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Museums
March 2000 trip to the Fred Bear Museum We took a family trip to the Fred Bear Museum in Gainesville, Florida. In honor of Fred Bear's Birthday (March 5th), I had put together a photo tribute that I printed and took with me. Museum Director Frank Scott liked it so much that he had it framed and is put it on Fred's desk. Mr. Scott took us "behind the scenes" and gave us a tour of Fred's private office and workshop, which has been kept as it was the day he died. Notes from Fred's grandchildren are still sitting on the desk. Mr. Scott also allowed us to take pictures sitting in Fred's desk chair. I can't describe what an honor all of this was, and how much it meant to me...and the kids. Frank Scott was a true gentlemen and I will always treasure this opportunity to spend some time with him. I made a video of the museum while I was there, filming all the little details that I could. Items such as an arrow made by Ishi, bows from Art Young and Saxton Pope, Fred Bear's size 14 boots, and his trademark Borsalino hat are all on display. The animals that are on display are incredible. Cape buffalo, an elephant, the tiger that Fred took in India, the kodiak that Fred arrowed from 20 feet away, and hundreds of other animals are on display. Fred's sense of humor is in evidence throughout the museum, in his written comments to Frank Scott and to others. Mr. Scott was kind enough to tell us some personal recollections about Fred and the Bear family. I found it interesting that, despite his many accomplishments, Frank Scott never mentioned himself, only Fred Bear. He said repeatedly what a great man Fred was. Bows by Nels Grumley (I found nine of them) are on display, as well as hundreds of photographs from the 1940's through the 80's. Some pictures from the Museum (from left: Museum Director Frank Scott, two Grumley bows, Grumley nocks, my daughter Jessica with Fred's polar bear, Fred's private office (large picture\slow loading.)
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