Vintage 1915 New York Toy Factory Teddy Bear Scene

This photograph captures a moment inside a New York toy factory in 1915, showcasing a table lined with freshly made teddy bears. Developed during the notable decade of 1910 to 1920, the image illustrates a time when the teddy bear was becoming an iconic childrens toy in the United States. The factory setting reveals the industrious atmosphere of toy manufacturing during this era, which coincided with significant advancements in production techniques.

The teddy bear, inspired by a cartoon of President Theodore Roosevelt’s bear-hunting trip, gained massive popularity shortly after its introduction in 1902. By the time this photo was taken, the toy industry was dynamic and rapidly growing, reflecting broader economic trends of the early twentieth century. This photograph serves as a visual record of that boom, documenting not only the toys themselves but also the burgeoning sector in New York that would continue to influence childhood play for generations to come.