When I was in 4th grade I, like most every other 4th to 5th grader in Indiana was introduced to and told to read The Bears of Blue River by author, lawyer and politician Charles Major. Balsar Brent, a pioneer boy of age 13 begins his story when he encounters a huge bear while fishing on the Blue River. Surviving this encounter provides the start of this book, full of nerve wracking adventures, great danger, and many acts of bravery.  Balsar’s subsequent encounters with Indians, bears and wolves successfully provides a dynamic rendering of daily pioneer life in 1820s Indiana.

Charles Major lived most of his life in Shelbyville, and his influence has been most appreciated in the community for years. Major’s first book was published in 1898, When Knighthood Was In Flower which was very successful, having been adopted into both theater and film. He published The Bears Of Blue River in 1901.

Statue in front of Major Elementary School, early 1950’s

The statue of Balsar holding his pet bear cubs Tom and Jerry was placed in front of an elementary school named for the author. After the school was demolished in the sixties, the statue remained in storage until it was placed on the town square years ago. Once the new downtown project to redo the square was designed, the statue of Balsar and the cubs was restored and placed in the center of the structure housing the fountain and nice seating.

Graves of Charles Major and his wife, Alice, in Forest Hill Cemetery, Shelbyville

Back when Sher and I were in elementary school, reading The Bears of Blue River was a requirement. I so remember being totally absorbed while reading the book. What a series of adventures Balsar enjoyed. I’ll always remember the excitement and danger of the stories. (Wait ’til you read about the Fire Bear!) I’d suggest if you have kids in the 7 to 10 year old range, get them a copy of The Bears of Blue River. Heck, get one for yourself. You just might enjoy an exciting trip back to pioneer Indiana in the 1820’s.