SDHS Curatorial

Decorative Arts o Costumes o Toys o Fine Arts o Tools o Music o Transportation

Children's Collections
Playthings ~ Clothing

Teddy Bear

Wool plush; wood chip stuffing
American, first quarter 20th century
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Feyerherm in memory of Dorothy M. and Stephen Toth, 93.61.24

Perhaps there is no more iconic reminder of childhood than the Teddy Bear. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt, a hunter and naturalist, refused to shoot a bedraggled bear. A journalist wrote of the incident and a political cartoonist drew "Teddy's Bear." At almost the same time in Germany, Margarete Steiff produced a plush bear with jointed limbs. The rest, as they say, is history. Bears became the toy of choice. The following is an excerpt from the Sears, Roebuck and Co. 1908 catalog:

'Teddy Bears' are all the rage. The best plaything ever invented. These bears are the most sensible and serviceable toys ever put before the public. Not a fad or campaign article, but something which has come to stay on merit alone. An article which will afford your children and even yourself great amusement and lasting pleasure. Made of the finest quality imported bear plush, they closely resemble the little cubs. They are fully jointed and will assume countless different positions. Each bear has a natural voice produced by slight pressure on the front of body, and they are practically unbreakable. We offer these bears in four sizes. Natural cinnamon color only. The larger the size the better proportioned are the bears. Order one of these bears at once for your boy or girl and you will find that no toy which you could select would give them more actual pleasure and entertainment.

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