Teddy Bear People
Teddy Bear People As most "Teddy Bear Aficionados" know, the "Teddy Bear" originated in the early 1900's referring back to Teddy Roosevelt's refusal to hunt and kill a baby bear. A woman named Rose Mitchom of Brooklyn, NY was so touched by this story that she was inspired to create a bear which she called "Teddy's Bear". The demand for this cute, cuddly, inviting bear was so strong, they quickly ventured to mass production. At the same time, unbenounced to either party, a company in Germany was developing a more realistic bear. This company was called, of course, Steiff. In 1903, the Steiff bear was introduced at the Leipz Toy Fair. Not much interest was shown from the European market, however, an American toy buyer, who was already aware of the building Teddy Bear craze in America ordered 3,000 bears, and the rest is "Bear-story". True collectors and show people take their craft and passion seriously (in a teddy bear affectionate sort of way). I became aware of this when I began selling my Teddy Bear Tapestry Hand & Travel Bags. As I got to know my customers, they began telling me how they were using their bags. Consistently, many of my customers were utilizing their bags for transport of their own teddy bears & accessories to shows and markets. This lead to customer referrals when other Teddy Bear Lovers saw the bags. Through this, I came to realize the Teddy Bear dealers and collectors are much like their collectible...cute, cuddly, & inviting. Many thanks to those of you who have sent business for my Teddy Bear Tapestry Handbags my way! |
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