December's Arrival of New, Adorable Charlie Bears

   Charlie Bears Minimo.  This is Diddly Doo.  Limited to 2,000 pieces, this one is #711.  Diddly Doo is 100% Mohair, has five joints, a hand embroidered nose, ultra-suede paw pads.  Diddly Doo is a Chestnut Brown color while his muzzle and ears are a tan color. 

The ears I would call a Sparse Mohair.  Diddly Doo wears a "shoelace" necklace  with two beads, and a metal shaped leaf.  Diddly Doo measures 6 inches and sells for $130.00 plus tax.

   Charlie Bears Minimo.  This is Felicity.  Limited to 2,000 pieces, this one is #466.  Felicity is 100% Mohair, has five joints, a wool felt nose, embroidered mouth and ultra-suede paw pads.    A grey and crème flecked main coat with a white tummy, while the ears a longer Mohair that I would call sparse.


 

 

 Felicia has a tail which adds to her authenticity making her look like a real koala.  A "shoelace" necklace, has three beads and gives Felicity an air of hipness.  Felicity measures 6.5 inches and sells for $140.00 plus tax

Charlie Bears Minimo.  This bonny bunny is called Hippity Hop.  Hippity Hop is a limited to 2,000 pieces and this is #478.

 Hippity Hop is 100% Mohair, has five joints, hand embroidered nose, filament whiskers, Linen paw pads that have a "rough hand/feel" to it.  Hippity Hop inner ears are Velour, while his ears are wired which make them fully pose-able. 

Hippity Hop has a shoestring necklace with five beads and a metal cherry pendant and stands on his own.  Hippity measures 10.5 inches if his are standing straight up.  Hippity sells for $132.00 plus tax. SOLD

Charlie Bears Minimo.  This cutie is Hiccup.  Limited to 2,000 pieces, this one is #711.  Hiccup is 100% Mohair, has a hand embroidered nose, filament whiskers, and five joints.

Hiccup's nose and claws are done with a light pink embroidery, while the paw pads, tail, and the inside of the ears are all ultra-suede.  Hiccup's Mohair is burnt umber in color and would be called sparse.  Hiccup measures 6.5 inches long, wears a thread necklace with three stone beads.  Hiccup is priced at $140.00 plus tax. SOLD

 

Charlie Bears Minimo.  This precious mouse is Bubble.  Bubble is limited to 500 pieces and this one is #36.    Bubble has a hand embroidered nose, five joints, wears a thin Twine "collar", Ultra-Suede foot pads, filament whickers, and wool felt ears and tail.

Bubbles has hand stitched "claws" on his feet, is made out of 100% Mohair which is a light grey, with darker tips.  The overall Mohair body is a longer plush that is trimmed on his lower arms and legs.

Bubbles has a crème colored belly and muzzle.  Muzzle does stand up on his own, and measures 10.25 inches tall, and sells for $196.00 plus tax. SOLD

Charlie Bears Minimo.  This is adorable bear is Moth.  Moth is 100% Mohair, has a hand embroidered nose, five joints, and ultra-suede paw pads. 

Moth is a light Russet colored teddy bear, with "worn" spots in different areas on him showing how well loved he is even before finding his "forever friend".  Moth wears a "shoestring" style necklace with two beads and a replica British Coin.

Moth measures 6.5 inches long and sells for $120.00 plus tax.

Charlie Bears.  This charming little teddy is Scrap.  Scrap is 100% Mohair, has five joints, Ultra-Suede paw pads and a hand embroidered nose.  Scrap is a limited edition of 2000 pieces and this is piece #711.

Scraps Mohair is a light Smokey Topaz color, and the Mohair has worn spots that show how much he is loved before he even finds his new "forever friends".

Scrap wears a "shoelace" necklace that has two beads, and a reproduction British coin pendant.  Scraps measures 6.5 inches long and sells for $120.00 plus tax.

Charlie Bears Minimo.  This delightful little bear is Snippet.  Snippet is 100% Mohair, has five joints, hand embroidered nose, stitched in "claws", and has ultra-suede paw pads.  Snippet has worn spots in his plush, which shows how much he has been loved even before finding his new "forever" friend.

Snippet is a Peruvian Brown Color, wears a "Shoelace" necklace which has two beads, and a replica British coin.  Snippet measures 6.5 inches long and sells for $120.00 plus tax.

Charlie Bears Minimo.  This precious little bear is named Tatty.  Tatty is 100% Mohair, has five joints, hand embroidered nose, and Ultra-Suede paw pads.  Tatty is limited to 2,000 pieces and this is #711.

Tatty is a Sand Colored bear, and his plush has worn spots, which show how much he has been loved before he even finds a new "forever friend".

Tatty wears a "shoelace" necklace with two beads, and a reproduction British coin pendant.  Tatty measures 6.5 inches long and sells for $120.00 plus tax.

Charlie Bears.  This fun bear is named Pixel.  Pixel has a polyester plush fur that has a black base with a white and grey tipping throughout. 

Hand embroidered nose, three joints, black Ultra-suede paw pads with stitched "claws".  Pixel wears a "shoelace" necklace that has a white shell pendant on it.

Pixel is a limited edition of 1,000 pieces and this bear is #73.  Pixel measures 12 inches high.  Pixel is part of a set, the other piece is Gigga.  The set of two become book ends, by themselves they will hold your IPad.

Pixel sells $79.00 plus tax.

Charlie Bears Minimo. This is dreamy little elephant is Comet.  Comet is 100% Mohair, has five joints, Ultra-Suede paw pads, and Velour inner ears.  Comet is limited to 2,00 pieces and this one is #1192.

Comet's Mohair coat is a light grey in color, and what I would call extra-thick.  He has an embroidered mouth and wears a "shoelace" style necklace with  a white cylinder shaped white bead and a black and white round bead, which gives Comet a sense of home.  Comet measures 7 inches long, and is priced at  $140.00 plus tax.

Just In Time or Christmas: December Steiff Arrivals

 Part of Steiff's Baby line what is not to love about this adorable Baby Leo Lion.  Baby Leo is %100 polyester, hand embroidered eyes, mouth and "whisker spots". 

 

He wears a light orange and darker orange stripped bowtie, making him ready for any occasion.  Baby Leo measures 6.5 inches tall and 8.5 inches long (which includes the tail).  If you would like Baby Leo, he sells for $28.00 plus tax.

 



 

Who doesn't love an adorable cow?  Steiff has brought us the ever charming Lischen.  100% polyester Lischen stands 6.75 inches tall and 6.5 inches long.  Lischen has a braided "shoestring" style tail and sells for $32.00 plus tax.

 

 

The Gospel of Matthew is brought to life with Steiff's Magi Melchior.  The Magi, of course refer to the Christian tradition of the Virgin Birth.  Steiff's Melchior is 47% Mohiar and 53% Cotton, hand embroidered nose, and has five joints. 

 

 He wears a light brown and white stripped outfit that is trimmed with a gold braid.  He wears a gold and burgundy braided crown, and his robe is  a crème and burgundy damask.  Melchoir measures 4.5 inches tall, is a limited edition of 1500 pieces, and this piece is #871.  He carries a golden myrrh container in his left paw.  Melchior is priced $115.00 plus tax.  SOLD

 

 

 

 

 

 Only the truly cherished of your Steiff collection deserves to have the Steiff Cozy Bed.  100% Petroleum Blue Polyester is the material of the bed.  The out rim is stuffed and stands up. 

 

The height is 3 inches high, 9.75 inches long, and 8 inches across.  The Cozy Bed has printed paw prints on them and the Steiff logo on it.  The Cozy Bed is priced at $18.95 plus tax.

Part of a group of Nutcracker themed items Steiff delivers this delightful teddy named Carlo.  Carlo is 100% polyester, machine embroidered nose and mouth, plush tan paw pads.  Carlo wears blue, red and dapper white plaid tie.

He is "housed" in a cardboard box decorated to look lie a book.  The front is a drawing of teddy as one of the Nutcracker soldiers getting ready to battle the Mouse King.  The spine reads Steiff.  The "book" measures 10 inches high, 7 inches across and 3.75 inches deep.  Carlo sells for $49.95









Named after the Jewel Merchant, Ambassador between Mongolian Khans and Christian Popes, and Father of Marco Polo, Steiff's Niccolo pays tribute this man of intrigue, and travel.  Niccolo has a sand-colored plush fur that is 57% Mohair and 43% Cotton.

This Niccolo is #148 out of 1500 pieces. Five jointes, hand embroidered nose, wool felt paw pads, wears a woven Italianate designed scarf, and holds a bras world globe that actually SPINS so you and Niccolo can experience world travels together. 

Niccolo stands 9.5 inches tall and sells for $275.00 plus tax.

Steiff's adorable baby line has just some of the most adorable stuff, and this delightful comfy is just one example.  With his green and white stripe squeezable body Jocko is easy for baby to grab and give plenty of loving.  The body portion has a peeled banana logo machine embroidered on it.

 Speaking of machine embroidery Jocko's entire face is embroidered making him very kissable and child safe for any baby.  He wears a Cotton orange bandana with yellow spots.  Plush hands and feet that are stitched make Jocko the perfect tag along friend.

70% Cotton and 30% Cotton Jocko measures 11 inches long and sells for $38.00 plus tax.









Steiff's Desmond is another bear that I would put in "the grand old bear" category, simply because he as well fills your lap and arms.  Desmond's EAN is 03517.  He is limited to 1,000 pieces and this bear is #316 out of 1000 pieces.  Hand embroidered nose, five joints, leopard plush paws pads, leopard plush working color with "brass" closure and adjustable holes.  Desmond has a trimmed muzzle, a growler, and measures 21 inches long and sells for $595.00 plus tax.














Steiff brings us the main character in Finding Nemo, Nemo himself!  What a glorious little fish.  Nemo's orange and white plush is 53% Mohair and 47% Cotton.  Accenteed with black "piping" accents.  Machine embroidered eyes while the whites of his eye are felt. This Nemo is #311 out of 2,000 pieces.

Nemo measures 5.5 inches high and 8 inches long and sells for $145.00 plus tax.










"I shall call him Squishy, and he shall be mine, and he shall be my Squishy."

 Who doesn't love Dory from Finding Nemo?  Now you enjoy the fun all the time with this Steiff tribute to the amusing Disney/Pixar film.  This Dory is made out of 53% Mohair and 47% Cotton.  She has machine embroidered eyes and the whites of her eyes are felt.  The black and yellow/gold markings are this same plush combination. This Dory is #318 out of 2,000 pieces. Dory measures 10 inches long and 7.5 inches high and is priced at $145.00 plus tax.







From 2006 Teddy Bear 58 is another one of those "grand old bears" that will easily fill not only your lap but also your arms.  Teddy Bear 58 has a copper/burnt orange 100% Mohair plush fur.  Five joints, a chocolate colored hand embroidered nose, felt paw pads and a GROWLER.  So don't tip unless you want to hear him speak (he has mixed emotions about being tipped, but loves talking to you).  Teddy Bear 58 measures 24 inches tall and is priced at $495.00 plus tax.














In 2004 Steiff created this great bear named Old Gold.  Hand embroidered nose, five joints and a gold hued plush that is 100% Mohair.  He has five claws and is the last of the "five claws series".

 Felt paw pads, Old Gold is # 1448 out of 4,000 pieces.  He's a grand old bear that measures 20.5 inches tall and is priced at $265.00 plus tax.

  

 

 

 

Camels were among the earliest Steiff animals.  Karim,  is 25 cm or 8.5 inches tall and 11 inches long.  Karim is made of finest brown wool felt and prefers to stand on his own four hooves.

 

He has a lavishly decorated saddlecloth - patterned with gold trimming and gold-coloured tassels. His head is adorned with a red leather halter and a gold-coloured tassel on either side. His gold-plated "Button in Ear" and the rich, gently curling fur single him out as a descendent of a very special family. Karim camel comes in a limited edition of 1,500 and this piece is #111.  Karim is priced at $195.00 plus tax.

 

 

This delightful little dog is Butch, The Cover Dog and is #85 out of 1944 pieces.

  In the 1940’s The Saturday Evening Post introduced a character that would capture the hearts of the nation– a black and white cocker spaniel named “Butch.” Butch appeared on the magazine’s cover more than two dozen times.

 He’s made from the 47% Mohair and 53% Cotton plush using archival patterns. Like the original, Butch features brown “googly” eyes and a hand painted black and white coat. Butch stands 6.5 inches tall and 8.5 inches long and sells for $195.00 plus tax.

   Looking for a gift for that soccer player.  Than look no further than Steiff, the answer to all of your holiday needs.  Steiff is so pleased to Weltmeister Teddy Bear.  Deck out in his 2014 Weltmeister Soccer T-shirt, the shirt is a light weight poly-blend that says Team Steiff with the German flag on the back.  Weltmeister's pants have an elastic waist and is constructed out of a light weight sweat pant material.  T-shirt and pants are fully removable.  Hand embroidered nose, felt paw pads, 57% Mohair, 43% Cotton, five joints and a trimmed muzzle Weltmeister is ready to kick a soccer ball.  Measuring ten inches and priced at $195.00 plus tax he is looking for a "forever friend"

This adorable little bear is Holly.  She is part of the Steiff Holiday series.  Hand embroidered nose, five joints, pale blue felt paw pads.  Holly wears a white cotton dress (that has the "hand" of a nice damask napkin), the overskirt is a chiffon like confection that has a sheer quality to it and the hem is clipped to look like a handkerchief hem.  Holly measures nine inches in height and is #115 out of 1500 pieces, and is priced at $225.00 plus tax. 

 








Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year, so why not celebrate year around with the Steiff Nutcracker Bear.  This incredible bear is number 116 of 1500 pieces, measures a full foot in height or 27 centimeters.  47% Mohair, 53% Cotton, five joints, hand embroidered nose.  The Steiff  Nutcracker bear is a light crème in color with a red jacket. 

 

The jacket has machine embroidered "closures", epilates with a red and gold braided trim that matches the braid on the cuff.  The belt is leather  with adjustable holes and a working closure.  Plush black boots, and a felt hat with matching braid finishes the entire look.  An added bonus in my opinion is that this bear is MUSCIAL!  Once his key is turned he plays Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, which gives free rein to your imagination.  Price is $245.00 plus tax. SOLD

In 2000 North American Steiff  created this delightful bear named Forget Me Not.  Teddy has a light blue plush fur with dark blue tips.  The fur is 100% Mohair with felt paw pads.  This bear is hand signed by North American Archivist Dick Frantz in a dark blue ink.  Five joints, hand embroidered nose, Sterling Silver.  Forget Me Not measures 16 inches and sells for $225.00 plus tax.  SOLD

  #0206/26  from the 1982 Steiff line, this adorable little bear would be a great addition to any teddy bear collection.  Milk chocolate in color that is 50% wool and 50% cotton, five joints, hand embroidered nose, felt paw pads and a red ribbon.  Measuring 9.5 inches long this bear sells for $250.00 plus tax. 

 Everybody I know just loves puppies and Steiff's Bernie is just the sweetest little puppy.  His grey and white plush is 80% Acrylic and 20% polyester.

Bernie has a hand embroidered nose and his paper hang tag as just in case he runs away from home.

Bernie stands 6 inches tall and 6.5 inches long and sells for $25.00 plus tax.

Joyeux Noel: From Me to You

No matter how you say it: Feliz Navidad, Kwanzaa Greetings, Blessed Chanuakah,  Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou, Merry Keshmish, Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo, Felices Pasquas Y Felices ano Nuevo, Nadolig Llawen,Joyeux Noel, Buone Feste Natalizie, Froehliche Weihnachten und ein glueckliches Neues Jahr, En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr, Boas Festas, “Kellemes kara’csonyi u”nnepeket e’s boldog u’j e’vet, God Jul and Och Ett Gott Nytt Ar, Gle[eth]ileg jol gott og fars, Hristos se rodi, Linksmu Kaledu , Sreken Bozhik, Prieci’gus Ziemsve’tkus un Laimi’gu Jauno Gadu, Nollaig Shona Dhuit, Tchestita Koleda, Gledelig Jul, Kala Christouyenna, Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok, we have to wish you the best for the holiday season.

 Keillor's a Teddy Bear Shoppe, first and foremost is deeply grateful to our loyal customers, for without the customers I am not much of anything.  Christmas has always been a cherished time for me since I was a little girl --- the family all gathered around the tree, our hearts filled with hope that Santa had brought what he told him we really, really  wanted.  Mommy and Daddy their with hearts filled promise for the new year and their children's good health.  So many of us have the storybook Christmas, while so many do not... for what ever reasons.  Christmas has always been a time when so many people become charitable and their hearts fill with good will, helping the less fortunate.

LL Milied Lt-tajjeb, Hauskaa joulua ja onnellista uutta vuotta, Cestitamo Bozic, Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr, Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat, Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan , Gun Tso Sun Tan’Gung Haw Sun , Shinnen omedeto Merii Kurisumasu, Sung Tan Chuk Ha, Sawadee Pee Ma, Maligayang Pasko, Selamat Hari Natal

The ham maybe in the oven, the mashed potatoes covered with a lid so they don't get cold, and the stacks of cookies piled on silver trays just waiting for a cup of hot cocoa--- the memories of Christmas's past just flood my mind.



Selamat Hari Natal, Baradin ki shubh kamnaaye,
Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa, Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal, Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom, Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun, Zrizdvom hrystovym, Chuc Mung Giang Sinh.

Canal Fulton is having a Christmas window contest, so many of the shops are participating.  In the meantime come check out the windows of all the stores downtown for yourself, buy a new "forever friend", and enjoy a meal at one of the many  restaurants we have.


Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu, Craciun Fericit, Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah, Milad Majid, La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou, Een Plesierige Kerfees, Rehus-Beal-Ledeats, Geseënde Kersfees, Natale hilare et Annum Faustum, Mo’adim Lesimkha. Chena tova

I want to take the time also to thank the first purchase from the blog: Jean, from Indiana, with her mini Steiff Dorothy.  Suzanne from Australia with her Charlie Bear purchase of Prickle.  Thank you.  Ten countries who follow us, and nearly 2,000 views. I couldn't be happier.

As always anything you see can be purchased by either calling, e-mailing or coming into the store.

Fall Steiff Event 2014

Article by Charlie Dale

Dick Franz (standing), Charla and Don Keehn,

Sorry for the huge delay from the actual event to the actual posting this, as I was very ill for three  and half weeks from right before Halloween until now.  My hope had been to post this right after the event to keep the Steiff momentum going.  So, I'm sorry this is so late; but do hope you enjoy the post and pictures.


We may have had showers early in the morning, and we may have had chilly weather but did that deter Steiff collector's?  No it didn't.  With an estimated 50 collectors in attendance the conversations were lively, spirited and, of course, about our beloved Steiff.  Part of Keillor's A Teddy Bear Shoppe cleared the floor to set up the Fall Steiff display, as well as the projector that was going to be used for Dick Franz's presentation.

Speaking of Dick, he arrived snappily dressed as always.  In head to toe black, Dick wore a tan wool blazer that set off his look.  While Jeanne wore a pair of crisp black slacks and a black and white print top that truly complimented Dick's ensemble.

Guests started arriving at 10 when the store opened, many with their cherished Steiff collectibles in hand to be either appraised or signed by Dick, while some did both with their "forever friends".  It was certainly nice to see the older Steiff pieces, some of which I haven't seen in ages.  I lucked out and even grabbed a few hugs from these "forever friends" as well as from customers.



Carol Ewing with her "forever friend"

Without the Steiff collectors there would have been no event, and I am unbelievably thankful to the customers who make my business what it is.  I also have to thank Steiff for the incredible line of products they sent for the display as well as the door prizes.



Speaking of door prizes I should mention the winners.  Angie Salisbury of Stow, Ohio who won Cookie Bear  #682254.  Shane Dale of Welshfield, Ohio won Baby Bear #237089 and Charla Keehn of North Royalton won teddy bear Jane.

Dick's presentation started at 11, with most of the estimated 50 customers in attendance, which was about our esteemed Appolonia "Margarete" Steiff. 

For those who were not available to attend her is the information that was presented.

Margarete was born in  Giengen, Germany on July 24, 1847.  She was the third of four children.  Her father Friedrich, was a master builder and her mother Maria, ran the household and supported her husband in his work.  Margarete was a very lively, well-built child and led a carefree life until she became ill with polio at the age of 1 1/2.  She was destined never to walk and was to be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

Her mother, above all, found this very difficult to bear.  She would have to care for her daughter for as long as she lived.  Her daughter would never be able to take on the role of housewife and mother and, at the time, it seemed as though she had absolutely no prospects for the future.

Colleen Rodenburg, and baby Jackson

The apparently helpless Margarete had other ideas, however, and was full of the joys of life.  She radiated a positive aura and her convivial, cheerful nature made her very popular.  She always wanted to be involved in whatever was going on outdoors, regardless of the weather, and was always asking members of her household and friends to carry her outside -- even during the winter months.

When Margarete was due to start school she was accompanied by the neighbors' children and her sisters, and a lady who lived near the school who carried Margarete up the stairs.  She enjoyed school very much and her work soon proved to be above average.  Margarete was a creative inventor of new games.  She was always having new ideas and organized games in such a way that she could take part.

In doing this, one of Margarete's natural gifts became evident, one that was to help her a great deal in the years to come. She had a way of telling people what had to be done in a manner that made them want to do what she said.  Margarete looked after young children while their mothers were working. She loved closeness and little ones.  She noted the following aspect of this in her daily reminiscences "It was also an important duty for me as I did not have to crochet at the same time, because I was usually required to do such and such amount."
 

Overcoming limitations: 1856 - 1877

Margarete was strictly kept at home, which is the reason why she particularly enjoyed the summer of 1856. She was staying in Ludwigsburg with the family of Dr. Werner, a pediatrician, and had a great deal more freedom of movement there. She was completely integrated into the family, had lessons and didn't suffer from homesickness at all.    Following an unsuccessful operation on her legs, Margarete went to a health resort in Wildbad. She enjoyed the health cure tremendously and matured in mind and soul, but her physical condition did not improve. She traveled backwards and forwards between Ludwigsburg and Wildbad, finally returning to Giengen in the November of 1856.  Margarete had a lot to catch up on at school after her summer absence but, being a cheerful and ambitious person, she soon brought herself up to the required level. This statement certainly gives the impression that Margarete's mother didn't spoil her. The next thing that Margarete wanted to do was to attend a sewing school. Her father objected to this initially wishing to prevent her from being disappointed if she was unsuccessful. She asserted herself, though, and showed her parents once again that they had underestimated her. Although she took much longer to get the work done and frequently had to ask her sisters to help her, she became a perfect seamstress after a few years. Margarete was always trying to overcome her limitations. She was also up to learning to play the zither. Eventually, she could play so well that she was able to give lessons herself. Margarete spent some of her time staying with other families while sewing dowry articles. Her aunt, Appolonia Hähnle, was the first person for whom she did this and she later worked for town clergyman Gross. When she was around 17 years old, Margarete realized that she was never going to be healed. She knew that she was going to have to come to terms with her illness in order to find peace of mind and her real way in life. Margarete's father, Friedrich Steiff, modified his house in 1874 and, among other things, converted a study the first floor into a dressmaker's workshop. Paula, Baby Justin, and Shane Dale Together with her sisters, Marie and Pauline, she began to perform sewing work at home. The workshop became well known and the girls were the first people in Giengen to buy their own sewing machine. Margarete was unable to turn the wheel with her right hand, so the machine was turned round: she used her left hand to drive the machine and guided the fabric with her right hand. The list of customers grew longer and longer. Although Margarete also made up-to-date dresses, she much preferred sewing clothes for children. Pauline married in 1870, followed by Marie in 1873. Margarete started traveling around the country in the summer of that year, always staying with friends or relatives. Her first journeys took her to Geislingen, Heidenheim and Gerstetten; later to Neckarsulm, Stuttgart, Hochberg; Ludwigsburg and Augsburg at greater intervals and, much later, to Hörbranz and Lindau. Clothes and felt animals: 1877 - 1894 Margarete was still working in her parents' house. At the instigation of Adolf Glatz - a manufacturer at the local felt factory who married into the family - she set up a felt business and took on her first assistants. Wilhelm Adolf Glatz (1841-1916), a titled distinguished businessman, originally worked in the Völter paper factory in Gerschweiler and married one of the sisters of felt manufacturer Hans Hähnle in 1871. Adolf Glatz helped Margarete Steiff in both word and deed and encouraged her to set up her own business. He supported Margarete, financially as well, of course,as much as he could for several years. Felt was transformed into ladies petticoats (for Ch. Siegle in Stuttgart and the retail trade) and children's coats.The sales figures increased continuously and the sewing workshop turned into a little factory. Over the years, Margarete's brother, Fritz, became father to six sons, with whom Margarete shared very close relationships. They often visited her at home and in the workshop. Margarete radiated tremendous optimism and affection for people. She had a very special way of dealing with children, watching them carefully and responding tactfully and with humor. This tact and sensitivity also manifested themselves in the atmosphere that prevailed in the workshop. There was no feeling of boss and employees--- Margarete was interested in the fates of every one of her seamstresses and helped where she could

The pictures at the left are of the surprise cake made by Charlie Dale just for this event.  Yellow cake, with white buttercream icing while the teddy bear and border were chocolate icing.   Teddy's bowtie was a light green color. A small handmade paper "Steiff" tag was teddy's ear and was a "001", which added to the fun. 

Do hope that all of our guests enjoyed Dick Franz's talk that day, grabbed plenty of edible goodies and ordered or bought everything Steiff their hearts desired.

Looking forward to the Spring Event when Keillor's A Teddy Bear Shoppe get to see all of you all over again.





Dick Franz, , Charla and Don Keehn

Jeannie, Sherry Graham, Linda Keillor



The crowd anticipating Dick Franz's speech