To the Editor:

Do you know which American president watched Abraham Lincoln’s funeral procession from his New York City apartment window?  Or which one experienced the death of both his wife and mother on the same day?  How about the president after whom a favorite childhood toy was named?  Does the nick-name “Rough Rider” ring any bells?  How about the saying, “Speak softly, but carry a big stick?”

All of the above are references to Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, who will be visiting the Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School stage on Friday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m.!

Well, at least a reasonable facsimile of him will be there, in the person of Paul Stillman, an experienced re-enactor who has been doing first-person portrayals for over 30 years.  His presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session and photo-op. Refreshments will be served.

This free program is open to the public, and is a collaboration between the Knox Historical Society and the social studies department at BKW, and is made possible by a grant from the BKW Parent-Teacher Association.

Come and meet the president who championed national parks, conservation efforts, and the building of the Panama Canal.

Nancy Frueh, vice president

Knox Historical Society