Stephen the Push Bear

An image of a beige stuffed bear. He has wheels attached to his feet. He is sitting on a wooden floor, the background is blurred.
Stephen the Bear in the Nursery

Country of Origin: Likely Germany  
Year: ca. 1927
Materials: Fabric, wood, glass, and metal 

This item was donated to Eldon House in 2022 by the O’Meara family. It originally belonged to Stephen O’Meara, who lived on Ridout Street for much of his life. It was given to him as a baby, around 1927. For Stephen, it was a prized possession and remained in his home until his death in 2020.

This bear was known as a push bear, parents would hold their children on the back of the stuffed animal and wheel them around. Many companies made them, including the infamous Steiff Company. While this has no tag, it is likely from the Steiff Company, and is an excellent example of children’s toys and past times in the 20th century.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.