rugged independence in serious crises" was best exemplified by Colonel Roosevelt leading his Rough Riders brave charge up San Juan's Kettle Hill. His steed stumbled, but an undaunted Roosevelt landed on his feet, raised high his sword, wildly yelled to his men, and continued to lead the advance into the enemy's camp. For his bravery Roosevelt was nominated for a Congressional Medal of Honor. After the Spanish American War, he continued to improve soldiers' conditions and preparedness which would have a far-reaching impact into World War I and beyond. He was also active in establishing the U.S. as a world power. His Great White Fleet's circumnavigation of the globe visually showed the world his "Big Stick" policy: "Let us speak courteously, deal fairly, and keep ourselves armed and ready."
High standards of personal integrity backed with his good intentions to "deal fairly" and "square deal" would become the hallmarks of his political career. Whether it was trampling graft or exposing injustice, his policies were reflected in his words: "When I say a square deal I mean a square deal; exactly as much a square deal for the rich man as for the poor man; but no more. Let each stand on his merits, receive what is due him, and be judged according to his deserts. To more he is not entitled, and less he shall not have...It is both foolish and wicked to teach the average man who is not well off that some wrong or injustice has been done him, and that he should hope for redress elsewhere than in his own industry, honesty, and intelligence." At age 23 he was a Representative for New York and by 42 President of the United States. From home front battles with: corruption, 'busted' trusts, securing living wages, consumer protection, $90,000,000 reduced national debt - to his concerns abroad with: the Panama Canal, the Drago Doctrine, and his Nobel Peace Prize for his part in ending the Russo-Japanese War, Roosevelt's mark on American and foreign policy was left. As a man of action and doing, he knew that personal integrity and good intent were not enough. "I have a perfect horror of words that are not backed up by deeds."
These deeds were not limited to the political and military arena. He was an outdoors and sports enthusiast and would go from a sickly, home schooled youth to become founder of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. This love of sport coupled with a love of history and nature would take him from the Wild West to the wilds of the Dark Continent; these physically exacting expeditions would gain him worldwide renown and respect. His historical Naval History of 1812 and works that followed showed not only his knowledge of history and nature but also his passion as a historian and conservationist to preserve them for the future. Readers welcomed his thrilling accounts and museums his many contributions. So, also in keeping with his "up and doing", he authored over 35 books, penned over 150,000 letters, served as president of the American Historical Association, and initiated as U.S. President protection of almost 230 million acres of land.
Not only did he leave an indelible mark upon America's history, military, politics, and conservation but also upon the realm of antiquities and collecting. Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act of 1906 with a goal of preserving for the research and enjoyment of future generations America's past. This protected antiquities and established National Monuments. As those future generations, we of today can also see his influence in the collectible world. His popularity has not waned over the years, and today Roosevelt related items are highly sought after and command a good price. A trip down the aisles of Ruby Lane reveals his imprint upon postcards, art, political memorabilia, books, exonomia, militaria, philately, and even the ever popular "Teddy" bear so named in his honor. Available for purchase in Ruby Lane shops are books on his exciting expeditions, hard to find campaign pin backs, commemorative plaques, stereoviews with his Rough Riders, Roosevelt styled spectacles, and even a doll that captures his likeness!
So, Happy 151st Birthday to the "Bull Moose", a man of integrity and good intent, who undeniably left his big tracks across this nation by living up to his own words: "...the man who really counts in the world is the doer, not the mere critic - the man who actually does the work, even if roughly and imperfectly, not the man who only talks or writes about how it ought to be done."
Jennifer Atkinson of Backwoods Treasure
http://www.rubylane.com/shops/backwoods-treasure
