Billy Possum: Presidential pet and toy of a different kind

Billy Possum started as a stuffed toy depicting a possum (aka opossum) during President Taft’s term. The Billy Possum was developed to replace the popular Teddy bear. Soon a live possum named Billy became a presidential pet at the White House.

Pet Billy Possum at the White HousePhoto byLibrary of Congress

The Teddy bear became popular due to President Teddy Roosevelt’s time in office. In 1909, Roosevelt was replaced by President William Howard Taft. After Theodore Roosevelt vacated the office, the Teddy Bear toy's popularity decreased quickly.

Just as Taft entered the office, he was visiting Atlanta, Georgia. He was served the dish "possum-n-'taters." Which consisted of persimmon beer, sweet potatoes, and a roasted possum. See recipe below. Which was popular in the Southern States at the time. Taft was famous for eating possum regularly. Because of his love for possum, it was common for him to receive live possums as gifts in person and in the mail.

Soon the Taft possum craze turned into a new presidential animal-themed toy. The Georgia Billy Possum Company began to produce the toys. Originally, the intent was to create toys from stuffed possum skins, but the result was described as "fleshy-looking and repulsive—like a pale, limp rat.”

The company's slogan was "Good-bye, Teddy Bear. Hello, Billy Possum." The character of Billy Possum was featured on postcards, buttons, figurines, plates, puzzles, and other merchandise. The toy was short lived and an epic failure by the end of the year.

Have you ever heard of "possum-n-'taters?" Let us know in the comments.

Billy Possum postcardPhoto byPublic Domain

White House's Possum and Racoon

President Calvin Coolidge had a cage built on the grounds of the White House for his pet raccoon, Rebecca (a story for another time). Herbert Hoover took his place and used the cage for his wild possum. Hoover named the possum Billy Possum in reference to Taft's inspired toy. Hoover's Billy Possum temporarily became the mascot of a baseball team in Hyattsville, Maryland after the team lost their own possum.

Did you know about Billy Possum? Let us know in the comments.

Hyattsville, Maryland team members picking up Billy from the White House for their temporary team mascot.Photo byPublic Domain - Library of Congress

Possum and Taters

• 1 young, fat Possum
• 8 Sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoon Butter
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• Salt to taste
• Bacon strips
• Thyme or Marjoram
• Pepper (optional)

Directions:

Since you can't find them in stores, catch a possum. Skin the possum and remove the head and feet. Be sure to wash it thoroughly. Freeze overnight either outside or in a refrigerator. When ready to cook, peel the potatoes and boil them tender in lightly salted water along with the butter and sugar. At the same time, stew up the possum tender in a slightly covered pan with a little water. Arrange the taters around the possum, strip with bacon, sprinkle with thyme or marjoram, or pepper, and brown in the oven. Baste often with the drippings.

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References

• Wikipedia Billy Possum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Possum
• Wikipedia Morris Michtom: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morris_Michtom
• Library of Congress: https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2019/08/of-possums-and-presidents-some-presidential-encounters-with-opossums/
• Possum and Taters Recipe by Lowery Leather: https://loweryleather.wordpress.com/2012/01/27/frontier-recipes-possum-and-taters/