Archive Record

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Metadata

Title

[Telegram from Theodore Roosevelt]

Collection Name

Hero Park Collection

Date

May 25, 1920

Description

This is an individual item contained within archival collection MS245.000, Hero Park Collection.

Western Union Telegram sent to Dr. Louis A. Dreyfus from Theodore Roosevelt, dated May 25, 1920. It expresses Roosevelt's regret that he is unable to accept the invitation to the dedication ceremony for Hero Park on May 31, 1920.

(Keywords: New York City, Twentieth Century)

Biography and History

Hero Park, located in Tompkinsville, Staten Island, was dedicated May 31, 1920. A stone monument in the park holds a bronze plaque with an inscription: "THIS / HERO PARK / AND MEMORIAL / IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED / TO THE MEMORY / OF THE SPLENDID SONS / OF STATEN ISLAND / WHO SO NOBLY / GAVE THEIR LIVES / IN THE WORLD WAR / 1917 -- 1918." A second plaque has a list of names.

This telegram, signed Theodore Roosevelt, is presumably from the son of President Roosevelt who died in 1919. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (also known as Theodore Roosevelt III) had served in the first World War and was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1920 and 1921.

According to the donor, the items in this collection came from the estate of Ellsworth B. Buck, the donor's uncle. Mr. Buck was a a member of the United States House of Representatives in the 1940s.

Legal Status

Items represented here are from the collections of the Staten Island Historical Society. Materials reproduced for personal non-commercial use must credit the Staten Island Historical Society. Commercial licensing is available.

Physical Extent

1 item, 6.5" x 8.125"

Acquisition

Gift of Cindy Buck Ewing

Catalog Number

14.020.0008

Object Name

Archival Description Level

Item

Parent Record

MS245.000

Subjects

Parks
Monuments & memorials
World War I

Earliest Date

1920

Latest Date