What was the teddy bear stuffed with in 1902?

In 1902, the original teddy bear was typically stuffed with Excelsior, which is a type of shredded wood or wood wool. This material was commonly used in stuffed toys during that era, providing a soft but firm filling. The teddy bear originated after a political cartoon depicted President Theodore Roosevelt refusing to shoot a bear during a hunting trip, leading to the creation of the toy by Morris Michtom and his wife in their Brooklyn shop.