The Teddy bear actually began as a childs toy over 90 years ago. It was an instant hit with children and was also embraced by the adult population as well. Women carried them shopping, to the beach as well as on their everyday excursions. The pictorial Teddy Bear postcards became a phenomenon.

The "Teddy" was named after Teddy Roosevelt because he once refused to shoot a bear cub while on a hunting trip. The "Teddy" was first produced by two early companies - the Steiff Co. of Germany and the Ideal Company of America.

Teddy Bears are all the rage screamed early advertisements. Even doll companies felt threatened by the new toy.

The fad among adults faded away, but the Bear remained a childhood friend. In fact when parents felt it was time foir their children to put away childish things and join the adult world, the Bear was one of the first toys to dissappear. It was usually worn out , soiled, an "old thing" to be thrown away.

In 1985, the Gorham Silver Company produced a collection of my Bears, the Beverly Port Designer Colletion, which was the first line of mohair bears produced by an American Bear company in decade. Applause Toy Company produced a line of wool-faced bears by Robert Raikes.

In the 1990's many manufacturers included artist-designed bears in their lines. "Once again, Teddy Bears are all the rage." From traditional to fantasy, giant to miniature, Teddy Bears are truely loved and ardently collected.