Theodore Roosevelt Speech (cylinder recording) – “The Right of the People to Rule” – Rare Edison Recording

Historic Edison Cylinder: Theodore Roosevelt Delivers “The Right of the People to Rule” — Blue Amberol No. 3707

Offered here is an extraordinary artifact of American political history: an original Edison Blue Amberol Cylinder No. 3707, featuring President Theodore Roosevelt himself delivering his powerful address, “The Right of the People to Rule.”

This is not a reenactment, not a studio narrator — this is Roosevelt’s own voice, captured during the era when recorded sound was still a marvel of modern invention. Few cylinders bridge the worlds of early sound recording and presidential history so directly, making this example a standout for collectors of both political memorabilia and early phonograph media.

Why This Cylinder Matters

• Authentic spoken-word recording by Theodore Roosevelt, one of America’s most dynamic and influential presidents.
• A rare Blue Amberol issue, prized for its durability, clarity, and deep blue celluloid composition.
• A defining Progressive Era speech, reflecting Roosevelt’s lifelong belief in civic duty, national strength, and the power of the American people.
• A museum-worthy crossover collectible — equally at home in a phonograph collection, a political archive, or a curated display of early American artifacts.

A Piece That Feels Alive

Hearing Roosevelt’s voice through an original cylinder is a visceral experience — the cadence, the conviction, the unmistakable energy of a president who shaped the modern American identity. It’s the closest one can come to standing in the crowd as he spoke over a century ago.

Condition & Playback

This cylinder presents well for its age, with the expected signs of handling but no major defects that detract from its historical or display value. Suitable for careful playback on a properly adjusted machine or for prominent display in a curated collection.

For the Collector Who Wants More Than Just a Record

Owning this cylinder means owning a moment — a preserved fragment of American leadership, recorded at a time when the idea of capturing a president’s voice was still astonishing. Pieces like this rarely surface in such collectible condition, and they continue to appreciate as both phonograph and political history grow in demand.