Tomorrow, September 14th, marks the 116th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt’s inauguration. On that day in 1901, he became our nation’s 26th president. He’s likely one of the better-known presidents, after starring in Night at the Museum.

Just kidding!

What is true: more than a century later, Teddy Roosevelt continues to be one of our best-known and respected presidents. His leadership and conservationism left an enduring legacy, but his face may be so recognizable due, in part, to being immortalized on Mount Rushmore, along with Presidents Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln.

Roosevelt’s entire life is intriguing and inspiring. Besides being a president of the United States, he was an author, soldier, explorer, and avid reader. In fact, along with Thomas Jefferson, Roosevelt is widely considered one of the most well-read presidents in our history.

Roosevelt struggled with health problems throughout his childhood, but became stronger through a strenuous, outdoor lifestyle. He took up hiking, boxing, wresting, along with many other sports, to increase his stamina and strength.

He discovered that fresh air and physical exertion helped combat his severe asthma. 

I could tell you about Theodore Roosevelt almost endlessly but, for the sake of brevity, here are some highlights, and a story:

• He became president at the youthful age of 42 and is, to this day, the youngest president to take office.  
• He worked diligently at conservation efforts, and established several National parks and forests.
• In 1906, his efforts to curb the Russo-Japanese War earned him a Nobel Peace Prize.  
• After his presidency, he led expeditions to the Amazon. Just an all around amazing guy.

Perhaps you’ve heard the story about the origin of the teddy bear? In 1902, President Roosevelt was invited to a bear hunting trip in Mississippi. His assistants happened upon a bear before he did, and managed to secure it to a tree. At this point, a bugle was sounded, calling the president, so he could shoot the animal. Considering it unsportsmanlike to shoot an injured, fatigued, and restrained animal, Roosevelt refused and walked away.

This news spread quickly and, on Nov 17, this cartoonist’s sketch appeared in the Washington Post:

Candy shop owners Morris and Rose Michtom quickly pieced together velvet plush bear toys for their Brooklyn store, mailed the original to the president himself for his family to enjoy, and shrewdly requested to use his name on the toy. Most likely the President didn’t think much of it at the time, and quickly—maybe absently—agreed.

By 1904, the “teddy bear” was so widely known and popular, Roosevelt adopted it as a symbol of the Republican party. As for the Michtoms? They eventually closed their candy store and started Ideal Toy & Novelty Company, an enduring brand that produced toys like the Mouse Trap game and the Rubik’s Cube—though perhaps nothing could rival the iconic teddy bear.

To learn more about this inspiring president, check out one of the many biographies written about his life, including The Rise of Theordore Roosevelt, The River of Doubt, and The Roosevelts: An Intimate History.

Celebrate September 14th, with your children, by sewing your own teddy bear. Here’s an easy-to-follow pattern from Instructables. For younger kids, guide them in drawing and coloring a teddy bear, with these simple instructions from Hello Kids.

September 14th is also National Cream-filled Donut Day (chocolate-covered bavarian cream-filled long johns are my personal favorites), as well as National Eat a Hoagie Day! That’s a lot to celebrate, so enjoy!