Theodore Roosevelt famously enjoyed leading family and friends – not to mention an unsuspecting diplomat or two – on point-to-point hikes. His philosophy on these outings can be summarized as: “Over, under, or through, but never around.” In 1964, as concern grew that the home where Theodore Roosevelt first took the presidential oath of office might fall victim to the wrecking ball, Buffalo citizens and local civic organizations were inspired by TR’s legendary hikes. They organized a “Hike for History” to rally community support around preserving the home.

The hike was scheduled for Tuesday, October 27th –TR’s birthday. It began at Niagara Square, in front of Buffalo’s City Hall, and proceeded north on Delaware Avenue – ending with a rally in front of the former Wilcox home (#641). Newspapers publicized the hike; local clubs and organizations – including a special call to area Boy Scout troops – were encouraged to participate; and placards such as the one we’ve chosen as our Artifact-of-the-Month were distributed.

Made of light cardboard, the “Hike for History” placard is 18-inches wide and 5-inches high. The small round holes at each corner allowed supporters to attach it to their car bumpers. We were delighted to find a photo from an October 18th, 1964, article in the Courier-Express, showing two of the “Hike for History’s” organizers with one of the placards.*

Two days after the “Hike for History,” Liberty Bank announced that it would purchase the former Wilcox home, with the intention of holding the property until federal legislation to acquire the house could be passed. It took some time, but like TR, the organizers kept moving forward until they arrived at their ultimate goal.

– Amy Sanderson, Collections Manager

*Special thanks to SUNY Buffalo State’s Archives & Special Collections Department, E.H. Butler Library, for sharing their Courier-Express Collection with us.