Theodore Roosevelt
A dark suit frames a visage stern and deep, Pince-nez upon the bridge, a cord descends. His gaze, off-camera, does quiet keep, As thoughtful purpose in his presence lends. His strong mustache, a line of crafted form, Reflects the era's formal, somber grace. No hint of weakness, through life's passing storm, His firm resolve held clearly in that place. Each grain within the print, a silent sign, Of time's passage, on a captured day. He stood, a figure for a chosen line, Of leadership that carved a certain way. This image speaks of duties, gravely borne, A leader's spirit, in his face uptorn.
Orestes Brownson, by the city's stream, Your bronze form rises, strong against the sky. Near Grant's Tomb's solemn, hallowed, silent dream, Your intellect, a inspiration for the eye. Thanksgiving Day, the veil gave way to light, New York City hailed a mind so grand. Your works, a legacy, both bold and bright, Across the nation, in this storied land. Philosopher, a guide in thought profound, Your words still echo, challenging the age. From humble birth, to wisdom widely crowned, Your spirit lives on history's open page. A bust of bronze, your wisdom does display, Inspiring minds to seek a brighter way.
Riverside greens, Bust stands, stone gaze holds the sky, Quiet thoughts descend.
From Brother F. Cornelius, words impart A thoughtful wisdom, penned with skilled intent. He saw in Brownson, soul, and mind, and heart, A noble strength, a guiding firmament. To lectures, writings, and a wide career, He urged that profit from such depth be drawn. At Grant's Tomb's shadow, banishing all fear, The monument unveiled, at rising dawn. In New York City, by the river's flow, Brownson's bust, a presence, grand and tall. An example given, for great minds to know, A call to excellence, to stand for all. A simple letter, through the years conveyed, A lasting lesson, truthfully arrayed.
Young H. Floyd Rust, in Eatontown, NJ, For the Hook & Ladder Co. on a day, Wrote to Roosevelt, clear, "A small gift, we'd hold dear, For our fair in August, hooray!"
August fair unfolds, Ladders gleam, a vivid show, Crowds gather, smile.
From Philadelphia, in the City Hall, Arthur Buchholz, Chief Inspector, wrote. Of housing issues, standing firm and tall, A detailed letter, on his desk he smote. To Mr. Roosevelt, at 'The Outlook' sent, Expressing sympathy for housing's cause. No expert reports, on conditions lent, In smaller towns, defying easy laws. But surveys planned, with promise to deliver, The data sought, once research makes its claim. For public health, a rising, steady river, He sought reform, in social welfare's name. His steady hand, upon the page a mark, A voice for progress, shining in the dark.
Mason Mitchell, through his written lines, Reveals a life of vigor, brisk and keen. At fifty years, no fading health defines, But tramping paths, where wilder views are seen. He hunts, he gathers, for the museums' need, Each step a fight against the tropic stale. For active men, a vital, guiding creed, His firm resolve, a force that will not fail. To keep the health, the body's grace maintain, He finds his purpose in the wide expanse. A life well-lived, beyond all mortal pain, He shapes his days with purpose, in each glance. A tribute to strength, a path well-trod, A vivid spirit, in the hands of God.
Oh,
Adelaide's office, Holden Block, numbers ten, Lawyers' names remain.
In Adelaide's Holden Block, Office Ten, Lived J. B. White and W. H. Clarke, two men. As lawyers they toiled, With clients embroiled, Their firm, White & Clarke, built by their pen.
S pirit of the age, in every page, U nited with progress, a guiding hand. B old ideas presented, on life's broad stage, J ournals of thought, across the land. E dited wisdom, for the public's sight, C lear perspectives, shining ever bright. T heodore's voice, a steady, guiding light.
Danville's Main Street, Echoes of a different time, Quiet life flows on.
Albert Walker, in his heartfelt script, Recalled past letters, knowledge deeply prized. On public matters, never had he slipped, Roosevelt's grasp, so widely recognized. An "unequaled knowledge," clearly stated, true, Of government's great, complicated way. "Extraordinary devotion," he viewed, To public duty, brightening each day. Such high regard, in words sincerely cast, For leadership that bore a nation's trust. A legacy, designed to always last, Beyond the dust of time, or turning rust. His faithful witness, clear and strong and plain, A voice of praise, through changing sun and rain.