Lech and Sons Furrier 1974. courtesy of Karl Lech

In 1860 Wm. Lech and Sons Furriers Ltd. opened its doors in Peterborough Ontario. The local Furrier was known for its large brown bear that stood guard on the sidewalk of George Street in front of Lech & Sons. Gary and Karl Lech, the last operators of the shop affectionately named the bear Smokey. When Gary Lech took over the family business in 1955, the brown bear was still standing on his hind legs arms outstretched frozen in eternal roar. Karl Lech managed the store  that sadly closed in 2007 and is still the longest owned family business in Canada. The CZC’s bear stood guard rain or shine every day in front of the furrier from 1970 to 1989 when he was retired due to weather and vandalism related ageing. The bear was mounted by Mike Reader, a well known taxidermist in Peterborough. The bear was sold to antique dealer Neil Roger who lives in Oshawa then in 2008 the bear changed hands again and was sold to Clay Benson of Smiths Creek Antiques who kindly donated him to the CZC. Since then the bear has been featured in the Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Star, Magenta International Art Journal, As well as appearing with Yann MArtel on CBC National News and in album art for the band Thunderheist. What adventures will the bear and CZC be part of next?

Lech and Sons Furrier