Did Michael Darling always have a Teddy bear? I don't seem to see any reference to it in Barrie's novel and I am wondering if it is a Disney invention. The reason I am asking is there is a line in Nunn's/Caird's PETER PAN adaption where the Storyteller makes a reference to Michael doing "idiotic things with his Teddy Bear". Since the Teddy Bear was named after Teddy Roosevelt, an AMERICAN President, I am thinking that this is an anachronism in their script. I am thinking the line should be changed to "stuffed bear".
The Teddy Bear came about in November of 1902 when Roosevelt killed a bear to end its suffering. A candy store owner began making stuffed bears and calling them Teddy Bears after getting permission from the President. But I don't think the term "Teddy Bear" would have traveled to England in such a short time (1904) and the toys did not become real popular until 1906, two years after the premiere of PETER PAN.
I am thinking that, for historical accuracy the line should be changed to stuffed bear. But I am wondering when it became traditional for Michael Darling to have a stuffed bear.
Anyone?