Ovid in Seneca County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
"Baby Bear"
Photographed By D.G. Caywood Camp 146, SUVCW, July 8, 2023
1. "Baby Bear" Marker
On the day the marker was dedicated.
Erected 2023 by Abraham Lincoln Camp 6, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 978.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 42° 40.591′ N, 76° 49.295′ W. Marker is in Ovid, New York, in Seneca County. Marker is at the intersection of East Seneca Street and Main Street (New York State Route 414) on East Seneca Street. "Baby Bear" is the smallest building of the "Three Bears" comprising the former Seneca County government offices complex, set back from Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7175 Main Street, Ovid NY 14521, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); 1845 Seneca County Historic Court House Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas R. Lounsbury (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tillinghast Manor
this page online
Regarding "Baby Bear". The complex was entered into the National Register of Historic Places on 12 Dec 1976. This building was the Old Surrogate's Office and/or Clerk's Office. David G. Caywood Camp 124 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War continues to meet here regularly.
The charter members of Charles T. Harris Post 325, Grand Army of the Republic, who may be queried in the graves registration database of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, were as follows in the order they appear on the charter: Cooper, Oliver C. of the 1st MA Infantry; Brown, Nelson of the 3rd NY Artillery; Hoagland, Benjamin Monroe of the 3rd NY Artillery; Foster, Joseph of the 50th NY Engineers; Frantz, Daniel of the 15th NY Engineers; Arnold, Lewis of the 148th NY Infantry; Covert, Archibald of the 148th NY Infantry; Wilson, Abram of the 148th
May 8, 2016
2. "Baby Bear"
Note the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War logo/sign.
This proclamation was delivered at the marker dedication: Whereas, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the achievements and the milestones of those outstanding citizens and institutions of our Empire State whose exemplary service make unparalleled contributions to the success and vitality of local communities and the State of New York; and Whereas, On July 8, 2023 the D.G. Caywood Camp No. 146, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, will host the Historic Marker Dedication ceremony at the "Baby Bear" building in the Village of Ovid, to commemorate the use of the building by the Charles T. Harris Post No. 325, Grand Army of the Republic, made possible by a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, and; Whereas, The members of the Grand Army of the Republic were Civil War veterans and Post 325 was granted charter in 1882 and the Post met in Baby Bear from 1892 until 1927 when the charter was given up due to the passing of old soldiers, and; Whereas, The Baby Bear, constructed in 1845, is part of the Seneca County Office Building Complex, and the D.G. Caywood Camp No. 146 was chartered in 1914 and has met in the Baby Bear continuously since, with the Auxiliary No. 72 chartered in 1925, and; Whereas, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, the Legislature of the State of New York is proud to commemorate and celebrate well-deserved citizens and institutions who have made a difference in the lives of their fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it Resolved, On this day, and in honorable acknowledgement of this esteemed occasion, New York State Senator Thomas F. O'Mara, Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, and Assemblyman Philip A. Palmesano, on behalf of all the members of the Legislature, proudly welcome this opportunity to express their collective recognition for the Historic Marker Dedication of Sons of the Union Post at "Baby Bear".
This second proclamation was delivered at the dedication of the marker: We are here today to commemorate the use of this Courthouse Complex lovingly known as the "Three Bears" and more exactly the "Baby Bear" building. Now occupied by "Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War". Now therefore I Leon W. Kelly Mayor of the Village of Ovid N.Y. on this date July 8th, 2023 make the following proclamation: Whereas: The 1st local, "Grand Army of the Republic", was formed in 1873 under the name Charles P. Little, and disbanded in 1877, not sure of their meeting place. Whereas: The Charles T. Harris post #325, was chartered in 1880 and occupied Baby Bear for many years. In 1927 their charter was ended because of the deaths of the old soldiers. Whereas: In 1914 the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War D.G. Caywood Camp # 146 was Chartered and has met here at "Baby Bear" continuously since that date. Whereas: In 1925 the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Auxiliary #72, was Chartered and also meets in the "Baby Bear" building. I would like everyone to support this Camp and participate in their rich history.
Also see . . . Seneca County Courthouse Complex - National Archives. National Register of Historic Places documentation (Submitted on November 1, 2023, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2023, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 80 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2023, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.
