Teddy Bears are loved and adored worldwide. Children of all nations, creeds and faiths cling to these cuddly companions, which make them feel safe and secure. The Teddy Bear may be second only to a child’s blanket when it comes to must-have items for travelling or bedtime. While this furry little icon has become a ubiquitous gift and heirloom, few realize the true origins and history of the “Teddy” Bear. In honor of Presidents Day in the U.S., I thought it would be nice to pay tribute to a great American president – Theodore Roosevelt – who inspired its’ creation.

Theodore Roosevelt was the twenty-sixth President of the United States. He was famous for being one of the commanding officers of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Calvary Regiment, or Rough Riders, which fought bravely in the Spanish-American War. He was also Governor of New York, and Vice President to William McKinley. As President, Roosevelt was known for his tenacity, strength of character and “square” dealing.

He was also an avid hunter, and it was during one of his hunting trips in Mississippi that a series of events unfolded and lead to the inspiration for the “Teddy” Bear. As the story goes, Roosevelt’s guide for the trip cornered an adult black bear, clubbed it, tied it to a tree and, then, offered to let the President shoot it for a trophy. Being highly incensed at the unsportsmanlike nature of the situation, Roosevelt refused to shoot the bear and ordered the guide to put it out of its misery.

The story of the President’s refusal inspired the cartoonist Clifford Berryman to draw a picture of “Teddy” Roosevelt for the Washington Post on November 16, 1902. The cartoon received so much attention that Berryman decided to create a series about it; subsequently, he drew the bear smaller and cuter each time. It became known as “Teddy’s” bear.

A New York businessman named Morris Michtom was so enamored by the cartoons that he decided to create a new toy to sell in his shop. The stuffed “Teddy Bear” was an instant success. Around the same time, a German named Richard Steiff created a similar toy to export to the United States. Together, the two businesses began a worldwide craze for both adults and children to get their own stuffed bears named after the American President.

Even Roosevelt jumped on the bandwagon in 1906, as the “Teddy Bear” became his mascot during his re-election campaign.

So today, in honor of Presidents Day, let’s thank Theodore Roosevelt for inspiring the creation of our children’s furry little friend – The Teddy Bear.

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