A long, long time ago Rick Schussel's great-grandfather, Frederick J. Schussel, "found" President Theodore Roosevelt's handkerchief while on a day ride in Oyster Bay, New York. He was driving by the President's house on Sagamore Hill, and spotted the treasure wedged into Teddy's tennis court's fence. He, his wife, and their friends felt guilty about keeping the handkerchief. A few rounds of croquet determined who would keep the cloth, and the winner had to write a solemn note to the President asking whether it was in his rights to retain it. Mr. Roosevelt responded in kind that he would "surrender all right and title" to the handkerchief because of the "sporting way" the ownership was decided. The handkerchief has been thrice handed down the generations of the Schussel family. From Top to Bottom 1. The original letter (onion paper) 2. The handkerchief 3. Theodore Roosevelt's response 4. The envelope for the response 5. Antique postcard depicting T.R. The piece is 2' wide by 3' tall. The Schussel Family may decide to loan the treasure to the Roosevelt Museum. Come what may, they are now assured the piece is preserved with museum quality conservation matting and framing techniques. The special Plexiglas and other polymers used during this job ensure a longer life for this historical piece. The Letter from Mr. Schussel to Mr. Roosevelt "The Cedars" ___Allens Point West Shore Drive Oyster Bay, Aug. 11th 1907 Mr. Theodore Roosevelt __My Dear Sir _____May I ask you to pardon – what my profound admiration for you on the impulse of a moment has led me to: i.e. the annexation without your consent of a part of your personal property. I refer to the handkerchief you had tucked away in the wire enclosure of your tennis court. _____In hopes of catching a glimpse of you, I drove up Sagamore Hill with a friend & our wives on Thursday afternoon, fortune however was against us in this respect & after driving around your house, we came down the northerly road sadly disappointed. _____Believing that it might be your own; imagine my joy, when I spied the handkerchief & particularly when upon inspecting it, we found that it bore the monogram. *here, he freehanded the monogram* _____The temptation was too great. _____I now ask you to forgive the rogue. We had a time of it; trying to decide who was entitled to the "find" & finally concluded to play a series of Croquet games; the winner to keep the Trophy, provided your consent to the arrangement can be had. _____If a $1000.00 Gold Cup had been at stake I am sure it would not have been contested for as hotly, as our good President's handkerchief. _____Your humble servant was fortunate enough to prevent the prize from being removed from Oyster Bay to East Orange, N.J. & he now asks you to remove the cloud hanging over the trophy, by reason of the questionable method employed in obtaining same. _____Had you seen us work like Trojans for the capture of it, I am sure you could not object to the handkerchief being framed & given a place of honor in my home, a token, the value of which to me is beyond the power of the "Almighty–Dollar". _____Of course I shall be glad to return it, if you so desire & take consolation in the remembrance of having fondled the President's handkerchief. _____Believe me, with greatest respect – __________Your Obedient Servant, __________Fredk. J. Schussel P. O. B. 364 Oyster Bay The President's Concession Letter THE WHITE HOUSE _____WASHINGTON Private_____Oyster Bay, N.Y., __________August 17, 1907. My dear Mr. Schussel: _____I was much amused with your letter. That is all right, and I think you decided the ownership of the handkerchief in a very sporting way! I hereby formally surrender all right and title to it. _____Good luck to you. _____Faithfully yours, _____Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Frederick J. Schussel, Post Office Box 364, Oyster Bay, N.Y. Order - Wine - Library - Art - Framing - Events - Tour - Map/Hours - Grapes - Bulk Wine - Español Charles Spinetta Winery, Spinetta Family Vineyards, Zinetta, and the CSW Logo are registered trademarks of Charles J. Spinetta. Unless otherwise specified, all images and copy contained within the charlesspinettawinery.com domain are Copyright 1984-2019 Charles J. Spinetta. All rights reserved. Charles Spinetta Winery and Wildlife Art Gallery 12557 Steiner Road, Plymouth, California 95669, USA, telephone: (209) 245-3384, facsimile: (209) 245-3386