Teddy
Berry
and
BERRY MARKED THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THEODORE ROOSEVELT’S FAMOUS VISIT TO CAMPUS
with a one-of-a-kind celebration Oct. 15-16 that embodied the spirit and vitality of the Rough Rider himself. The star attraction was Joe Wiegand, a noted impersonator whose spot-on delivery and uncanny physical resemblance have delighted audiences from New York City to the East Room of the White House. History came to life during a reenactment of Roosevelt’s Oct. 8, 1910, address to the Berry Schools. Dressed in period clothing and standing in front of the cabin that now bears “his” name, Wiegand apologized for taking so long between visits and made sure to comment on the magnificent fall weather – a marked contrast to the rain that fell throughout Roosevelt’s original visit. Earlier, Wiegand greeted 1,000 local schoolchildren in attendance at a trio of special presentations in the Cage Center. He also delighted some 150 state and national leaders of the Daughters of the American Revolution who were on campus for their triennial tour of schools.
photography by Alan Storey
6
BERRY MAGAZINE • WINTER 2010-11
During the celebration, guests had the opportunity to tour Roosevelt Cabin and learn about the continuing restoration of the historic site. Recently completed projects include the restoration and reinstallation of all the windows and doors on the east side of the building, as well as reconstruction on the west chimney’s log veneer. Additional support beams have been installed for the back porch, and the two porches on the east side of the building have been reconstructed by alumni volunteers. Whenever possible, crews are making use of historic materials such as window panes, floorboards and paneling from old Fairfield Cottage (demolished in 2008). Pending additional funding, future projects include restoration of the remaining doors and windows and installation of foundation grillwork and a new roof. If you would like to support restoration of Roosevelt Cabin, please call 877-461-0039 or visit www.berry.edu/gift. Be sure to direct your gift to “Roosevelt Cabin Preservation.”