Clark's Trading Post and the White Mountain Central Railroad

by Linda Eisenhart

How this roadside attraction became a BEAR-y big hit and turned into a must-see New Hampshire destination that still exists today! In 1928, Edward and Florence Clark opened a roadside attraction in Lincoln, New Hampshire, for visitors to the White Mountains. Ed Clark's Eskimo Sled Dog Ranch featured guided tours with its purebred Eskimo sled dogs and artifacts from Labrador, Canada. ""The Stand"" offered souvenirs, tonic, and maple products to motorists. Three black bears, Soggle, Toggle and Woggle, joined the family in 1935, and the bears acted as the perfect visual attraction, gaining the attention of curious passersby. In 1949, Ed and Murray, sons of Florence and Edward, began training black bears for show work. The Clark brothers and their bears delighted guests with humor and hospitality as they entertained and educated the audience. Generations later, that philosophy lives on as the Clarks offer bear shows, rides on the White Mountain Central Railroad, family entertainment, and good, honest fun to visitors. There are up to 20 family members working at Clark's Trading Post on any given day, including fifth-generation descendants.

128 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2018

Reviews

[Charlotte Burlingame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool little history of an iconic place from my childhood. Loved reading about the relationship between the bears and family, especially anecdotes about raising them!

[Nick Vantangoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased this whilst in the White Mountains. Good little tale.

[David Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for any long time fan of Clark's Trading Post