Socialite Alice Roosevelt Longworth Memorabilia and Sheet Music

Item Details

A collection of memorabilia featuring the unconventional socialite Alice Roosevelt Longworth (1884-1980). She was born to Theodore Roosevelt and his first wife Alice when her father was a New York Assemblyman and was an author famous for her witticisms. The collection includes the sheet music to Irene which features the song ‘Alice Blue Gown’ written for Roosevelt Longworth and a collection of sheet music titled The Favorite Song of Miss Alice Roosevelt and The Countess Cassini; and a January 30, 1902, edition of Leslie’s Weekly featuring Alice Roosevelt as the cover story.

Daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, Alice Roosevelt is considered the nation’s first modern celebrity. Just as she turned 18 years old and had her debut party, she was invited to christen the Meteor, yacht of the German Prince Henry. She was dubbed “Princess Alice” as a result of the ensuing national media publicity, prompted by this issue of Leslie’s Weekly magazine where she landed on the cover in a full-length photograph. The issue includes a story on her and the German Prince. Her favorite shade of blue was soon known by “Alice Blue,” and soon the subject of a theatrical song, “Alice Blue Gown.”. Her own favorite tune was even sold as sheet music with her picture and seeming endorsement on the cover, along with her friend Marguerite Cassini, niece of the Russian Minister.

Condition

- toning and foxing to paper; some tears and edge wear.

Dimensions

- measured one item

Item #

18LAX068-093