Teddy bears were born in two countries – United States and Germany – at approximately the same time (from what can be surmised) in 1902. Much has been written about which teddy bear was born first – Ideal or Steiff – and I’m sure the debate will continue for a while longer.
Suffice it to say that once teddy bears were on the scene, they were here for good. After all, although boys wouldn’t generally play with dolls, they could (and would) play with teddy bears. And many girls hugged their new-found friend in a way they couldn’t hug their porcelain dolls.
As the result of the popularity of the teddy bear, teddy bear makers sprang up in many countries – England, France, Italy and Australia to name a few – besides, of course, the United States and Germany. Many of the early manufacturers are now gone, but a few thrive and continue to make quality teddy bears, in spite of the proliferation of mass-produced teddy bears, especially from the Far East.
Let’s look at some of these companies, past and present, who have given us our best friend: