From Virginia To Boyertown: The Journey Of A Found Bear
Can a forgotten treasure, discovered in the most unexpected of places, find its way back home to become a celebrated symbol?
Indeed, the tale of "Pops," a Boyertown bear, embodies this very journey, originating in an antique store in Deltaville, Virginia, and culminating in a triumphant return to its artistic community in Boyertown, Pennsylvania.
The story begins not in Boyertown, as one might expect, but nestled within the confines of an antique shop in Deltaville, Virginia. It was here, amidst a collection of forgotten relics and historical oddities, that "Pops" was unearthed. Shannon and Ken Shaw, on a camping trip, stumbled upon the bear sculpture at Acme Antiques. The find was a moment of serendipity, leading them to acquire the piece and set in motion a remarkable restoration project.
The discovery of "Pops" sparked a journey of transformation. Though not identical to the other Boyertown bears, there was a distinct possibility that it shared a common origin. Recognizing the potential, the Shaws brought the bear back to Boyertown, embarking on a year-long endeavor to restore its fiberglass body. Sanding, patching, and meticulous preparation laid the groundwork for a complete artistic makeover. The transformation was entrusted to Deborah Maguire Meehan, a local artist, who brought "Pops" to life through her creative vision.
The historic State Theatre in Boyertown proudly welcomed "Pops" to its growing collection of artistic bears, displayed throughout the town. This addition reflects the community's dedication to the arts and its unique embrace of public art. The most recent addition, "Juju," was added in May 2023, outside the Firefly Cafe, showcasing the continuous evolution of the bear project. Another bear is planned for the picnic area at Boyertown Community Park, further enhancing the artistic landscape.
The tradition of Boyertown and its bears extends back to 2003. The collection of fiberglass bears at the Boyertown corner has steadily expanded since its inception. The bears are not merely decorative; they represent the town's spirit, its history, and its community. Each bear is a unique work of art, contributing to Boyertown's identity. The official BASD bear logo, protected by copyright, is a testament to the importance of these symbols within the community.
In Boyertown, the New Year's Eve bear drop, hosted by the Boyertown Area Historical Society, is a cherished tradition. This event, held at 6 p.m. (midnight German time), features the ceremonial descent of a bear, usually raised to a height of 60 feet. The event is led by John Yoast of WBYN FM 107.5, and it serves as a communal celebration, uniting the town to mark the passage of time. The success of programs and competitive teams at all levels relies on talent and a cohesive development program that identifies and cultivates talent while creating opportunities for those who develop later.
The bear challenge, an annual field day event held at Morningstar for special needs students in the Boyertown area school district, exemplifies the community's commitment to inclusivity. The new bear mascot, named "Bearance" after the late Mayor Marianne Deery, further showcases community spirit.
Boyertown's rich history of baseball, with competitive teams at all levels, is further evidence of the town's dedication to fostering a strong sense of community. The recent news of the passing of Boyertown bears legend Dick Ludy, at the age of 88, served as a solemn reminder of the legacy that continues to inspire the community.
For those interested in a fun and engaging way to explore Boyertown, "Bear Fever" offers a unique opportunity to hunt for the bears throughout the town. This activity is a chance for families and visitors to discover the art and culture that is a testament to the community.
The tale of "Pops" and the other Boyertown bears is a reminder of the power of community, the importance of art, and the ability of forgotten treasures to find their way back home to become cherished symbols.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Pops |
| Origin | Deltaville, Virginia (Antique Shop) |
| Discovery | Shannon and Ken Shaw |
| Restoration | Brought back to Boyertown; year-long restoration of the fiberglass body, including sanding and patching holes. |
| Artistic Transformation | Entrusted to local artist Deborah Maguire Meehan. |
| Current Location | Part of the collection of artistic bears displayed throughout Boyertown, Pennsylvania, and added to The Historic State Theatre's collection. |
| Significance | Represents the community's dedication to the arts, historical preservation, and the unique embrace of public art. |
| Other Details | While "Pops" may not be identical to other Boyertown bears, it potentially shares the same origins; He was rescued from an antique shop in southern Virginia. |
| Related Events | Boyertown's annual New Year's Eve bear drop, The Bear Challenge, and events hosted by Building a Better Boyertown. |
