Our Story at the Motel
Mel & Muff~The Origional Host & Hostess With the Mostest!
Mel and Muff Furman bought The Black Bear (Country) Inn in 1984 as a retirement project. The couple ran this homestyle motel for 20 years until they hired managers due to health reasons. The Bear was a favorite Dubois motel back in the day. Muff had a teddy bear shop in the lobby while Mel was the host with the most, one you would want in an unfamiliar town. Together they knew the best places to eat, shop, fish, hike, hunt, or just relax, and they were happy to share their knowledge.
The Second Generation of Fun
Dave (son), Liz and their three sons took over the management of the motel in the mid 2000's. Liz has been the primary operator of The Bear since then and has turned an ordinary motel into an extraordinary experience for visitors that come as strangers and leave as family. Staying at The Bear is not like staying at a chain hotel, it's like staying at home, or better yet, a dear friend's home and walking back into history.
The Future
All three of the Furman boys have given several summers (and a winter or two) of their lives in the quest to fix up and build the business back up to and beyond its previous glory days. Micah (youngest son) with his friend from college, Eric have opened Wind River FlyFitter guide service and Fly Shop from the Black Bear Inn's Property. We are all so thrilled to continue the legacy.