This is an original Rotary Photographic Series real photo postcard (RPPC) featuring pretty Alice Roosevelt Longworth, the vivacious and controversial daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt. The card is numbered 2433A, produced by Rotary Photo, E.C., and printed in England. This postcard is uncommon. Alice Roosevelt was one of the most famous women of the early 20th century, known for her sharp wit, rebellious nature, and scandalous behavior. Born in 1884, she was the daughter of Theodore Roosevelt and his first wife, Alice Hathaway Lee, who tragically died shortly after her birth. Raised in the White House, Alice defied convention, smoking cigarettes, gambling, and keeping a pet snake named Emily Spinach. She became the darling of Washington society, yet also a political force who influenced generations of leaders. In 1906, Alice married Nicholas Longworth, a powerful Republican congressman from Ohio who later became Speaker of the House. Their marriage, though lasting until his death in 1931, was known to be troubled. Alice’s rebellious streak extended well into her marriage. She was notorious for her extramarital affairs, the most famous being with Senator William Borah of Idaho, known for his fiery speeches and staunch independence. It was rumored that Alice’s only child, Paulina Longworth, born in 1925, was not actually Nicholas Longworth’s daughter, but rather the senator’s. Despite these scandals, Alice maintained her social standing, using her charisma and sharp wit to hold court in Washington for decades. Her attitude toward sex and politics was summed up in her famous quip: “If you haven’t got anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me.” This unfiltered personality made her a legend in Washington society, long outlasting her political contemporaries. She remained a major political influencer until her death in 1980 at the age of 96. Alice exudes Edwardian-era elegance in this striking postcard portrait. Her large, wide-brimmed hat adorned with ostrich feathers frames her piercing gaze and confident expression. She wears a delicate pearl necklace and an off-the-shoulder silk gown with lace and ribbon accents, embodying the high fashion of the early 1900s. Her slightly pursed lips and direct gaze hint at the intelligence and bold personality that made her a social powerhouse. (SOLD)
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