Primary Source Spotlight: Teddy Bears
Teddy bears got their name from Theodore Roosevelt. He had a soft heart for animals in general and in particular for a bear that his aides cornered and thought he would like as a hunting trophy. The incident inspired the cartoon illustration above which, in turn, inspired a New York toy store owner to create a toy stuffed bear he called “Teddy’s bear”. Below you can find out more of the story and then explore teddy bear resources from the Library of Congress.
The teddy bear story from America’s Library
President Roosevelt’s 1902 bear hunt historical newspaper coverage
Teddy bear timeline & select newspaper articles 1902-1914
Teddy bear articles, stories, cartoons & advertisements
Two Teddy Bears in Toyland 1907
The Roosevelt Bears (Teddy B. and Teddy G.) book series Almanac of Theodore Roosevelt
The Library of Congress Presents the Songs of America: “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic” In The Muse blog February 5, 2014
Teddy bears’ picnic 1908 song recording
Teddy bear; March and two step 1907 sheet music
I’ve lost my teddy bear 1909 sheet music
Hibernation & teddy bears primary source set & teaching ideas