The original Teddy Bear

Theodore Roosevelt refused to personally shoot a bear that had been run to exhaustion on a hunting trip in 1902, but he did order that others put the animal to death (or so the story goes). Depending on the political views of the reporters and cartoonists, he was either praised or lampooned when the media learnt of the occurrence. Posters, brochures, and editorial cartoons all featured images of "Teddy's Bear."

A businessman by the name of Morris Michtom made a little stuffed bear toy modeled after the cartoon characters and showed it in his store under the name "Teddy." The Ideal Novelty and Toy Company was founded by Michtom in 1907 as a result of the success of bears that followed those of the original. The Ideal Novelty and Toy Company was founded by Michtom in 1907 as a result of the success of bears that followed those of the original. Roosevelt, who hated the term "Teddy," responded positively when Michtom asked for permission to use Teddy's Bear.

The Roosevelt family was contacted by officials of the Ideal Toy Company in the early 1960s in an effort to persuade them to appear for a promotional photo with one of the original bears. Teddy Roosevelt's grandson Kermit eventually decided to let his kids take pictures with the bear before giving it to the Smithsonian after first refusing. The bear was well-liked by Kermit's kids, who resisted giving it away. Family lore claims that they kept the toy from their parents. Persuasion or perhaps parental authority won out. The Roosevelt family donated the first Teddy Bear to the Smithsonian in January 1964. The Museum of American History is where it is kept.