Teddy Bears

A Love Affair With Teddy Bears

How teddy bears won our heart

Since the first teddy bears were introduced in 1902 we have been in love. There’s nothing in the world like hugging a soft, special teddy bear. He is a companion for all times and all ages. Best friend, big brother, imaginary friend, and bedtime buddy are just a few of the roles teddy bears play in our lives.

In a strange twist of circumstance, teddy bears appeared simultaneously in the United States and Germany in 1902. The American teddy bear got its start from a cartoon titled, “Drawing the Line in Mississippi.” The cartoon was based on a visit by Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt’s trip to Mississippi to settle a border dispute. Roosevelt went hunting during the trip but the hunting was so poor that, not wanting the president to leave disappointed, someone captured a bear for him to shoot. Roosevelt refused to shoot such an easy target, and the cartoon depicting the situation became an overnight sensation.

Inspired by the cartoon, Morris and Rose Michtom of Brooklyn, New York, created a stuffed bear and named him Teddy Bear in honor of Roosevelt and placed him in the window of their candy store. Interest in the bear was so strong that the Michtoms started the first teddy bears manufacturing company in the United States, the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company.

Meanwhile in Germany, Richard Steiff, who worked at his aunt’s stuffed toy business, came up with the idea of creating a cute stuffed bear based on a bear cub, rather than the previous line of fierce-looking bears. Europeans showed little interest at the time, but a sharp American businessman ordered 3,000 of them, just in time for the start of a teddy bears craze.

Since then we haven’t been able to get enough of teddy bear. Even grown adults will admit to sleeping with a cherished teddy. A child with tears in her eyes asking, “Have you seen my teddy bear? He’s white, with one blue eye and a ripped ear,” is enough to break anyone’s heart. We all know just how devastating it is to have lost your special teddy bear. As a child there was nothing like snuggling with teddy under the covers or letting teddy catch your tears. Teddy bears hold a very special place in our hearts.

Perhaps that is why teddy bears are so immensely popular. There are teddy bear miniatures, teddy bear houses, talking teddy bears and even giant teddy bears. Entire collections of teddy bears are available. From designer bears to fantasy bears to old-fashioned handmade bears, and everything in between.

Collecting teddy bears is one of the most enjoyable hobbies around. There’s no better way to relieve stress and bring a smile to your face than by spending some time with teddy. The other great thing about collecting teddy bears is that you needn’t worry about collecting the “right” bears. There’s always room in your heart for another bear.

Teddy’s charm is as irresistible today as it was when he first appeared on the scene. Whether you’re looking for a special teddy bear for a child, or hoping to find a one-of-a-kind collectible for yourself, the best teddy bears are the ones you fall completely in love with.

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About The Author:

Tammy Gray-Searles is a successful author and publisher of http://www.a1-in-toys.com. A great source of toys for children of all ages, from that early child to teens and hobbyists.