A Teddy Bear is a soft toy in the form of a bear. Developed apparently simultaneously by toymakers Morris Michtom in the U.S. and Richard Steiff in Germany in the early years of the 20th century, and named after President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, the teddy bear became an iconic children's toy, celebrated in story, song, and film. Since the creation of the first teddy bears which sought to imitate the form of real bear cubs, "teddies" have greatly varied in form, style, color, and material. They have become collector's items, with older and rarer "teddies" appearing at public auctions. Teddy bears are among the most popular gifts for children and are often given to adults to signify love, congratulations, or sympathy.
History in the Parade
The Teddy Bear balloon is a balloon in the Macy's Parade and one of the 5 balloons that debuted in 1945. It first appeared in 1945 and was redesigned to the Panda Bear balloon in 1946. The balloon was recycled back into the teddy bear and returned in 1949 and was retired after its comeback in the 1952 Parade. The balloon also had a very different appearance in its debut in 1945, having yellow eyes instead of black pupils.
Defects
- In 1949, his left foot was deflated.