Contact:
Anna-Marie Opgenorth
Executive Director
414-277-7795
anna@historicmilwaukee.org
Milwaukee, WI – On October 14, 2012, join Historic Milwaukee, Inc. and Mayor Tom Barrett as we celebrate Roosevelt’s legacy and vigor. Observe this historic event 100 years later, as 15 local actors stage the attempted assassination in front of the Hyatt.
The act will be followed by a brief walking tour lead by expert tour guides, Frank matusinec and Bob Giese, featuring Milwaukee’s political history en route to the Milwaukee Theater. There, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will present a proclamation in Roosevelt’s honor, and “Teddy Roosevelt” will share a few highlights from his notorious 80 minute speech. Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served afterwards.
On October 14, 1912, seeking another term as president after a four year hiatus, Theodore Roosevelt made a campaign stop of unusual proportion in Milwaukee. The beloved “Bull Moose” stopped for a meal at the Hotel Gilpatrick, where the Hyatt stands today, before his campaign speech was to be delivered at the Milwaukee Auditorium, known now as the Milwaukee Theater. Leaving for the theater, Roosevelt stood in his car outside of the hotel and waived his hat to a crowd of admirers. A shot suddenly rang out, Roosevelt was hit in the chest, and his would be assassin, John Schrank, was swiftly wrestled to the ground. Still standing, with blood soaked cloths and a bullet in his chest, Roosevelt proceeded to deliver an 80 minute speech to an audience of over 9,000 people at the Milwaukee Auditorium.
“It takes more than one bullet to kill a Bull Moose!” he famously exclaimed.
Historic Milwaukee, Inc. (HMI) is a private, non-profit educational and advocacy organization, founded in 1974, whose mission is dedicated to increasing awareness of, and commitment to, Milwaukee’s history, architecture, and the preservation of our built environment.
