There are two stories as to how the teddy bear was created, which both occurred in 1902, but there is no documentary evidence to prove that either is true. The only proven fact in either tale is that on 18 November 1902 the Washington Evening Star carried a cartoon by Clifford Berryman showing the president of the United States, Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt, refusing to shoot a captive bear cub that had been cornered for him during his favourite sport of bear-hunting.
Struck by Berryman's cute, cuddly image of the little bear, Russian immigrant Morris Michtom displayed the cartoon in his New York shop window alongside a brown, plush bear, hand-sewn by his wife, to replicate the cub, which he labelled 'Teddy's Bear'. A letter seeking permission to do so elicited the president's reply: 'I don't think my name is worth much to the toy bear cub business, but you are welcome to use it.'
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
