The Story of Objee
By 1926, the bear had been the Academy's mascot for sometime in honor of the Cutter Bear, which had served in the Arctic Zone for years.
However, it was during this year that a Cadet by the name of Steven Evans (who ironically would later become the Superintendent of the USCGA) returned from leave with a live bear cub. He somehow talked the Superintendent, Captain Hinckley, into allowing the bear to stay at the Academy. The bear was named Objee, which was short for "objectionable presence."
He had many homes throughout his tenure at the Academy, but the one he spent the most time in (and his last home) was the old Academy observatory next to Billard Hall. Although he did not sleep in Chase Hall, Objee was often brought into the barracks and turned loose. He showered in the cadet showers, and was even allowed to eat in the wardroom from time to time. Cadet Objee was particularly fond of visiting cadets during study hour.
Unfortunately, the Corps was stripped of its right to keep a live bear in 1984 due to the "objectionable presence" posed by the bear on the surrounding community and new animal quarantine laws.
The 'last live Objee' died at Widmark Farms in New York on Nov 21, 2007.
Statue of Objee behind Chase Hall/in front of Leamy Hall