Ovid in Seneca County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

“Papa Bear”

Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, July 9, 2026

1. “Papa Bear” Marker

Inscription. Built 1845 To Replace Earlier
Courthouse. Served Two-Jury
District Shared By County
Seats Ovid & Waterloo. Also
Held Political & Local Events.

Erected 2024 by William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 1127.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.

Location. 42° 40.611′ N, 76° 49.357′ W. Marker is in Ovid, New York, in Seneca County. It is on Main Street (New York State Route 96A) north of E Seneca Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7176 Main Street, Ovid NY 14521, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

specifically in Western New York,

and in the Finger Lakes.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1845 Seneca County Historic Court House Complex (a few steps from this marker); Edith B. Ford Memorial Library (a few steps from this marker); War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); "Baby Bear" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas R. Lounsbury (approx. ¼ mile away); Tillinghast Manor (approx. ¼ mile away); World War II Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); VFW Post 6200 Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ovid.

Also see . . . Papa Bear (William G. Pomeroy Foundation). Excerpt:

Take one look at it, and the name of the Seneca County Courthouse complex at Ovid immediately makes sense. What better way to describe the three buildings sitting amidst the village than “The Three Bears”? One small, one medium, one large; all similar, yet distinct. The name fits perfectly.

And as of 2024, all three have received historical markers commemorating their significance
Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, July 9, 2026

2. “Papa Bear” Marker - “Papa Bear” Building
to the Ovid Community.

“Papa Bear” joins that trio of markers funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation celebrating these unique buildings,…

(Submitted on July 9, 2026.)

“Papa Bear” Marker - Looking North image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, July 9, 2026

3. “Papa Bear” Marker - Looking North

Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, July 9, 2026

4. “Papa Bear” Marker

“Papa Bear” Marker - Looking South image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, July 9, 2026

5. “Papa Bear” Marker - Looking South

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2026, by Susan A. Dalaba of Cortland, New York. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 9, 2026, by Susan A. Dalaba of Cortland, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.