Teddy bear

Everyone knows what a teddy bear is and I’m sure most of you have a childhood memory of having one. Of course, I’m sure there are some of you who still sleep with one at night time. The origin of this phrase comes from an incident involving former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.

From The Washington Post, 1902

Roosevelt’s nickname was ‘Teddy’ in obvious reference to his first name. While on a trip to Mississippi in 1902 Teddy was invited on a bear hunting trip by the state’s governor. During the trip many other hunters managed to kill a bear or two, but Teddy was unable to find one. Some of the hunters decided to help the president by cornering, clubbing and then tying a bear to a tree. The president was encouraged to shoot the bear but he refused stating that it was unsportsmanlike. He instructed that the bear be put out of its misery.

Theodore Roosevelt

This incident became the topic of a political cartoon that inspired Morris Michtom to create a new toy. He constructed a stuffed bear cub and placed it in his store window with the name “Teddy’s bear,” after receiving permission from the president to use his name. The new toy became a resounding success.

Now you know where the name of your beloved toy came from and you can remember this story when you cuddle up in bed with your stuffed animal tonight.