J.H. Rivers Antiques on Main Street has a new friend. Susanne Davino, the owner of the shop, believes their new visitor is a Steiff bear, a renowned German manufacturer of collectible teddy bears and high-quality plush toys. FAO Schwarz, one of the oldest toy retailers in the United States, used to have large examples of their stuffed animals in display windows for advertising purposes; Davino speculates that their new friend used to live in a display window of a major metropolitan area, possibly New York City. Currently, they are looking for an umbrella and cane to complete the outfit. The hat was donated by the Whistle Stop Bed and Breakfast.

“You never know what you’re going to come across,” Davino said. “That’s what I love most about this business — it literally could be anything. [The bear’s] had a wonderful life. He’s going to continue that wonderful life in Louisa.”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO