My Genealogy, Part 3, Novelty and Character Bears and All Those Wars
Hello, fellow arctophiles! I'm back! Remember me? My owners have given me literary license to contribute to their Blog and, while I started out with good intentions, I admit I've fallen down on the job! I've been away for awhile - busy doing promotionals and shows for the boss as she promotes her awesome auction site. What a busy time it's been these past few months. Alright, I admit it!! Maybe I did play just a little bit ...
But I did want to spend a few minutes to tell you about some of my famous ancestors, the novelty and character bears and how all that came about. When William Taft became president in 1909, several new mascots tried unsuccessfully to overthrow Teddy's Bear. One was Billy Possum, a reference to Taft's love of possum and taters (yuk!). Another early bear design was apparently conceived as a boys' bear-doll, which was ideal for dressing up. Beginning in 1907, teddies in masculine costume began to appear, influenced by seymor Eaton's poems about the Roosevelt Bears.
World War I greatly affected teddy bear production after 1913 - and that's another story I'll save for a whole, entire article!
By the 1920s and 30s, mass-produced teddy bears, with rod-jointed, straight bodies and limbs became popular. Novelty items were also introduced including Schuco's famous Yes/No bears and Swiss squeeze-type musical bears. Tipped mohair plush became fashionable, as did clown bears with ruffs and pierrot's hats. Bears were also made based on contemporary literary characters, including Rupert, Winnie the Pooh, and Mary Plain.
Interesting factoid: The Winnie the Pooh Farnell bear bought in Harrods for Christopher Robin Milne became a household name in 1921.
World War again! This time it was WW II, which again had a dramatic effect on the teddy bear industry. Again, another article all of its own. Whew! Hope there's not a #3 coming ...
That's enough for one sitting - I've got a photo shoot to primp for ...
Until next time, big furry hugs to you all - may you always have honey!
Humphrey B. Bear, TBIC
But I did want to spend a few minutes to tell you about some of my famous ancestors, the novelty and character bears and how all that came about. When William Taft became president in 1909, several new mascots tried unsuccessfully to overthrow Teddy's Bear. One was Billy Possum, a reference to Taft's love of possum and taters (yuk!). Another early bear design was apparently conceived as a boys' bear-doll, which was ideal for dressing up. Beginning in 1907, teddies in masculine costume began to appear, influenced by seymor Eaton's poems about the Roosevelt Bears.
World War I greatly affected teddy bear production after 1913 - and that's another story I'll save for a whole, entire article!
By the 1920s and 30s, mass-produced teddy bears, with rod-jointed, straight bodies and limbs became popular. Novelty items were also introduced including Schuco's famous Yes/No bears and Swiss squeeze-type musical bears. Tipped mohair plush became fashionable, as did clown bears with ruffs and pierrot's hats. Bears were also made based on contemporary literary characters, including Rupert, Winnie the Pooh, and Mary Plain.
Interesting factoid: The Winnie the Pooh Farnell bear bought in Harrods for Christopher Robin Milne became a household name in 1921.
World War again! This time it was WW II, which again had a dramatic effect on the teddy bear industry. Again, another article all of its own. Whew! Hope there's not a #3 coming ...
That's enough for one sitting - I've got a photo shoot to primp for ...
Until next time, big furry hugs to you all - may you always have honey!
Humphrey B. Bear, TBIC
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