Guest Blogger: Kim Smith, Presque Isle Historical Society

Roosevelt was a larger-than-life man. He was the first US citizen to win a Nobel Peace Prize, built the Panama Canal, established the US Forest Service to conserve public land and protect wildlife, took on big business, and once gave a speech after having been shot in the chest.

He said in a letter, "I owe a personal debt to Maine because of my association with certain staunch friends in Aroostook County; an association that helped and benefited me throughout my life in more ways than one." He credits his relationship with a Maine Guide in becoming the man he was. It is through the descendants of one of his Aroostook County guides that the historical society now has these fascinating artifacts in their collection.

Teddy Roosevelt, our nation’s 26th President and considered the first “modern” President was born on
October 27, 1858. To celebrate his birth, Presque Isle Historical Society is showcasing its Roosevelt artifacts in an exhibit at the Maysville Museum.

Craig Green, Presque Isle Historical Society Board President, says, “The Society is very fortunate to have some outstanding Roosevelt artifacts. Add this to the special guest appearance by Andrew Vietze, author of “Becoming Teddy Roosevelt” and you have an amazing evening at the museum!”

The collection includes a long barrel Colt revolver, a birch bark moose call, and a red velvet framed
mirror adorned with buffalo horns. The mirror hung over the mantle at Roosevelt’s ranch in the Dakotas.

Vietze, a part-time park ranger at Baxter State Park and former managing editor of Down East: The
Magazine of Maine, has written twelve books. His book on Roosevelt won a silver medal at the
Independent Publisher Book Awards, was honored by the Maine State Legislature, and was a 2010 Book of the Year finalist in the biography category. It was also listed on the Best USA History books webpage and is recommended reading by the Smithsonian. He will be signing his book and will have some available for purchase during the museum event.

Roosevelt Day at the Museum will take place on Friday, October 27 at The Maysville Museum located at 165 Caribou Road. The event will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a $10 admission at the door.

Presque Isle Historical Society’s mission is to study, preserve and promote the history, culture, heritage and physical artifacts of Presque Isle for present and future generations. For more information on this project or the Society’s many programs and tours, call 762-1151, e-mail
pihistoricalsociety@hotmail.com, or visit their website at www.pihistory.org.