Here are some true stories about Teddy Bears and the things that make them unique in the amazing world of Teddy Bears!

"Ded Ted"

In 1986, a family was moving into an old home in Melbourne, Australia and were faced with an enormous pile of rubbish that had been left behind by the previous owners (who were described by the neighbours as "punks"). As they stared at the mess someone noticed something leaning against a pile of cardboard boxes. Pushing away some of the rubbish, out came an old, shabby teddy bear covered in dirt and wearing a small red sweater sewn with the letters DED TED.

Ded Ted put on a brave face but underneath he was probably terrified at the thought of the garbage collection. He was dusted down, thoroughly inspected and finally hugged! All of Ded Ted's paws had been replaced and most of his nose was missing. His arms were patched all over with brown leather and the family gave him a pair of white karate trousers to keep his old legs warm. Ded Ted soon settled down in his new home, sure of the knowledge that he would never again be abandoned!!

"Horatio, The Haunted Bear"

Horatio the Haunted Bear dates from 1910 and belonged to a sea captain named Thomas Milligan. The captain was quite fond of Horatio and regarded him as his talisman. Captain Milligan was very superstitious and he refused to sail without his bear so Horatio accompanied the captain on many travels.

In 1951, after Captain Milligan's death, Horatio was adopted by the captain's nephew. He began to notice strange happenings occurring in the prescence of the bear. In a letter to an auctioneer, Milligan's nephew wrote that the ghost of his uncle was regularly seen in the prescence of the bear. After an appearance, the smell of tobacco (his uncle smoked a pipe) always surrounded Horatio. This was confirmed by several owners of Horatio and all have agreed that the experiences were of a friendly nature and not a bit frightening.

In 1991, Horatio was auctioned and shortly afterwards he arrived at the Cotswold Teddy Bear Museum where he settled down happily. His new owners had also noticed sometimes when they opened the doors of the museum of a morning that they could smell a hint of tobacco smoke in the air or hear scuffling noises similar to footsteps! It seems the friendship of Captain Milligan and his bear Horatio share a bond that time will never break.

"Fritz and Buddy"

Fritz was discovered at the end of World War II tucked beneath the floorboards of a Nissen hut in England. He had been hidden there by his owner, a German prisoner of war. At the end of the war the German soldier was repatriated and amid the confusion he forgot his little bear who was later found by British troops. When Fritz was pulled out from beneath the floorboards, he was a little worn and dusty but he still wore his knitted jacket. Pinned to his jacket was an impressive collection of military badges!

Buddy was brought to England by his owner, an American serviceman who was stationed at Burtonwood US Airbase. The serviceman fell in love with a local girl and they became engaged. Before he left to take part in the D-Day landings, he gave Buddy to his betrothed. Tragically the serviceman was killed and Buddy never left his fiance's side until her death in 1983.

"Forby"

Forby stands an impressive 32 inches or 81 centimetres tall. He was made in 1909 and although he is believed to be of English origin, he was found in the old gold mining district of Ballarat in Victoria, Australia. He was found slumped in a dusty corner looking very elegant in his blue velvet dinner jacket and bow tie and amazingly, an old daisy chain hanging over one ear.

Forby had obviously been a much loved companion as he was patched all over and his fur was worn from continuous hugs. Very little else is known about Forby's past but maybe he was purchased as the result of some good luck on the goldfields!

These stories are from a book by Rosalie Upton -"The Secret Lives of Teddy Bears"

© 1998 Dozybear Production.

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