Charles Major was a lawyer and author from Shelbyville, Indiana, a small town near Indianapolis. Major wrote several novels, including his second book, The Bears of Blue River. A statue of the book’s hero and main character, Balsar Brent, was commissioned in 1927. The statue used to be in front of a now demolished elementary school, but recently was placed within the town square, recently reworked.
Statue in front of school, circa 1950’s
Newly relocated place of honor
The statue still sported the festive Santa hats when we got the pictures. The new town square construction has provided a lovely place for folks to relax and enjoy the seating, and when the weather warms, surely events will be planned.
Detail of bronze plaque
Close up of Balsar and his cubs
The book “Bears of Blue River” is a staple of Hoosier school kids, and has been since it was published in 1901. It is a very exciting read, complete with harrowing adventures, exciting chases and a plethora of encounters with 1820’s wild animals on the then Indiana frontier. I remember it well…
Roadtirement 
very nice
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Thanks! 😉
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The statue is kinda cute! 😂❤️
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The hats are a good idea for Christmas. Thanks, John
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I’ve never read “The Bears of Blue River,” but when I was a kid, my favorite Classic Comic Book was of “When Knighthood Was in Flower.” Guess I should read the actual book!
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Yes, the book “Knighthood” is a very good read. So is Bears of Blue River, written for kids.
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Just realized that should have been “Classics Illustrated” comic book. Anyone else remember those?
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Yes, I remember. (Are we dating ourselves? LOL)
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Beautiful statue.. and lovely sky.
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It was a pretty sky that day. Thanks so much.
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I wonder how many wonderful authors I’ve never heard of and shouldn’t have missed?! Thanks for mentioning this one, and sharing the statue which is adorable with its little hats LOL.
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Thank you, Tina. Major did pen some good works.
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Nice piece of history.
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Bears of Blue River was one of my favorites growing up. Thanks, Tim.
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Shelbyville is a neat little town. Love all the architecture and this fountain is fantastic.
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The city did a good job re-doing the whole town square. It it no longer a traffic circle, but simple two way traffic north/south. Thank you for sharing.
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How wonderful! It was still a circle when I was there last. Seems like there was a Carnegie Library where they were doing some work too. I recall scaffolding and swore I would return to see it done. Now I have another excuse!
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The library project consisted of building a nice courtyard and fountain between the Carnegie building and an old furniture business, which now houses the genealogy and other overflow sections of the library. There will be lots of new improvements for you to see when you return.
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Thank you for all this! I love chatting with fellow adventurers.
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Agree, we’re with you there! 😉
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So good that the revitalization included the statue!!
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Yes, we were glad to see the statue placed in the work completed.
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Fascinating
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Thanks, Derrick!
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