The bear display brought forth a fun library program, presented by Jean. I found the article by our favorite “Mouth of Rippey,” Velda DeMoss.
Scranton Journal August 24, 2005, Velda DeMoss
The Rippey public library sponsored a teddy bear event on Saturday morning, Aug. 13. Jean McElheney of Rippey, creator and collector of teddy bears, shared her bear collection. She was assisted during the event by her daughter Phyllis Lepke of Story City, and assistance was sent from afar from her daughters, Marilyn and Karilyn, in Wyoming.
Jean explained the history of teddy bears and how she started making teddy bears and the collection which followed. She also brought a bear under construction to show how they are bolted together, hand sewn and stuffed.
Jean also talked about dressing the bears and the very important job of naming each bear. The bears were displayed by sections: bears Jean made, bears given to her collection or purchased by her; miniature bears; holiday bears; bears of famous characters; and action bears. Jean also had her childhood teddy bear.
Twenty people were on hand for the very interesting presentation and most of them brought along a teddy bear and shared the story of their favorite bear. Those attending enjoyed getting a closer look at Jean’s bears and had refreshments
The tea table featured an action bear which had been dressed by Jean in Red Hat attire and cookies that were topped with Teddy Grahams.”
I think, most likely, the committee for this event were part of the “Red Hat Ladies,” who for a few years ate out as a group, dressed in purple or lavender, and topped with decorated red hats. Some hats were quite elaborate. Another fun time hidden in my memory bank!
After the program, I quickly ordered a Red Hat Teddy Bear for my daughter, Linda. My son-in-law, Blake, quickly sent a picture of the bear, named Linda, sitting in a special spot in AZ.
