Theodore and Teddy Bears

The 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, is famously associated with the origins of one of the most popular cuddly toys there have ever been: the teddy bear. This association began after he went on a hunting trip in November 1902 and found himself in a situation that led to the creation of one of the most popular toys ever.

 The story has it that outdoorsman Roosevelt was invited on a hunt in Mississippi.

 At the end of a less-than-successful day of tracking, enthusiastic members of his hunting party caught and tied a black bear to a tree for Roosevelt to shoot. The killing was seen by Roosevelt as unsportsmanlike; he refused to shoot it, writing that to kill such a creature would not bring honor to the principles of the ethic of fair chase. His sense of justice and compassion headlined newspapers across the country as the tale was told and retold.

Inspired by the above story, toymaker Morris Michtom of Brooklyn and his wife Rose created a cub-shaped stuffed bear, placed it in their shop window, and labeled it after the President, "Teddy's Bear." The toy became an overnight sensation, and with Roosevelt's permission, the name stuck. The teddy bear was an instant hit across the nation, finding its place in American culture.

 Meanwhile, the German firm Steiff began the production of its version of the stuffed bear, which gave it an even more worldwide appeal. The teddy bear became something more than its beginning. It became a symbol of comfort and innocence for childhood. A connection between Roosevelt and the teddy bear significantly bears meaning into a lasting legacy, even outside of politics. The story carries values such as justice, compassion, and regard toward nature, for which Roosevelt woke up every morning of his life. Even today, the teddy bear remains an immortal friend for all children the world over.