The lasting legend of the Bear Man

The late 1800s into the mid-1900s was an era when traveling salesmen and others roamed the railroads and back roads of America making a living off their wits or sometimes by the generosity of others.

Old historic accounts tell of traveling salesmen coming from Pensacola by railroad to Pollard, Alabama. The men would take the dirt roads and streets plying their wares to any who were interested in the transaction. Some would go door to door asking if they could sharpen a house-wife's scissors, knives or other items.

Vagabonds also made their way through the back-country. During these times, espe...