Little Brown Bear remains Monroe favorite

Lisa Vidaurri Bowling, The Monroe News
·4 min read

MONROE — A five-foot-tall bronze bear continues to be a beloved statue in Monroe and the perfect photo opportunity for families with little ones.

Before entering the doors at Dorsch Memorial Library, 18 E. First St., visitors often gather at the Little Brown Bear statue in front.

“My grandchildren love to just come and sit with the bear,” Margaret Stevens said. “I remember when the statue was dedicated. My family came for the unveiling.”

Stevens and her grandchildren visit the downtown area several times throughout the week and she said it’s not uncommon to see people gathered at the statue taking pictures.

Emily Breitner of South Rockwood reads to her 3-year-old son, Bennett, at the Little Brown Bear statue outside the Dorsch Memorial Library in downtown Monroe.
Emily Breitner of South Rockwood reads to her 3-year-old son, Bennett, at the Little Brown Bear statue outside the Dorsch Memorial Library in downtown Monroe.

“Last week, we waited for a couple to finish taking photos with the bear,” Stevens said. “As soon as they left, my grandchildren ran to the statue. They love it. You don’t have to be a child to enjoy the beauty of the bronze bear. Aunt Bett was an institution in Monroe.”

According to Monroe News archives on file at the Monroe County Museum, 126 S. Monroe St., the statue pays tribute to Elizabeth Upham McWebb, a local author known as "Aunt Bett."

The bear depicts McWebb’s storybook character in the “Little Brown Bear” children’s book series first published in 1942.

McWebb received a bear in 1908 as a gift from her father. In 1928, she wrote about it.

Cindy Green, former manager of the Dorsch Memorial Branch Library, compiled a biography of McWebb.

Little Brown Bear statue outside the Dorsch Memorial Library in downtown Monroe.
Little Brown Bear statue outside the Dorsch Memorial Library in downtown Monroe.

According to Green, McWebb grew up as the youngest of nine children and first told stories to boys and girls on the way to and from elementary school.

McWebb started jotting down the stories she made up for the children and later became a contributor to “Children’s Activities Magazine” and “Jack and Jill” magazine. The first Brown Bear story appeared in 1938.

A collection of McWebb's books are stored at Dorsch.

Two of her books, “Little Brown Bear Learns to Cook” and “Little Brown Bear and His Friends Build a Playhouse,” are in circulation.

Devon Vergiels sculpted the bear. The cost of the project was $47,000. McWebb was 97 years old at the time.

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At the groundbreaking ceremony in May 2002, Mayor C.D. (Al) Cappuccilli said the city had many monuments and memorials “but none that touch the hearts of so many old and young people.”

Bill Saul, founder of the Monroe Art and Beautification Fund Committee, was involved in the planning of the statue. It was the committee’s first project.

At a teddy bear sleepover at Dorsch Memorial Library, children brought in a stuffed animal to spend the night at the library. Karen Sweat, youth service technician, took pictures of the stuffed animals doing different things throughout the library including a visit with the Little Brown Bear.
At a teddy bear sleepover at Dorsch Memorial Library, children brought in a stuffed animal to spend the night at the library. Karen Sweat, youth service technician, took pictures of the stuffed animals doing different things throughout the library including a visit with the Little Brown Bear.

He remembers the many hours involved to sculpt the statue out of clay and said the initial framework design was done at Monroe County Community College. Saul, along with the late Dave Stahl, helped prepare the foundation for the statue.

“The statue is a place for children to have their pictures taken,” Bill Saul said. “That’s why it was made the size it is. They can sit next to their mother or grandmother, sisters and brothers and take a picture. We wanted something for the children.”

"The Little Brown Bear statue serves as a timeless bridge connecting the stories of yesterday to the dreams of tomorrow," Barbra Krueger, community outreach for the Monroe County Library System, said.

At a recent trip to Dorsch, 3-year-old Bennett and his mother, Emily Breitner of South Rockwood, spent some time with the Little Brown Bear reading one of Aunt Bett’s books.

Josie Gaynier, 3, left, with 17-month-old Lilly Gaynier and John Gaynier, 4, spend time at the Little Brown Bear statue outside the Dorsch Memorial Library in downtown Monroe.
Josie Gaynier, 3, left, with 17-month-old Lilly Gaynier and John Gaynier, 4, spend time at the Little Brown Bear statue outside the Dorsch Memorial Library in downtown Monroe.

Minutes later, Margie Beavers of Monroe watched as her grandchildren, John Gaynier, 4, and his sisters, Josie, 3, and Lilly, 17-months-old, played at the statue.

When schools visit the library, Karen Sweat, youth service technician, will take groups and gather around the statue as part of the library tour. It’s there she’ll share Aunt Bett’s story.

“The class will usually get a picture surrounding the bear,” Karen Sweat said. “The statue is an important connection with the library because it connects Aunt Bett to the library. She was such a big part of the library system. She would come into the library and read to the children. She is such an important part of Dorsch’s history.”

Before leaving the statue, patrons, young and old, will pat the bear’s snout.

“I always tell them it’s good luck to touch the bear’s nose,” Sweat said. “So every child will go and touch the nose before they leave.”

— Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at lvidaurribowling@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Little Brown Bear remains Monroe favorite