Everyone’s favorite bedtime sleeping mate just turned 100 years old.
The teddy bear has been a security blanket for young and old ever since the first bear was displayed in a store window in Brooklyn, New York.
Robin Bowser, Tipton Postmaster, is holding a unique celebration for the new Teddy Bear Stamps that were issued nationwide on August 15, 2002 by the U.S. Postal Service.
There are four 37 cent Teddy Bear stamps in a pane of 20, designed by Margaret Baurer that features four teddy bears that were manufactured in the United States.
The four bears featured are the Ideal bear which dates from circa 1905, the Bruin bear from circa 1907, and the Gund bear from circa 1948.
The unlabeled Stick bear from the 1920’s is characterized by short arms, thin legs, and an upright posture.
Teddy bears remain enormously popular today and are widely viewed as symbols of security and comfort. Teddy bears are often used by police officers and hospital staff to calm children in traumatic situations. The text on each stamp reads ‘Teddy Bears USA.”
Bowser and the Tipton Post Office has taken the opportunity to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Teddy Bear by having a week of festivities August 19th – August 23rd at the Tipton Post Office, Forest Street, during the hours of 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a week-long display of numerous teddy bears that were handmade and mainstream that you can buy in stores. Many of the handmade bears on display are being provided by Cheryl Holmberg of Tipton, owner of Country Bears and Friends, who specializes in making homemade teddy bears.
For the kids this week at the Tipton Post Office, there will be coloring sheets given out of the new Teddy Bear stamps, free bear cookies, stickers will be available, skin-applicable bear stamps, as well as a contest to guess how many gummy bears are in a jar, along with teddy graham bears in a jar. At the end of the week, the person who guesses the closest will receive free gifts.
‘Buddy Bear,’ from DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, kicked off this week’s festivities Monday at the Tipton Post Office by greeting children and adults at the door, along with distributing balloons to the children.
“This is to commemorate the new Teddy Bear Stamp that was released August 15th, and also to do something unique with the community,” siad Bowser.
Unique is an understatement compared to the primary reason for Bowser’s efforts in the celebration. Bowser is asking everyone who is capable to donate any kind of new teddy bear at the Tipton Post Office, with plenty of good reasoning behind it.
“One of the main things we’re trying to publicize is that we’re asking for donations of teddy bears,” said Bowser. “It’s a two week drive and the teddy bears donated will be divided between the elderly at Epworth Manor in Tyrone, and the children who come into the emergency room at the Tyrone Hospital.”
Not only is it a chance to celebrate the century old cuddly buddy, but it is also for a good cause. Bowser added, “It’s something special we wanted to do for the fact that teddy bears are known as a comfort to all ages, young and old.”
People are encouraged to join in on the festivities at the Tipton Post Office and to donate new teddy bears for the children and elderly of the community.
Bowser noted, “It’s a comfort and a well-known toy, and I thought it would bring some smiles to people’s faces. The community really enjoys doing different things and we enjoy doing it for them.” The new Teddy Bear stamps will be available for sale at the Tipton Post Office.
