In 1901, Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt became president of the USA. During a hunting trip the following year, he refused to shoot a bear that had him cornered. The incident prompted a cartoonist (Clifford K. Berryman) to create a satirical comic (published  in the Washington Post, Nov 16, 1902) titled "Drawing the line in Mississippi".

This cartoon prompted Morris Michtom, a Russian immigrant, to display a plush bear made by his wife, Rose, in his New York novelty and stationary store window called "Teddy's Bear". It was an instant success.

In 1903, after successfully selling their entire stock to the distributor Butler Brothers, the Michtoms  formed The Ideal Novelty and Toy Company, reputed to be the first US "Teddy bear" manufacturer.

After WWI, Ideal's bears differed little from earlier designs. Founder, Morris Mitchom, died in 1938, but his son Benjamin took the company into the post-war era with new designs and materials, a permanent trademark and a new name - Ideal Toy Corporation. The company won the licence to produce the first Smoky Bear soft toy, introduced in 1953.

They later went on to produce dolls such as Shirley Temple, Judy Garland and other well known characters such as Snow White and Pinocchio. They were the first in their industry to make hard plastic dolls after WWII. They were made of wood, cloth, composition, hard plastic, vinyl and "magic skin".

More info : "The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia" by Pauline Cockrill

"The Collector's Encyclopedia of Toys and Dolls" edited by Lydia Darbyshire

http://www.dollreference.com/ideal_toy_dolls1970s.html

RUB-A-DUB DOLLY

This is my own Rub-a-dub from the 1970's. She was first made by Ideal in 1973, and was reissued in the 1980's. From my recollection, this one came with a pink and white striped hooded towel and nappy. She was marketed to be completely water tight. Unfortunately, the 1970's hair did not stand up too well to the constant shampooing, and is quite frizzed. She has a longer "tail" at the top which came with a ribbon. She also came with dark skin.

The Rub-a-dub Tug could be purchased separately. I think there was also a bathtub available.

Neck :

Back :

More info :  http://www.dollinfo.com/Irubdub.htm

RUB-A-DUB DOGGY

Made a few years after Rub-a-dub dolly, they originally came with a foam bone. There is a handle at the back of the collar that shakes the head, causing the ears to splash water all over the bathroom.

Neck : (IDEAL) / (C) 1982 CBS INC. / M-380

Back : (IDEAL) / (C) 1982 CBS INC. / B-102 / MACAU

More info :

WHOOPSIE

"Whoopsie" was made by Ideal between 1978-1981. Her body is made in one solid piece, which, when squeezed, makes her squeek and raises her pigtails into the air. She is wearing her original one piece sun suit which includes the strawberry applique. She did not come with shoes.

Neck : (C) IDEAL TOY CORP / HONG KONG / 1978 / H-290

Back : (C) IDEAL TOY CORP / 1978 / B-66 / 7

More info :  http://www.dollinfo.com/iWhoopsie.htm

Designer info : http://www.erinworks.com/portfolio5/portfolio5.html

PRETTY CURLS