And Who is the Golliwogg?

     When Linda approached me about posting the original Sue Graves article I was all for it.  I have to admit I knew nothing about the Golliwgg, but being an academic mind, and future teacher I Wanted to submit the full story.  All of the facts above and beyond the original article.  So here it is the original article plus one academic point of view about Golliwogg written by Dr. David Pilgrim, which you will see in a red type. It is my hope that you are readers appreciate the effort that went into giving you the full story.  

Charlie Dale

(Black type is by Sue Groves, with my added parenthesis for easier reading)

 If your childhood involved living in England, the Golliwog may have been your favorite toy.  The black imaginary looking creature, to the English child, was comparable to the Raggedy Ann and Andy loved and hugged by (also) the American child.

     One hundred years ago, in 1895, the Golli (original spelling of the word) first appeared in a book entitled, The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls and a Golliwogg.  It was written and illustrated by Florence and Bertha Upton, a mother and daughter team.

Florence Upton was born in the United States, and moved to England when she was twenty.   (Red notes are from http://www.ferris.edu/JIMCROW/golliwog/ ) Upton was born in 1873 in Flushing, New York, to English parents who had emigrated to the United States in 1870. She was the second of four children. When Upton was fourteen, her father died and, shortly thereafter, the family returned to England. For several years she honed her skills as an artist. Unable to afford art school, Upton illustrated her own children's book in the hope of raising tuition money.

     The Golli is a character from British Literature.  Florence did the illustrating, while her mother Bertha added the verse.

The original Golli was dressed in a bright blue swallow-tailed coat with shiny brass buttons.  He wore red pants, and a white shirt and bow tie.  He had a broad smile, black unruly hair, a sculpted nose and large white buttons eyes.  His smile was such that you smiled back. The book's main characters were two Dutch dolls, Peg and Sarah Jane, and the Golliwogg. The story begins with Peg and Sara Jane, on the loose in a toy shop, encountering "a horrid sight, the blackest gnome." The little black "gnome" wore bright red trousers, a red bow tie on a high collared white shirt, and a blue swallow-tailed coat. He was a caricature of American black faced minstrels -- in effect, the caricature of a caricature. She named him Golliwogg.  The Golliwogg was based on a Black minstrel doll that Upton had played with as a small child in New York. The then-nameless "Negro minstrel doll" was treated roughly by the Upton children. Upton reminiscenced: "Seated upon a flowerpot in the garden, his kindly face was a target for rubber balls..., the game being to knock him over backwards. It pains me now to think of those little rag legs flying ignominiously over his head, yet that was a long time ago, and before he had become a personality.... We knew he was ugly!" (Johnson).

     Upton's stories were compassionate child-like stories that taught lessons.  One lesson learned was not to be afraid of someone just because they were different from you.  The Upton Golliwogg was adventurous and sometimes silly, but, in the main, gallant and "lovable," albeit, unsightly. Later Golliwogs were often unkind, mean-spirited, and even more visually hideous.  In all Florence and Bertha wrote thirteen Golliwogg Books, including stories of pacifism, and even new technology including airships and auto mobiles.


The titles included the following:

1895- The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls and a Golliwog.  Florence Upton's ugly little creation was embraced by the English public. The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls was immensely popular in England, and Golliwogg became a national star. The second printing of the book was retitledThe Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls and a Golliwogg.

1896- The Golliwoggs Bicycle Club
1898-The Golliwoggs at the Seaside
1899- The Golliwoggs in War
1900- The Golliwoggs Polar Adventure
1901- The Golliwoggs Auto-Go-Cart
1902 The Golliwoggs Airship
1903- The Golliwoggs Circus
1904- The Golliwoggs in Holland
1905 The Golliwoggs Fox Hunt
1906- The Golliwogs Desert Island
1907 The Golliwogs Christmas
1909 The Golliwogg In African  Jungle

     Sadly, Florence did not copywriter her character named Golli.  Many other artist included Golli's in their designs and stories without paying royalties to Upton, the original creator.

     One such artist was Grace Dingle of the Dolly Dingle fame.  She included Golli's with her adorable children..  Her  1910 book, Kiddeland, clearly shows a Golli in a toy box.

 

      The Golliwog toy was used in long running promotional by an English marmalade manufacturer, James Robertson and Son.  They incorporated the Golli into their a dvertising in 1930.  Customers would cut out the Golli logo and exchange it for enamel brooche.  As many as twelve thousand youngsters would send in Gollis for exchange of pins weekly.  Robertson also used the stuffed doll type Golli for incentive programs.
     James Robertson & Sons, a British manufacturer of jams and preserves, began using the Golliwog as its trademark in the early 1900s. According to the company's promotional literature, it was in the United States, just before World War I, that John Robertson (the owner's son) first encountered the Golly doll. He saw rural children playing with little black rag dolls with white eyes. The children's mothers made the dolls from discarded black skirts and blouses. John Robertson claimed that the children called the dolls "Golly" as a mispronunciation of "Dolly." He returned to England with the Golly name and image.

By 1910 the Golly appeared on Robertson's product labels, price lists, and advertising material. Its appeal led to an enormously popular mail-away campaign: in return for coupons from their marmalade, Robertson's sent brooches (also called pins or badges) of Gollies playing various sports. The first brooch was the Golly Golfer in 1928 ("Gollies Through History," n.d.). In 1932 a series of fruit badges (with Golly heads superimposed onto the berries) were distributed. In 1939 the popular brooch series was discontinued because the metal was needed for the war effort,⁴ but by 1946 the Golly returned. In 1999 a Robertson spokesperson said, "He's still very popular. Each year we get more than 340,000 requests for Golly badges. Since 1910 we have sent out more than 20 million" (Clark). The Robertson Golly has also appeared on pencils, knitting patterns, playing cards, aprons, and children's silverware sets.

Robertson pendant chains were introduced in 1956, and, soon after, the design of all Robertson Gollies changed from the Old Golly with pop eyes to the present Golly with eyes looking to the left. The words "Golden Shred" were removed from his waistcoat, his eyes were straightened, and his smile was broadened ("And There's Even More: history", n.d.).

    Other notables were postcards published by B7B of London, (which became) sought-after collector items.  Sheet music, The Golliwog Cake Walk, composed by Claude Debussy, was performed in Paris by Harold Bauer in 1908.  Also that same year, The Boston Music Co. produced the Golliwog Dance by Fredrick Koch, a piano duet in 1909, the Golliwog Two Step was written by F. Brockett.

Gollis were also the subject of paper doll books, postcards, perfume bottles, children's dishes, glasses, toys and games.  Christmas ornaments, playing cards, sheet music, brooches, tea sets, banks, sand buckets, pencil cases, watches, , jewelry, socks, leather cleaner and much more.  The finder of any of the mentioned items could pay the following: Older Golliwogg stuffed dolls range from $25 to $12,00.00

     There are many spellings of the word Golliwogg including Golli, Golly, Golliwog, and (even) Golliwoggle.  Collectors need to know the many spellings.   Equally, there are many kinds of Golliwoggs and expressions as there are differences in spelling over the years the Golliwogg has different outfits and  facial features, as each individual artist added their own style.  Some things always remained contest –– the colorful clothing, the fuzzy black hair and the wonderful smile.

      In addition to Steiff, other companies made Golliwoggs.  The two best known English companies are Dean Rag Co. and Merrythought.  The Hermann Co. also has a 1925 replica Golliwogg. These companies are still producing traditional Golliwoggs.  Two good manufactured Golliwoggs in 1995, the 100th Aniiversary of the Golli, include The Florence Upton Golly, My First Golli and Jolli Golli.  There is also a(n) unique Golli-in-the-Box.   The Sore's Beth and Ben Savino have had a limited edition Golly B and Teddy G made for them exclusively by Steiff.   The Steiff Company is the most notable maker of Golliwog dolls. In 1908 Steiff became the first company to mass produce and distribute Golliwog dolls. Today, these early Steiff dolls sell for $10,000 to $15,000 each, making them the most expensive Golliwog collectibles. Some Steiff Golliwogs have been especially offensive, for example, in the 1970s they produced a Golliwog who looked like a wooly haired gorilla. In 1995, on the 100th anniversary of the Golliwog creation, Steiff produced two Golliwog dolls, including the company's first girl Golliwog.

Many contemporary artists are also busy making Golliwoggs. Artists in Canada and England are doing marvelous pieces, while American artists are also making these long-lived and long-loved dolls. Favorite American artists include BAllard Baines, Chu Ming Wu, Linda Spiegele Lohre, Lin Van Houten, Roger and Helen Morris, Carol and Henry Martin, Barbara Troxel, Kay Drumond, Patricia Blair and Debbi Curtis.  Their works can be found in shops across America.
 

   

      During the first half of the twentieth century, the Golliwog doll was a favorite children's soft toy in Europe. Only the Teddy Bear exceeded the Golliwog in popularity. Small children slept with their black dolls. Many white Europeans still speak with nostalgic sentiment about their childhood gollies. Sir Kenneth Clark, the noted art historian, claimed that the Golliwogs of his childhood were, "examples of chivalry, far more persuasive than the unconvincing Knights of the Arthurian legend" (Johnson, n.d., p. 3). The Golliwog was a mixture of bravery, adventurousness, and love -- for white children.

     In the 1960s relations between blacks and whites in England were often characterized by conflict. This racial antagonism resulted from many factors, including: the arrival of increasing numbers of colored immigrants; minorities' unwillingness to accommodate themselves to old patterns of racial and ethnic subordination; and, the fear among many whites that England was losing its national character. British culture was also influenced by images -- often brutal -- of racial conflict occurring in the United States.

     In this climate the Golliwog doll and other Golliwog emblems were seen as symbols of racial insensitivity. Many books containing Golliwogs were withdrawn from public libraries, and the manufacturing of Golliwog dolls dwindled as the demand for Golliwogs decreased. Many items with Golliwog images were destroyed. Despite much criticism, James Robertson & Sons did not discontinue its use of the Golliwog as a mascot. The Camden Committee for Community Relations led a petition drive for signatures to send to the Robertson Company. The National Committee on Racism in Children's Books also publicly criticized Robertson's use of the Golly in its advertising. Other organizations called for a boycott of Robertson's products; nevertheless, the company has continued to use the Golliwog as its trademark in many countries, including the United Kingdom, although it was removed from Robertson's packaging in the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong.

In many ways the campaign to ban Golliwogs was similar to the American campaign against Little Black Sambo. In both cases racial minorities and sympathetic whites argued that these images demeaned blacks and hurt the psyches of minority children. Civil rights organizations led both campaigns, and white civic and political leaders eventually joined the effort to ban the offensive caricatures. In the anti-Golliwog campaign, numerous British parliamentarians publicly lambasted the Golliwog image as racist, including, Tony Benn, Shirley Williams, and David Owen (MacGregor, 1992, p. 29).

The claim that Golliwogs are racist is supported by literary depictions by writers such as Enid Blyton. Unlike Florence Upton's, Blyton's Golliwogs were often rude, mischievous, elfin villains. In Blyton's book, Here Comes Noddy Again (1951), a Golliwog asks the hero for help, then steals his car. Blyton, one of the most prolific European writers, included the Golliwogs in many stories, but she only wrote three books primarily about Golliwogs:The Three Golliwogs (1944), The Proud Golliwog (1951), and The Golliwog Grumbled (1955). Her depictions of Golliwogs are, by contemporary standards, racially insensitive. An excerpt from The Three Golliwogs is illustrative:

Once the three bold golliwogs, Golly, Woggie, and Nigger, decided to go for a walk to Bumble-Bee Common. Golly wasn't quite ready so Woggie and Nigger said they would start off without him, and Golly would catch them up as soon as he could. So off went Woogie and Nigger, arm-in-arm, singing merrily their favourite song -- which, as you may guess, wasTen Little Nigger Boys.(p. 51)

Ten Little Niggers is the name of a children's poem, sometimes set to music, which celebrates the deaths of ten Black children, one-by-one. The Three Golliwogs was reprinted as recently as 1968, and it still contained the above passage. Ten Little Niggers⁵ was also the name of a 1939 Agatha Christie novel, whose cover showed a Golliwog lynched, hanging from a noose.

     The Golliwog's reputation and popularity were also hurt by the association with the word wog. Apparently derived from the word Golliwog,⁶ wog is an English slur against dark-skinned people, especially Middle or Far East foreigners. During World War II the word wog was used by the British Army in North Africa, mainly as a slur against dark-skinned Arabs. In the 1960s the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, one of the most noted regiments in the British Army, wore a Robertson's golly brooch for each Arab they had killed ("And There's Even More: Golly", n.d.) 

     After the war, wog became a more general slur against brown-skinned people. As a racial epithet, it is comparable to nigger or spic, though its usage extends beyond any single ethnic group. Dark-skinned people in England, Germany, and Australia are derisively called wogs.⁷ In the year 2000, a British police officer was fired for referring to an Asian colleague as a wog ("British policeman", 2000). The association of wog with racial minorities is also seen with the word wog-box, which is slang for a large portable music box, the European counterpart of the ghetto blaster. The wog-box is also called a "Third World briefcase" (Green, 1984, p. 309).

     Some Golliwog supporters tried to distance themselves from the wog slur by dropping it from the word golliwog. James Robertson & Sons, for example, has always referred to its golliwog as "Golly." In the late 1980s, when the anti-Golliwog campaign reached its height, many small manufacturers of the golliwogs began using the names Golly or Golli, instead of Golliwog. Not surprisingly, the words Golliwog, Golly, and Golli are now all used as racially descriptive terms, although they are not as demeaning as wog.

     

Golliwog is a racial slur in Germany, England, Ireland, Greece, and Australia. Interestingly, it is sometimes applied to dark-skinned whites, as well as brown-skinned persons. Golliwog is also a common name for black pets, especially dogs, in European countries -- much as nigger was once popular as a pet name. Golliwog was also the original name of the rock band Credence Clearwater Revival. They sometimes performed the song "Brown-Eyed Girl" (not the Van Morrison tune), dressed in white afros (pictured left). This is not to suggest that they were racists, only to show that golliwogs were a part -- albeit, a small one -- in American culture ("Brief History", n.d.).

     The Golliwog celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 1995. Golliwog collectibles, which always had a loyal following, again boomed on the secondary market. This popularity continues today and is evidenced by numerous eBay and Yahoo internet auctions and the presence of several international Golliwog organizations. A pro-Golliwog viewpoint can be found at the International Golliwog Collectors Club's website:www.teddybears.com/golliwog/direct.html. 

     Many collectors, primarily though not exclusively whites, contend that the anti-Golliwog movement represents political correctness at its worst. They argue that the Golliwog is just a doll, and that the original Florence Upton creation was not racist, intentionally or unintentionally -- this is reminiscent of the claims about Helen Bannerman's Little Black Sambo (Read the Picaninny Caricature essay on this website for a more in-depth discussion of Little Black Sambo).

   

 Critics of the Golliwog have launched a new attack. They are trying to get the image removed from all newly published children's books, and they are trying to force businesses to not use the Golliwog as a trademark. The black Trinidadian writer, Darcus Howe, said, "English [white] people never give up. Golliwogs have gone and should stay gone. They appeal to White English sentiment and will do so until the end of time." Gerry German, of the Working Group Against Racism in Children's Resources, was quoted in The Voice, a black newspaper, as saying: "I find it appalling that any organization in this day and age can produce anything which would commemorate the golliwog. It is an offensive caricature of Black people" (Clark, 1999).

     The Golliwog was created during a racist era. He was drawn as a caricature of a minstrel -- which itself represented a demeaning image of blacks. There is racial stereotyping of black people in Florence Upton's books, including The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls -- such as the black minstrel playing a banjo on page 45. It appears that the Golliwog was another expression of Upton's racial insensitivity. Certainly later Golliwogs often reflected negative beliefs about blacks -- thieves, miscreants, incompetents. There is little doubt that the words associated with Golliwog -- Golly, Golli, Wog, and Golliwog, itself -- are often used as racial slurs. Finally, the resurgence of interest in the Golliwog is not found primarily among children, but instead is found among adults, some nostalgic, others with financial interests.


© Dr. David Pilgrim, Professor of Sociology
Ferris State University
Nov., 2000
Edited 2012

---

¹ The adjective grotesque reflects, of course, a subjective judgement; however, The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language(2011) defines Golliwog as a "doll fashioned in grotesque caricature of a black male."² Langenscheidt's New College German Dictionary (Brough & Messinger, 1995, p. 283) has this citation for golliwog: gol-li-wog (g) 1. gro'teske schwarze Puppe; 2. fig. Vogelscheuche' f (Person). The English translation is: 1. grotesque black doll; 2. fig. scarecrow' (person). Thanks to Maryanne Heidemann for translating the definition.
³This description is taken from MacGregor (1992, p. 124). MacGregor is one of the few scholars to offer a thorough examination of Golliwogs.
⁴Florence Upton donated her original Golliwoggs drawings for public auction to support the WW II British war effort.
⁵ The name was later changed to Ten Little Indians, then later to And Then There Were None. All of the books are still readily available on the secondary market.
⁶There is some speculation that wog is an acronym for one of the following: Western Oriental Gentleman, Worthy Oriental Gentleman, Wily Oriental Gentleman, Wonderful Oriental Gentleman, or Working On Government Service. The numerous variations and a lack of supporting evidence suggest that wog was not an acronym. See Wilton (2007).
⁷ Wog is also slang for non-Brits, and is used against the French and even the Danish. It is sometimes employed with a smug, patronizing tone of voice, rather than the snarl which usually accompanies the use of nigger, spic, and other racial ethnophaulisms. Wog is both an ethnic slur and a racial epithet.
References
The American heritage dictionary of the English language (2011). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Retrieved from http://ahdictionary.com/.
And there's even more: Golly is not politically correct (n.d.). Golly Corner Website. Retrieved from http://www.gollycorner.co.uk/.
And there's even more: The history of Golly (n.d.). Golly Corner Website. Retrieved from http://www.gollycorner.co.uk/.
Blyton, E. (1955). The golliwog grumbled. Leicester, England: Brockhampton Press.
Blyton, E. (1951). Here comes Noddy again. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Co., Ltd.
Blyton, E. (1951). The proud golliwog. Leicester, England: Brockhampton Press.
Blyton, E. (1944). The three golliwogs. London: George Newnes.
A brief history of CCR. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://home1.swipnet.se/~w-17068/sida4.htm.
British policeman fired for racist remark in landmark case (2000, July 4). The Times of India.
Brough, S. & Messinger, H. (1995). Langenscheidt's new college German dictionary. New York, NY: Langenscheidt.
Christie, A. (1939). Ten little niggers. London: Collins.
Clark, J. (1999, June 22). A sticky end at last for Golly? Daily Mail.
Gollies through history. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.angelfire.com/wi/golly/aghist.htm.
Golliwog history. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.golliwogg.co.uk/history.htm.
Green, J. (1984). The dictionary of contemporary slang. New York, NY: Stein and Day, 1984.
Johnson, D. B. (n.d.). Nabokov's Golliwogs: Lodi reads English 1899-1909. Retrieved from http://www.libraries.psu.edu/nabokov/dbjgo1.htm.
MacGregor, R. M. (1992). The Golliwog: Innocent doll to symbol of racism. In Danna, S. R. (Ed.), Advertising and popular culture: Studies in variety and versatility. Bowling Green, OH: Bowling Green State University Popular Press.
Upton, B., & Upton, F. K. (1895). The adventures of two Dutch dolls and a Golliwog. London: Longmans, Green & Co.
Wilton, D. (2007, February 24). Wog. Wordorigins.org. Retrieved from http://www.wordorigins.org/index.php/more/579.

Boyd's Bearly-Built Villages

  Boyd's Bearly-Built Villages, Frosty Shelter 4 in a total of 8 in Kringle's Village.  Premiere Edition 31865/2500 Elves-B- Us Workshop Style #19034V, and is dated 2001.  This piece has a removable lid and shows the inside of the Post Office.  This is a first edition piece.  This piece measures 6.5 inches tall, 4 inches wide and 4.50 inches long.  This piece is priced at $51.00 plus tax.  SOLD

Boyd's Bearly-Built Villages, Frosty Shelter 5 in a total of 8 in Kringle's Village. Edition/pc #1E/4461 19035.This piece has a removable lid and shows the inside of the Post Office.  This is a first edition piece.  This piece measures 4.75 inches tall, 4 inches wide and 4.25 inches long.  This piece is priced at $34.00 plus tax.  SOLD

 

 Boyd's Bearly-Built Villages, Kringles Retreat, which was available from QVC.  Kringle's Village, and is the Inaugural Edition Edifice in a total of 8. Edition/pc 6004/2500, Style #99755V, and dated 2000.  This piece has a removable lid and shows the inside of the "dorms".  This piece measures 6.5 high, 5.5 inches wide, and 5 inches long. Priced at $55.00 plus tax  SOLD

 

 

Boyd's Bearly-Built Villages, Frosty Shelter 3 in a total of 8 in Kringle's Village, and is a first edition. Premiere Edition/pc 2E/5019 Hoofer Hall Reindeer Dormitory Style #19033 dated 2001.  This piece has a removable lid and shows the inside of the "dorms".  This piece measures 5.75 inches high, 4.5 wide and 4.5 long, and is priced at $51.00 plus tax.  (There is a second piece that is the 2nd Edition that is also for sale and that piece is priced at $41.00 plus tax.) SOLD

 

 

 

 
 

Boyd's Bearly-Built Villages, Frosty Shelter 6 in a total of 8 in Kringle's Village.  Edition/pc#1E/828, Kringles Confectionary Delights Style 19036.  This piece has a removable lid and shows the inside of the "factory".  This piece measures 3.75 inches tall, 4.5 inches wide, and 4.5 long.  and is priced at $33.00 plus tax.  SOLD

Boyd's Bearly Built Villages,  Boyd's Town Village #4 "The Boyd's Bearly a School" Edition/pc# 5e/4599 Style #19004, and is dated 2000.  This piece has a removable lid and shows the inside of the school.  This piece measures 4.5 inches tall, 4 inches wide, and 4 inches long.    This piece is priced at $23.00 plus tax.  SOLD

 

 

 

Boyd's Bearly-Built Villages, "Frosty Shelter" 7 in a total of 8 in Kringle's Village, Mooselfluff's Ski Chalet and Water Ballet Edition/pc#2E/1985 Style #19037, and is the second addition.  This piece has a removable lid and shows the inside of the lodge.  This piece measures 4.5 inches high, 4.5 inches wide and 4 inches long. This piece is dated 2002, and is priced at $34.00 plus tax. SOLD

The Boyd's Collection Ltd., Boyd's Bear Country, Boyd's Stuff and Sugar Weavers , Made in the USA.  100% Cotton, size Large and priced at $44.95 plus tax.

Charlie Bears; May Arrivals

Oh, my the newest, and latest of Charlie Bears have arrived.  Unpacking, fluffing them up, combing the plush, pricing and then deciding where they sit for you to purchase.  There are some really great bears and critters this shipment.  If your a Charlie Bear lover NOW is the time to come and visit and take home a "forever friend".  All of the new shipment is posted below and maybe, just maybe one will tug your heartstrings.  As always if you see a bear here on the blog, just call, e-mail or drop in to purchase your new lovie.

 

This charming bear is called Bamboozle and is designed by Heather Lee.  The plush on this bear is a conglomeration of a blue-green, green-brown, brown-red and light green-dark green tipped.  The plush mixes beautifully, that just tugs at your heartstrings.  The eyes have a white accent (that I assume is felt) which makes the eyes soul searching.  Bamboozle has a hand embroidered nose and mouth. 

 

The bear has ultra-suede paw pads that are highlighted with a blue-green highlighted.  The paw pads have sculpted footpads and toes.  Bamboozle wears a rope necklace that has five knots and a brass jingle bell.  The bear is priced at $114.00 plus tax.

Captain Snuggleton is THE BEAR to have out of this current shipment.  Captain Snuggleton stands an amazing 24 inches long and is fully jointed.  This bear can stand against something as he has completely flat feet (that sounds like he may have wood underneath his feet pads).  This mammoth bears plush is a mix of light brown, crème, white and dark brown.  His "hands" are ultra-suede, and have sculpted fingers and "hand pads". 

Captain Snuggleton wears a leather collar, that has five silver, jingle bells.  He has a hand embroidered nose and his outer eyes have a white highlighting.

Mr. Snuggleton is priced at $158.00 plus tax.  SOLD

My name is Cody and I'm designed by Isabelle Lee.   This cute bear plush is a very dark chocolate color, and has black ultra-suede paw pads.  The paw pads have sculpted toes.  Cody is fully jointed and wears a yellow, medium brown color gossamer ribbon.

 He has a hand embroidered nose that is similar in color to the ribbon he wears.  Cody also wears a rope necklace has three beads, a small brass jingle bell and a larger brass jingle bell.  Cody measures 16 inches long, and is priced at $80.00 plus tax.

  My name is Crumpett, and I was designed by Heather Lyell.  The plush overall color is a very light brown, with cark brown "leopard-like" spotting throughout.  His footpads are tan ultra-suede with stitched feet.  Crumpet has a hand embroidered nose, and wears two "necklaces".  The first is leather and the second is a light tan cord.  The necklace has a heart shaped charm, which has a keyhole cutout.   Crumpet measures 12 1/2 inches long, and is priced at $48.00 plus tax.

 

 

With the popularity of Frozen, who wouldn't love this bear direct from the polar ice caps.  Designer Isabelle Lee brings us Darling.  The true polar bear that has plush that is an off-white color.  Darling is fully jointed, a hand embroidered nose, and crème colored ultra-suede paw pads that have sculpted foot pads and toes. 

Darling wears a leather collar which has seven "silver-ish" jingle bells.  Darling is priced at $88.00 plus tax. SOLD

This charming bear is called Loulabelle and is designed by Heather Lee.  Loulabelle very easily could be the "sister" companion to Bamboozle.  The plush on this bear is a conglomeration of a green-brown, brown-red and honey colored muzzle.  The plush mixes beautifully, that just tugs at your heartstrings.  The eyes have a white accent (that I assume is felt) which makes the eyes soul searching.  Loulabelle has a hand embroidered nose and mouth. 

 

The bear has ultra-suede paw pads that are highlighted with a dark chocolate color.  The paw pads have sculpted footpads and toes.  Loulabelle  wears a rope necklace that has four knots and a brass key, and a dark brown gossamer bow.  The bear is priced at $105.00 plus tax. SOLD

The Isabelle Collection brings us the unique piece that is part of an adorable trio---- Momma Spike, Daddy Prickle and this adorable temporary orphan Ouch.  Ouch is limited to 450 pieces total, and this piece is number 67.  Ouch is 72% Alpaca and 28 % Mohair.  The main body is this bumpy looking Alpaca, while the back dark brown bristles, that have a crème highlight to it is Mohair.

Ouch has a hand stitched nose, and a white highlighting under his eyes.  Ouch is fully jointed, and has sculpted foot pads and toes.  Ouch wears a "shoelace" necklace that has a brass looking heart.

If you're wanting a different Charlie Bears piece, this is the one to buy.  Ouch is priced at $190.00 plus tax. SOLD

 This colorful little guy is named Penny Chew, and is designed by Heather Lyell.   The plush on this bear is combination of black, white and a deep red wine color, and some light burgundy color.  Penny Chew has black ultra-suede paw pads, and is fully jointed.  This bear has a hand embroidered wine colored nose, and wears a black "shoelace" necklace with a silver bead and accented with two black dice beads.  Penny Chew measures 11 inches long, and is priced at $48.00 plus tax.

This bear is called Razzle Dazzle and is designed by Heather Lyell.  The overall color of this bear is black with a "olive-green" highlighted tips.  The muzzle on Razzle Dazzle has "olive-green" freckles.  The bear has ultra-suede paw pads, while the arm paw pad is a bit shorter than other bears within the Charlie Bear line.

Razzle Dazzle wears a black "shoelace" necklace that has two orange beads, two blue-green circle charms, and two orange triangle charms.  Razzle Dazzle measures 15 inches long, and is priced at $71.00 plus tax.

Charlie Bears has a delightful line called The Mouse Gang, which is part of the Minimo Collection.  This piece is Scratch, and is 100% gold colored Mohair.  Scratch measures 6 1/2 inches long, and is fully jointed.  Scratch's foot pads, tail, and inner ears are a medium brown colored ultra-suede.  He has filament whiskers, and a hand embroidered pink nose.  Scratch wears a "shoelace" necklace with two orange beads, and one brown bead.  Scratch is limited to 2000 pieces and this piece is 711.  Scratch is priced at $140.00 plus tax. SOLD

This charming bear is named Zebedee and is designed by Isabelle Lee.  The main color of the plush is a blue-green cast, with leopard-esque spotting throughout.  The spots are a chocolate color with an outline of black around it.  The belly on this bear does not have the "leopard" spots but is a contrasting blue-green color that has a hint of brown to it.  He is fully jointed.

Zebedee has a hand embroidered nose, ultra-sued  paw pads that sculpted foot pads and toes.  The ultra-suede has a grey highlighting on the outer ridge.  He wears a brown "shoelace" necklace that has four beads, a brown button, a wood circular disk and a big brass jingle bell.

He measures 21 inches long.  This bear is priced at $123.00 plus tax.    

Direct from designer Isabelle Lee is Sweetheart, a huggable panda.  The plush is black and white in typical panda fashion.    Sweetheart is fully jointed, and has a black hand embroidered nose.

Sweetheart has white "felt" highlighted eyes, and wears a "Shoelace" necklace that has tri-beveled pendant and a Chinese coin.  Sweetheart measures 18inches long, has ultra-suede paw pads that have sculpted foot pads and toes.  She sells for $88.00 plus tax.

American Heros: Saluting our service persons

    The Ultimate Sacrifice:
A Memorial Day Poem
We set aside Memorial Day
Each and every year
To honor those who gave their lives
Defending what we hold dear.
In all the dark and deadly wars,
Their graves prove and remind us,
Our brave Americans gave their all
To put danger far behind us. They made the ultimate sacrifice
Fighting for the American way;
We admire them and respect them
On every Memorial Day.
By Joanna Fuchs      



 

 Chantilly Lane Musicals brings us this 19 inch Air Force airman bear.  This bear wears an olive colored jacket.  The  jacket has a yellow pair of wings, and the USA flag sewn on backward.  He wears a blue air force hat with a matching pair of yellow wings.  zhe also wears a light The bear is a light brown plush, an embroidered nose and pink cloth mouth.  What makes this group of bears so special is they SING. 

By pressing the left paw this bear sings, "Wild Blue Yonder".  This bear comes complete with batteries.  The bear is priced at $24.95 plus tax.

Chantilly Lane Musicals brings us this 19 inch Army soldier bear.  This bear wears a black and three-tone green camouflage outfit, complete with a "jersey" beret.  The  jacket has a green USA label and the USA flag sewn on backward.  The bear is a light brown plush, an embroidered nose and pink cloth mouth.  What makes this group of bears so special is they SING. 

By pressing the left paw this bear sings, "The Army Goes Rolling Along".  This bear comes complete with batteries.  The bear is priced at $24.95 plus tax.

Chantilly Lane Musicals brings us this 19 inch patriotic bear.  This bear wears a red and white dress complete with a red hat with a blue band decorated with stars.   jacket has a green USA label and the USA flag sewn on backward.  The bear is a white plush, an embroidered nose and pink cloth mouth.  She wears a blue sash decorated with stars, and an accompanying yellow "support our troops" ribbon   What makes this group of bears so special is they SING. 

By pressing the left paw this bear sings, "The Army Goes Rolling Along".  This bear comes complete with batteries.  The bear is priced at $24.95 plus tax.

 Chantilly Lane Musicals brings us this tribute to any soldier.  This bear wears a brown and green camouflage outfit, complete with hat.  The  jacket has a green USA label and the USA flag sewn on backward.  The bear is a light brown plush, an embroidered nose and pink cloth mouth.  What makes this group of bears so special is they SING. 

By pressing the left paw this bear sings, "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood.  This tribute bear comes complete with batteries.  The bear is priced at $24.95 plus tax.

 Chantilly Lane Musicals brings us this 19 inch Marines soldier bear.  This bear wears a black  jacket with suit markings ( yellow buttons, white belt, red cuff highlights and red and blue medal).  He wears blue pants that have a red piping highlight.  The bear is a light brown plush, an embroidered nose and pink cloth mouth.  What makes this group of bears so special is they SING. 

By pressing the left paw this bear sings, "From the Halls of Montezuma".  This bear comes complete with batteries.  The bear is priced at $24.95 plus tax.

Chantilly Lane Musicals brings us this 19 inch Navy soldier bear.  This bear wears a full white outfit, complete with a sailor's hat. The bear is a light brown plush, an embroidered nose and pink cloth mouth.  What makes this group of bears so special is they SING. 

By pressing the left paw this bear sings, "Anchors Away".  This bear comes complete with batteries.  The bear is priced at $24.95 plus tax.



 

Artist Bears Galore and only at Keillor's

Artisans have always been the life-blood of any industry and teddy bear makers are no different.  From an initial thought, to a drawing, to patterns and than finally a finished bear.  What ingenuity, and to a degree skill.  Keillor's A Teddy Bear Shoppe has been thrilled to always support artesian bears and the struggling artist.  For without the artist what do we  really have? So below is a sampling of the artists Keillor's is pleased to carry.

Artist Classic  Teddy Bears in conjunction with Michael Jordan have created Michel-Baren, a true collector's bear.  He is a whopping 25 inches long and is 100%  German Mohair. The mohair is a light crème color with highlighting around the eyes that have been airbrushed.  He has ultra-suede paw pads, and a hand embroidered nose.  Michel-Baren has black, glass, shoe-button eyes.  He is priced at $400.00 plus tax.

Teddystyle and Janet Clark have created a STUPENDOUS collector teddy bear with Anna.  Anna is created out of !00% Mohair that is champagne-blonde color.  She is considered a "toddler bear" and has a full armature in her arms, which make her fully poseable.  Her head has a "click and lock" mechanism that makes the head fully poseable as well.  Sh has a hand embroidered nose that is magenta in color that is on a shaved muzzle.  Her nose and ears have darker color airbrushing.  Boot button eyes, a magenta satin bow and "thumbs" this bear is a great addition to any collection.  Anna is priced at $500.00 plus tax.

Barron Bears by Sharon Barron has created "The Skipper"  He measures 24 inches long and has 100% Mohair that is  gold- honey colored. Skipper is fully jointed--- head, arms, legs.  His paw pads are wool felt and have highlighting around the edges. Skipper's nose is shaved and he has a hand embroidered nose.  He has black, glass, shoe-button eyes and sports a "gold" necklace that has a "gold" teddy bear charm.  Originally priced at $335.00 "The Skipper is NOW $195.00 plus tax.

 

 

 

 
  By Pussman & Co.  You can find more stuffed lovies at pussmanstuffies.blogspot.comm or www.etsy.com/shop/pussman  The bears name is Elspeth.  She is 91/2 inches long.  She is a mustardish color, and fully jointed ---- head, arms, legs.  Elspeth has black hand-sewn claws and fluorescent green paw pads.  She has black, glass, shoe-button eyes with white, wool eye pads.  Elspeth has a hand embroidered nose and mouth, and wears a hand knitted tank.  The tank is grey in color and looks like it is embroidery thread.  The tank sports a corresponding flower brooch that is plastic "raffia".  Elspeth also wears a light tan color cotton ribbon. This delightful bear is part of a new movement of bear making--- anime.  Elspeth is priced at $185.00 plus tax.

 
By Teddy Artist Teri Crews, his name is Murphy.  Murphy is 17 inches long. Murphy has honey golden wavy mohair, velvet paw pads that have airbrushed feet accents. Murphy's shaved muzzle with black airbrushed accents. Murphy's nose is hand embroidered.  Murphy has black, glass, shoe-button eyes. His collar has 10 gold jingle bells and 11gold beads on a metal collar. Murphy is full jointed --- head, arms and legs Murphy is priced at $100.00 plus tax.

 
Linda Speigel designed "Blue Beary" for Knickerbocker Bear Co. and this is their 75th Anniversary piece.  "Blue Beary" is 100% blue mohair and is fully jointed --- head, arms, legs.  She has velvet/velour paw pads and measures 12 inches long.  She wears a lace doily collar with a blue stain ribbon drawn into a smart bow. This piece has a metal 75th Anniversary medal commemorating this event.  Blue Beary comes with a wood block that spells BEAR in blue.  She is priced at 49.95 plus tax.

 
 
 
Kraus is designed by  Minnie the Miller-Wills and is 100% mohair.  He measures 17 inches long and is a café au lait color.  Kraus has dark, chocolate color 100% mohair.  He is fully jointed --- head, arms, legs.  Kraus has black, glass, shoe-button eyes and has a hand embroidered nose.  His upper muzzle is shaved, while the end of his muzzle is not giving it a beard like appearance.  Kraus wear a black satin, wired ribbon that is trimmed in gold.  He is  priced at $ 105.00 plus tax.

Artist Armella M. Dana of "Bears by Armella" --- The Bears that Spread Love has created this delightful bear  named Rupert. Rupert is 100% Mohair that is gold in color.  Rupert has 100% Wool Felt paw pads that have hand-stitched paw markings, that are highlighted with a darker color.  Rupert has a shaved muzzle that has a darker highlighting color that corresponds with the paws.  Rupert has a hand-embroidered nose.  He has OSB glass eye.    His weighting his steel shot. Rupert wears "bib overalls" that are a tan color and dark blue "plaid" print.  Rupert is fully jointed --- head, arms and legs.  His overalls have leather straps with machine stitched highlights.  Rupert stands 14 inches.  The straps have a working button.  Rupert is number 2 of 2 and is priced at $225.00 plus tax.

 

 

 Artist Kelly Graham has created this whimsical bear named Claud.  Claud is 100% mohair that is honey colored.  He stands 13 inches tall, and has "oversized feet" and "over-sized" nose which adds to his charm.  The top of his muzzle is shaved, and therefore darker in color.  Claud has a hand embroidered nose.  His "lower" feet pads are ultra-suede.  Claud wears a organza wired ribbon that is red in color with gold high-lights.  Claud is priced at $95.00 plus tax.

 
 
 
 Razzbearies is designed by teddy bear artist Janet Brower, and measures 15 inches long.  Razzbearies is a light brown color with wool felt pads.  He is fully jointed--- head, arms, legs.  Razzbearies has a shaved muzzle, and hand embroidered nose.  He has black, glass, shoe-button eyes, and sports a Christmas plaid bow.  Razzbearies is priced at $95.00 plus tax.

 Artist Lisa Champagne has created "Sweet William", which is a light honey colored 100% Mohair bear.  He measures 18 inches long, and has ultra-suede paw pads with hand sewn claws.    Sweet William is fully jointed--- head, arms, legs.  He has black, glass, shoe-button eyes.  Sweet William has a shaved muzzle with a hand-embroidered nose.