Bears in the News

On October 13, 2020 at the Seneca County Board of Supervisors meeting held in Ovid, NY at Papa Bear Dan Motill was recognized for his efforts.

In the early 2000s Dan Motill moved to Seneca County and took on the challenge to protect and restore the Three Bears.  Dan felt that the history of the buildings and the architecture were too important to Seneca County and the people of the Village of Ovid to let them deteriorate.  He used his qualities of determination leadership, love of history and artistic talent that was expressed through his paintings to save the Three Bears.

Through Dan’s dedication and leadership, the Friends of the Three Bears were formed and through hard work, dedication, grants, memberships and generous donation were able to provide over $1 million dollars to support restoration.

In recognition, The Seneca County Board of Supervisors established the Dan Motill Room at Papa Bear.