Last updated: June 18, 2021
Place
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace Library
NPS
Theodore Roosevelt describes this room in his autobiography: "The middle room was a library, with tables, chairs and bookcases of gloomy respectability. It was without windows, and so was available only at night." (p.5) The black-colored furniture in this room is upholstered with horsehair, which, T.R. recalls "scratched the bare legs of children." (Autobiography, 5)
As one examines the bookcases, one finds many heirloom books, which the family enjoyed. T.R. himself loved to read. He states "While I was still a small boy...I already begun to read some of Mayne Reid's books and other boys' books of adventure...I was too young to understand much of Mayne Reid, excepting the adventure part and the natural history part- these enthralled me." (Autobiography, p. 15-16). Theodore Roosevelt was encouraged to read what he wanted, unless it was a dime novel or Ouida's books, which were deemed inappropriate for the young boy. One of T.R.'s prized possessions was a couple of books by J.G. Wood that he received from his father. When one looks closely in the bookcases, to this day, one still finds a book on natural history that J.G. Wood wrote.
Additionally, in his autobiography, Theodore Roosevelt mentions an art piece called the "Transfiguration"- Today one sees a replica etching hanging above the fireplace mantle piece.
Looking on the mantle piece, one can spot two black obelisks. These were souvenirs brought back from a trip down the Nile River that the family took in 1872. On that trip, T.R. brought back samples of bird taxidermy for his "Roosevelt Museum." Today, these taxidermy birds are on display at the American Museum of Natural History.
As one examines the bookcases, one finds many heirloom books, which the family enjoyed. T.R. himself loved to read. He states "While I was still a small boy...I already begun to read some of Mayne Reid's books and other boys' books of adventure...I was too young to understand much of Mayne Reid, excepting the adventure part and the natural history part- these enthralled me." (Autobiography, p. 15-16). Theodore Roosevelt was encouraged to read what he wanted, unless it was a dime novel or Ouida's books, which were deemed inappropriate for the young boy. One of T.R.'s prized possessions was a couple of books by J.G. Wood that he received from his father. When one looks closely in the bookcases, to this day, one still finds a book on natural history that J.G. Wood wrote.
Additionally, in his autobiography, Theodore Roosevelt mentions an art piece called the "Transfiguration"- Today one sees a replica etching hanging above the fireplace mantle piece.
Looking on the mantle piece, one can spot two black obelisks. These were souvenirs brought back from a trip down the Nile River that the family took in 1872. On that trip, T.R. brought back samples of bird taxidermy for his "Roosevelt Museum." Today, these taxidermy birds are on display at the American Museum of Natural History.
Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details
- Duration:
- 4 minutes, 55 seconds
Where did Theodore get his love for the outdoors? Enjoy this short clip to learn how Theodore's innate curiosity later flourished into action that still reverberates today.