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  • Mike Heinicke holds a huge metal cast statue depicting a polar bear aloft with some heavy machinery on Thursday, before lowering the bear into place in front of PB’s store in North Town. By Kevin Harvison

    BearingUp.jpg
August 28, 2010

Mascot bears McAlester store's moniker

By James Beaty Senior Editor

McALESTER —  How do you place an eight-foot high, 500-pound cast-metal depiction of a polar bear in front of a North Town store?

Well, to begin with, you need a tractor with front end-loading capabilities.

Next, the bear would need to be buckled tightly into the front end loader to ensure there’s no slippage as he’s lifted, then slowly lowered, into place.

Finally, with only fractions of an inch between the bear’s left arm and the roof, and a few more fractions between a steel pipe vehicle barrier in front of the store and the right side of the bear’s base, a sure hand is needed at the machinery’s controls.

Those executing the movements were able to achieve all of the above on Thursday in front of the PB Liquor & Second Stop Mini Market at 2719 N. Main St., which is near the city’s North Town fire station.

When the new owner purchased the store, she didn’t want to change the name from its current moniker.

“It’s easier to keep a name,” said Debra Chase.

Still, Chase said neither she nor her family felt any identification with the PB brand, which led to a search for a fitting mascot.

“It was time for PB to stand for something that represents us,” she said.

Recently, Chase and her mother, Dott Heinicke, were driving through Okmulgee and spotted John’s Antiques and Statuary.

They stopped, searching for something to symbolize the PB store’s name, actually considering something with “bull” in it.

However, nothing seemed to work — until Chase saw the bear.

“I was looking for something PB could stand for,” Chase said. “I was looking at the bear.” Then, “a big light bulb” went off, she said.

Still, in its raw, cast-metal condition, the bear needed a lot of work before it could symbolize a polar bear.

So what if it resembled a brown bear or a grizzly in its raw metal state? A little — well, actually a lot — of white  paint and (drum roll) here it is: One polar bear, coming up!

After Chase bought the bear, her dad, Dale Heinicke, and her brother, Mike Heinicke, hauled it to McAlester, where they took it to McCullar Motor Sports. Dale Heinicke retouched the bear’s casting seams, using metal sanders and grinders. Keith McCullar provided paint and the finishing touches, said Chase.

“It took me three weeks to sand it,” Dale Heinicke said. McCullar primed and painted the bear with an automotive paint, then put a clear finish on it, he said.

That should help protect it, Dale Heinicke noted.

After all, there’s no cave or hollowed-out iceberg for this bear.

“It’s going to be constantly in the weather,” he said.

Finally, on Thursday, with Mike Heinicke handling the machinery and with Dale Heinicke supervising, they methodically lowered the bear into place at the store’s front.

As the bear’s base finally touched the concrete, they restrained themselves from emitting a couple of celebratory roars

While PB’s is currently open and operating with its new mascot posted near the entrance, a grand opening celebration is set for Sept. 25.

In the meantime, Chase said everyone is welcome to come by and see the PB bear.

Visitors can even snap a photo of PB Bear if they wish, she said.

He’s very patient while cameras are being focused and he never blinks while having his picture taken —even if someone fires off a flash.



Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@McAlesternews.com.

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