Stuffed animal named after the 26th president of the United States - NYT Mini-Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a delightful piece of American trivia that connects a beloved childhood toy with a famous historical figure. It's a straightforward knowledge-based clue that many solvers, especially in the U.S., will recognize instantly. For those unfamiliar with the story, it's a fun fact to learn.

Clue Analysis

The clue, "Stuffed animal named after the 26th president of the United States," can be broken down into two essential parts:

1. The Person: The 26th president of the United States.
2. The Object: A stuffed animal named after him.

The solver's task is to identify the president, recall his name or nickname, and then link it to a specific type of stuffed animal. The 26th U.S. President was Theodore Roosevelt, whose popular nickname was "Teddy."

Thinking Approaches

For many, this clue will trigger an immediate connection. The term "Teddy Bear" is so common that the link to Theodore Roosevelt is a well-known piece of cultural lore. This is a classic direct recall situation.

If the answer doesn't come to you immediately, a step-by-step approach works well:

1. Identify the President: First, try to name the 26th U.S. President. If you're not sure, you can use crossing letters from the puzzle to help narrow it down. The answer is Theodore Roosevelt.
2. Find the Nickname: Think of common nicknames for Theodore. "Teddy" is by far the most famous.
3. Make the Connection: What stuffed animal incorporates the name "Teddy"? The Teddy Bear is the obvious and correct answer. The puzzle is looking for the name itself, which is the president's nickname.

Background Context

The origin of the Teddy Bear is a charming story in American history. In November 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt was on a hunting trip in Mississippi. His hosts, wanting to ensure a successful hunt, cornered and tied a black bear cub to a willow tree for the president to shoot. Roosevelt, an avid hunter and conservationist, refused to shoot the tethered animal, deeming it unsportsmanlike.

The incident was immortalized in a political cartoon by Clifford Berryman in The Washington Post. Inspired by the cartoon, a Brooklyn toy store owner named Morris Michtom created a stuffed bear cub. He sent one to Roosevelt and received the president's permission to call his new creation "Teddy's Bear." The toy was an instant success and led Michtom to found the Ideal Toy Company.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect example of how general knowledge and cultural history are woven into crosswords. It's an accessible and satisfying clue to solve, rewarding solvers for knowing a classic piece of Americana. Once you know the story of Theodore Roosevelt and the bear, you'll never forget the origin of this iconic toy.