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Have you ever noticed that a simple information search can lead you in strange and wonderful directions? As in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, historical research can lead you down a winding rabbit hole that might take you off your original path and lead you to new and amazing historical places!
This podcast series starts with that premise!
Adrian Petry, Visitors Services Coordinator and Kathleen Powell, Supervisor of Historical Services and Curator, both from the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, have challenged each other to explore the weird and wonderful places that one hour of research on a topic will take them. Join them as they share their findings!
On this episode…
Kathleen and Adrian look at the history of stuffed animals and Teddy Bears. It’s a hilarious discussion of toys, President Teddy Roosevelt, music, and Furbie. Join them as they take this deep dive into the history of our fuzzie-wuzzie friends. Kathy and Adrian brought along their own favourite stuffies to join the fun: Adrian’s Go For It Turtle below left; Kathy’s Ollie the Octopus below right.


Listen
Listen and subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, Google Podcasts, and Spotify (STCM Podcasts).
Footnotes
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2. Tea Party from the Museum’s Collection

3. US President Theodore Roosevelt and Teddy’s Bear
First Version:

Second Version, with much cuter bear cub:


5. Looking for a Turbo Man from Jingle All the Way:
6. The 1996 Tickle Me Elmo commercial:
7. 1998 Furbie commerical:
8. Teddy Bear’s Picnic performed by Rosemary Clooney:
9. Vermont Teddy Bear Factory Tour: