All of these photographs are of women in my husband’s family. I have
become the “unofficial” record keeper or family historian, so to speak,
for those people who are closest in relationship to me either by law or
blood kinship. I thought some of my family would enjoy seeing these
little tots. There are three generations of women folk here: their lives
together span a little over one hundred years.
My oldest daughter, nearly thrity years ago, poses
with her stuffed friends. At first, she wasn’t too happy about the
prospect, until she discovered that her new friends were pretty soft.
This picture only took a few seconds. Of course, I would never leave a
baby this young in a crib with any stuffed toys!
Left, A talking Smokey Bear celebrates his 50th Birthday This Year! (1994) Center, This Smokey is 15" tall, wears a hat, badge and blue denim trousers. He is a stuffed Rayon plush from Sears in 1969. Zippy the Chimp pictured with him too. Right, the Nationally Famous Smokey Bear Doll, "Now the famous symbol of forest-fire prevention is a cuddly toy- acts as a reminder to be careful. Smokey is a plaything for children-a mascot for adults. 18" tall; stuffed rayon plush with Vinyl face. Wears "Smokey trousers, hat badge, belt buckle, carries famous shovel. It's a wonderful toy-it's "Ideal." from 1953.
Smokey Bear is an American campaign and advertising icon of the U.S. Forest Service. In the Wildfire Prevention Campaign, which is the longest-running public service announcement campaign in United States history, the Ad Council, the United States Forest Service (USFS), and the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), in partnership with creative agency FCB, employ Smokey Bear to educate the public about the dangers of unplanned human-caused wildfires.
Smokey quickly became a part of American popular culture, appearing on radio programs, in comic strips, in cartoons, and as merchandise. Knickerbocker Bears acquired the license to produce Smokey Bear dolls in 1944. In 1949, Forest Service worker Rudy Wendelin became the campaign's full-time artist and was considered Smokey Bear's "manager" until Wendelin retired in 1973. A Smokey Bear doll was produced by Ideal Toys beginning in 1952; the doll included a mail-in card for children to become Junior Forest Rangers. Children could also apply by writing the U.S. Forest Service or Smokey Bear at his ZIP Code.Within three years half a million children had applied. Also in 1952, songwriters Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins had a successful song named "Smokey the Bear" which was performed by Eddy Arnold. The pair said "the" was added to Smokey's name to keep the song's rhythm. During the 1950s, that variant of the name became widespread both in popular speech and in print, including at least one standard encyclopedia, despite Smokey Bear's name never officially changing. A 1955 book in the Little Golden Books series was called Smokey the Bear and he calls himself by this name in the book. It depicted him as an orphaned cub rescued in the aftermath of a forest fire, loosely following the true story of the bear chosen as Smokey's "living symbol". This was the first book about him, and it was followed by many sequels and coloring books. Soon, thousands of dolls, toys, and other collectibles were on the market.
"Smokey Bear," shovel in hand, all togged out in jeans, Junior Forest Ranger hat and badge, is the official forest fire prevention symbol. He brings with him the code, stickers and membership card of Junior Forest Rangers, Made by the Ideal Toy Corporation, Hollis 7, New York."
Hard-working "Smokey" makes a sturdy, lovable playmate. Head, hands and feet are made of Bakelite Vinyl Resins. "This fine fellow is ready for roughhouse at any time. His huggable plush body is enhanced by amazingly realistic head and paws of soft, washable Bakelite Vinyl Resins. The very same resins which make possible such authentic molding in this Ideal toy, make possible unique advantages in a host of other everyday things...from hair curlers to workgloves. For top quality in all you buy look for the Bakelite trade-mark. Both industry and defense rely on these superior plastics...you can too!
Native Georgian, Mary Rushton, founded her company in Atlanta in 1917. Her daughter Wight Rushton designed all of the famous plush. This family run company maintained a profitable business until the early 1980s. Rushton sold many kinds of plush but they are most known for their popular rubber-faced dolls manufactured in the 1950's and 60s. Below are advertisements for the 50s and 60s plush printed in merchant catalogues.
"Chico" a Rushton Company Monkey.
"Chico" Another Rushton Original Star Creation. The Baby Monk...an irresistible, mischievous, happy-go-lucky little fellow whom millions will adore. There'll be good monkey business when you feature Chico...Sales will Soar! Profits Pour! Made of the finest rayon plush with hand painted vinyl face, hands and feet. 15" tall Retail $5.98"
Rushton Company stuffed plush.
"Chubby Tubby" Irresisstible...adorable! No home complete without Chubby. Thousands clamoring for him ...Now ready to ride from coast to coast bringing lovable little "Chubs" and "Cherub Cubs" with him! The Rushton Company and Atlanta Playthings in Atlanta, GA."
Fluffy Festive Easter Toys by Rushton Company.
"Rushton offers a Festive Feast of Colorful Easter Creations. There is a gay and festive feast of color in the new Rushton creations for Spring and Easter that puts these soft, cuddly toys into a very bright spot... in the 1956 sales picture. This season, Rushton offers a brilliant assortment of new and original designs, with more than the normal customer appeal. Easter Rabbits, Duck, Chicks, and Novelty Toys, in all sizes and color combinations-to retail from $1.25 to $10.00. All artistically fashioned by America's foremost designer. Visit our sales office or send today for the 1956 Easter catalog."
This tiny Paddington bear belongs to our 18" dolls.
The first Paddington Bear stuffed toy to be manufactured was created in 1972 by Gabrielle Designs, a small business run by Shirley and Eddie Clarkson, with the prototype made as a Christmas present for their children Joanna and Jeremy Clarkson (who later became a well-known British TV presenter and writer).
Just right, our Paddington Bear is from Eden Toys, 1987. He is posable, five inches tall and wears a red felt hat, black 'rubber' boots and a handmade yellow felt 'rain coat.'
Shirley Clarkson dressed the stuffed bear inWellington bootsto help it stand upright.(Paddington received Wellingtons for Christmas inPaddington Marches On, 1964.)The earliest bears wore small children's boots manufactured byDunlop Rubberuntil production could not meet demand. Gabrielle Designs then produced their boots with paw prints moulded into the soles just like those on our doll's bear in the photo.
Paddington Bearis a fictional character inchildren's literature. He first appeared on 13 October 1958 in the children's bookA Bear Called Paddingtonand has been featured in more than twenty books written by British authorMichael Bondand illustrated byPeggy Fortnumand other artists.
The friendly bear from "darkest Peru"—with his old hat, battered suitcase, duffel coat and love of marmalade—has become a classic character from British children's literature. An anthropomorphised bear, Paddington is always polite – addressing people as "Mr", "Mrs" and "Miss", rarely by first names – and kindhearted, though he inflicts hard stares on those who incur his disapproval. He has an endless capacity for innocently getting into trouble, but he is known to "try so hard to get things right." He was discovered in London Paddington station, by the (human) Brown family who adopted him, and thus he gives his full name as "Paddington Brown" (his original Peruvian name being too hard for them to pronounce).
Paddington books have been translated into 30 languages across 70 titles and have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. A much loved fictional character in the UK, a Paddington Bear soft toy was chosen by British tunnelers as the first item to pass through to their French counterparts when the two sides of the Channel Tunnel were linked in 1994. Paddington Bear has been adapted for television, films and appeared in commercials. The critically acclaimed and commercially successful films Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017) were both nominated for the BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film.
Sample teddies, coloring pages and poems about Teddy Bears from the collection below.
The cartoon that inspired Michtom founder of the American Ideal Novelty and Toy Co.
Teddy Bears are stuffed, plush toys made to look like bears, although some are more realistic looking than others. The very first teddy bears were made by Steiff in Germany and Michtom in the U. S. These early bears were first called "Teddy Bears" in reference to President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt.
The name originated from an incident on a bear hunting trip inMississippiin November 1902, to which Roosevelt was invited by Mississippi GovernorAndrew H. Longino. There were several other hunters competing, and most of them had already killed an animal. A suite of Roosevelt's attendants, led byHolt Collier,cornered, clubbed, and tied anAmerican black bearto a willow tree after a long exhausting chase withhounds. They called Roosevelt to the site and suggested that he shoot it. He refused to shoot the bear himself, deeming this unsportsmanlike, but instructed that the bear be killed to put it out of its misery,and it became the topic of apolitical cartoonbyClifford BerrymaninThe Washington Poston November 16, 1902.While the initial cartoon of an adultblack bearlassoed by a handler and a disgusted Roosevelt had symbolic overtones, later issues of that and other Berryman cartoons made the bear smaller and cuter.
Morris Michtom saw the drawing of Roosevelt and was inspired to create a teddy bear. He created a tiny soft bear cub and put it in the shop window with a sign "Teddy's bear", after sending a bear to Roosevelt and receiving permission to use his name. The toys were an immediate success and Michtom founded the Ideal Novelty and Toy Co.
Above advertisement for F. R. Bird teddies from 1907. (Products advertised in photographs here no longer exist. The ads are used for teaching students about historical content only.)
"They Are All The Rage - Teddy Bear is a fine specimen of his kind, made of Shaggy Cinnamon Plush, and 12 inches tall. His head, his arms and his legs are jointed on to the body so that they can all be turned in any direction. And you should see him shake his head and hear him grunt when you hit him in the stomach! Teddy is all the rage in the cities. The children carry him to school and even grown-up ladies carry him with them when they go out for a walk or ride, or to the theatre. The more costly Teddys sell as high as $25.00 each. We have picked out this one for you on acount of his good size, his jointed head, arms and legs, his cute grunt and his fine cinnamon color. We will send him to you free by mail if you will sell only six of our fine "Whole Bear Family" Pillow Tops at 25 cents each and send us the money, $1.50 in all. These pillow-tops are 21 inches square, tinted by hand in bright appropriate colors on Tan Ardsley Crush embroidery cloth. This is the most popular idea in a pillow-top ever gotten up and they sell very easily. Just send us your name and we send you pillow-top. When you have sold the six at 25 cents each send us the $1.50 and we will send you the fine Teddy Bear at once, FREE of all charge. If you send the 1.50 with your letter we will ship Teddy Bear and seven pillow-tops to you at once. The extra top, besides the Bear, is for yourself. Send name or money to F. R. Bird, MGR., Dept. 150. 291 Congress St., ....Boston, Mass."
Above you can see our seven inch, pink plush teddy bear by the Annette Funicello company. This little feminine fluffy bear is trimmed with angels wings, a faux pearl tiara, a lace collar and silk rose buds. Attached to her ear is a gold angel. Her small size makes her the perfect companion too many of our other teddy bears displayed in the nursery. She is fully jointed and her snout is short and fluffy, her nose is embroidered brown.
Funicello bears have ear attachments just like Steiff bears.
More About Annette Joanne Funicello (October 22, 1942 – April 8, 2013) was an American actress and singer. Funicello began her professional career as a child performer at the age of twelve. She rose to prominence as one of the most popular Mouseketeers on the original Mickey Mouse Club. As a teenager, she transitioned to a successful career as a singer with the pop singles "O Dio Mio", "First Name Initial", "Tall Paul" and "Pineapple Princess", as well as establishing herself as a film actress, popularizing the successful "Beach Party" genre alongside co-star Frankie Avalon during the mid-1960s.
In 1992, Funicello announced that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987 and by 1992 she began to partner with teddy bear artisans and L.L. Knickerbocker to manufacture several lines of collectible teddy bears. She then donated a portion of these sales to fund research for neurological disorders. Each of her teddy bears came with: a signature logo pin (an angel in the bear's ear) sewn in label, a hand tag and gift box with a certificate of authenticity. All of the Funicello bears are produced in thematic series like: Angel bears with wings, Bears of the Sea, Holiday Bears etc... In 2004 the closing of her company was announced after Annette lost her ability to walk and by 2009, she could no longer speak and required constant care in order to thrive. On April 8th, 2013, she died of complications resulting from multiple sclerosis.
Steiff is a German-based plush toy company. It was founded in 1880 by Margarete Steiff, a seamstress. The toys began as elephants, and were originally a design Steiff found in a magazine and sold as pincushions to her customers.
However, children began playing with them, and in the years following
she went on to design many other animal-themed toys for children, such
as dogs, cats and pigs. She designed and made most of the prototypes herself. Steiff's nephew Richard
joined in 1897 and gave the company an enormous boost by creating
stuffed animals from drawings made at the zoo. A 3000 piece order was
placed in 1903 by a buyer in America after the "Teddy" bear craze began
showing a cartoon with President Roosevelt and a young cub. By 1907, Steiff manufactured 974,000 bears, and has been increasing its output ever since.
Our Yesterdays When Teddy Bears Won Name From the Late "Teddy" Roosevelt
"A happy child with his teddy bear; right, "Teddy" Roosevelt. Few men in history have left behind them more mementoes to remind the world of their accomplishments than Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt. former president of the United States, and noted hunter. One which recalls "Teddy" to the children is the teddy bear, which received its name from "Teddy" Roosevelt. The toy bear was invented in Germany by Margarete Steiff, a crippled dress-maker. She made the first one about 1888 for a neighbor's child, from some leftover material. Soon afterward her brother, Richard Steiff, saw the commercial possibilities of the toy bears and began to put them on the market, Within a few years they were being sold in many parts of the world, but until 1902 they did not bear the name of teddy bears. In that year Roosevelt went on a hunting trip in Mississippi, and a story was circulated that while there he refused to shoot a bear cub. The story was received popularly, and soon the new toy bears were being called teddy bears." Daily Dispatch, 1935
Start to sew the band on the elephant at the upper tip of the trunk and finish at the lower tip. On the under side, an opening of 3" is left for turning and stuffing.
To finish the end of the trunk after the stuffing has been inserted, turn in edges of trunk and of circle and slip stitch circle to trunk.
Make the ears according to the general directions. Turn in raw edges and slip stitch together. Fold ear in half on length and with fold toward top, place ear so that top edge is in position shown on pattern, The ear should extend from the position marked toward the leg. Slip stitch both thicknesses to body across top. On upper side slip stitch to body along fold for 3/4". On under side slip stitch both thicknesses about 1/4", Fold ear back and catch under side around two top edges.
For the tail, cut a bias strip 3/4" x 5". Stitch long sides together on wrong side and turn right side out. Sew one end to body, knot l 1/2" from other end and slash remaining part.
Material: See general requirements. The baby kangaroo may be made of the same fabric but a small piece of felt may be used.
Directions for Cutting Mamma Kangaroo:
Body - 2
Front legs - 4
Hind legs - 4
Ears - 4
Hind feet - 2
Pouch - 1
Tail - 2
Band - 1 strip, 1 1/2" wide and 25 1/2" long
Directions for Cutting Baby Kangaroo:
Body - 2
Tail - 2
Ears - 4
Special Directions:
Turn hem at top of pouch and stitch. Turn under all other edges and slip stitch to body as indicated on the pattern.
Sew two pieces of the tail right sides together and turn to right side. Stuff until it stands out straight and slip stitch to body in the position indicated on pattern.
For the baby: If fabric is used, sew two body pieces right sides together, leaving opening at back. Turn to right side through opening and stuff. Sew, turn and stuff tail as above. Insert tail in opening and slip stitch sides of opening together. Make and attach ears as explained in general directions, Make French knots for eyes. If felt is used, overcast the edges together on the right side.
Patterns for both the mamma and her baby Kangaroo.
Material: See general requirements. In addition, 1/4 yard of frabric in a contrasting color is needed for the apron.
Directions for Cutting:
Body-2
Ears-4
Fore legs - 4
Hind legs - 4
Apron - 1
Bib - 1
Band - 1 strip, 1 1/2" wide and 24 1/2" long
Special Directions:
Embroider two small circles on nose section of hand in satin stitch.
Embroider in outline stitch as indicated by line on pattern for the mouth.
Embroider around bottom of leg in outline stitch as indicated by line on pattern.
For the apron, hem one long side and two short sides of apron piece.
Fold bib piece in center on length right sides together, sew up two sides, leaving side opposite fold open. Turn to right side.
Cut a band 3/4" x 5 1/2" Gather top of apron to 5". Allowing l/4" on each end of band, sew band to apron, right side to right side, raw edge to raw edge, Turn in all ends of band and fold band in half toward wrong side, Tuck bib under band at center and slip stitch free fold all the way across.
Hem 2 strips of fabric 3/4 " x 11" for ties and sew to ends of band. Tack apron to pig's body at top of bib and fasten ties.
Tack a small rib lion bow at top of head near right ear.
Cut a bias band 3/4" x 2".Fold in half on length, right sides together. Stitch up long side, turn to right side and attach to body where indicated and make a knot at end.
Material: See general requirements. In addition, the fabrics used must be black and white (see photograph), Broadcloth, sateen, velveteen, or similar cotton or rayon fabrics arc good. For the beak and feet, use yellow felt if possible. If felt is used, omit scam allowance in cutting.
Directions for Cutting:
Side of Body - 2
Wings - 4
Feet - 4
Front of body - 1 cut on fold
Beak - 2
Special Directions:
Sew sides of body right sides together from the point marked on the front down the back to end of tail, but leave a 4"opening in center of back for stuffing and turning.
Sew front piece to sides, easing slightly. Turn to right side, stuff, turn in edges of opening and slip stitch together.
Sew two beak pieces right sides together, turn to right side, stuff and sew to body, If felt is used, Overcast edges together, scuff and sew to body.
Cut two pieces of cardboard slightly smaller than feet. Turn in edges of foot pieces, 1/4" all around. If felt is used this is not necessary. Place a piece of cardboard between two foot pieces and overcast edges together. Slip stitch feet together to make a stand and sew body to feet.
Sew one black and one white piece right sides together and turn to right side, for the wings. Stuff, attach to body in the position indicated with black side out, Use smaller buttons than on legs.
Material: See general requirements. In addition, a skein of yarn in contrasting color is needed for the pom-pom tail and whiskers.
Directions for Cutting:
Body-2
Front legs - 4
Hind legs - 4
Bottom of Hind leg - 2
Ears - 4
Band - 1 strip 1 1/2"wide x 28" long
Special Directions:
Make a triangle using the satin stitch in the center of the band at position where the nose will be prior to assembling the bunny.
Embroider on outline stitch as indicated on pattern for the eyebrows.
For whiskers bring needle from one side of nose to the other three times allowing 1 1/2" to extend each time. Cut loops and knot separate strands on each side of nose.
Make ears as in general directions. Stuff them enough to make them stand up straight. Turn in ends and overcast to body at bottom edge, catching in any fullness, Tack to sides of head to keep them upright.
Use same material as for whiskers on tail. Cut a piece of cardboard 2" long and wind yarn around card on length about 25 times. At one end tie a double strand of yarn under loops. Knot seen rely several times and clip close. Cut loops at opposite end. Sew tail to animal as indicated and trim to round ball shape.
Material: See general requirements. In addition, a skein of yarn in contrasting color is needed for mane and tail.
Directions for Cutting:
Body -2
Front Legs -4
Hind legs - 4
Front feet - 2
Hind feet - 2
Ears - 4
Band-1 strip, 1 1/2" x 28"
Special Directions:
Embroider the nose as indicated on the pattern
Make a tongue of red fabric or felt and sew on the center band just below the nose.
Make the mane after the horse is stuffed. The mane should extend from the top of the head to about l" above the back. With a soft pencil, draw a line between these two points on the length of the band in the center. Cut a piece of cardboard 3/4 " wide curved to hi this center line (in order to get the shape, use the head as a drawing guide). Hold the piece of cardboard on the center line drawn on band and cover the length of the cardboard with yarn sewed over the card through the fabric. Clip the yarn at the top with a sharp scissors and remove the cardboard. Thread a needle with yarn and make a row of large running stitches back and forth through the yarn at the base of the mane.
For the tail cut a piece of cardboard 3" long and wind yarn around it about 25 times. Tie a double strand of yarn under loops at one end, Knot securely several limes and clip close.
Remove yarn from cardboard and wind a strand of yarn several times around the tassel 1/4" down from tied end and fasten by threading end in a needle and taking a few over-and-over stitches. Cut loops at opposite end. Sew tail to animal where indicated.
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Description of Coloring Page: sewing stitches, black nose, quilted and stuffed teddy bear, teddy smile, patchwork
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Description of Coloring Page: teddy bear, sleepy teddy bear, night cap, night shirt, dressed for bed, velvet nose, droopy eyelids, felt eye lashes, fuzzy ears
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The stick part of the horse is either painted or covered with fabric. The modern versions of the hobby horse do not usually include wheels at the opposite end of the stick.
Modern hobby horses often include a battery operated part sewn into the ear-piece of the stuffed head that when pulled, will imitate the sound of a whinnying horse.
Hobby horse toys are considered "open-ended" toys because the child playing with them must be using his or her imagination to be arriving at, coming from or developing some more elaborate drama that includes a bit of "horse play" in order to engage with the toy.
You can store hobby horses upright in an umbrella stand. I keep a small corral for these stuffed friends in the basement playroom at our house. If you do the same, make sure there are enough for a whole herd of children to play with!
These hobby horses are sold at HearthSong. Their versions
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Description of Coloring Page: furry, open arms, funny faced teddy, stuffed bear
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