Kolb Secures Funds for ‘Three Bears’

March 9, 2005

Assemblyman Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) announced today that he has secured a $5,000 state grant for the "Three Bears," three historic buildings in downtown Ovid, Seneca County, that stand as monuments to the county’s past, present and future.

The structures originally served as a courthouse ("Papa Bear"), the county clerk’s building ("Mama Bear") and the county surrogate’s office ("Baby Bear"). The three buildings have housed various other operations for more than 100 years. Today, local officials say, the buildings’ futures are on hold as the county, concerned citizens and the business community struggle to make them – once again – the center of attraction in Ovid.

"Like many people, I have been to Ovid and seen the ‘Three Bears,’ so I understand the concern with their future and preservation. In small villages like Ovid, buildings such as these represent much more to its residents than old brick structures. They help form their identities and showcase their past," Kolb noted.

To help ensure a future for the structures, local residents formed the Friends of the Three Bears, a nonprofit organization that can own, lease and manage buildings and properties. The group wants to help Seneca County obtain the funds necessary to restore and explore uses for the buildings.

"The Friends of the Three Bears are truly a catalyst for re-energizing these beautiful buildings in one of New York’s unique small towns. It brings me great joy to be able to help these individuals and this town with a grant to preserve a part of its past for its future," Kolb concluded.

For more information about this or any other matter of state importance, contact Assemblyman Kolb at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail him at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.

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