Theodore Roosevelt in Freeport, Illinois, in 1910.

After leaving the presidency in 1909, Theodore Roosevelt returned to Freeport on Thursday, September 8, 1910, to speak at a picnic to benefit the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen held in Taylor Park.

Theodore Roosevelt standing on a table giving a speech.

Roosevelt, who was welcomed by Mayor W.T. Rawleigh, mounted a table and addressed a large crowd on the need for better citizenship and clean government.

Theodore Roosevelt is seated in the center for dinner.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.