Donated Object Story – Jimmy the Bear

 Jimmy the Bear

When the Australian Orphanage Museum officially opened on Saturday, 1 April 2023, a woman stopped in on her way to catch the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from North Geelong. She carried with her a very special companion.

Her name was Renata. As children, she and her sister spent time at Dalwood Children’s Home in Seaforth, New South Wales. One day, when her sister returned from foster care, she brought with her a large teddy bear—a gift that somehow escaped the usual fate of toys in Homes, which were often taken away.

That bear, named Jimmy, remained with Renata’s sister throughout her childhood in the Home, and she kept him for the rest of her life. After her passing, Jimmy came into Renata’s care. More than sixty years later, she brought him to the museum, cradling him in her arms like a newborn as she shared his story.

Jimmy is well-loved. His fur is thinning in places, one seam needs mending, and his arms and legs flop loosely, so he must be held with care. Yet his two orange-and-black glass eyes still gleam, his ears are intact, and his tilted head gives him a gentle, quizzical expression. Not bad for a bear of his age.

Stories like Jimmy’s are rare. In most Children’s Homes and Orphanages, children were not allowed to keep toys, gifts, or even new clothes. Very few personal possessions survived. Jimmy’s presence speaks not only of childhood resilience but also of the enduring love between two sisters.

Today, Jimmy the Bear is part of the Australian Orphanage Museum’s collection, where his story continues to be told. For now, to help preserve him, he will spend time in storage—but visitors can see his photo here and read about the remarkable journey that brought him to the museum.

The museum is deeply grateful to Renata and her sister for entrusting such a precious part of their lives to share with future generations.