What is not commonly known is that these three copper bears were unofficially named in tribute to three city leaders. The bear on the old fire department building is King William I and was named for William Ellis, who served as mayor from 1903–05 and alderman from 1909–17. Ellis also was a fireman with the Atlantic Fire Company. The bear facing Pollock Street is King William II, named for William Blades, who served not only as alderman from 1913–17 but also on the Building Committee when City Hall was renovated in 1913–14. The bear facing Craven Street is Crown Prince Albert, named for Albert Bangert. He served as the city's mayor from 1913–17 and 1925–29 and as an alderman from 1903–07, 1911–13, 1917–19 and 1921–25.

The bears were originally located on the old City Hall on Craven Street and were apparently moved to their current locations when City Hall moved to the old Federal building in 1936.

(Insiders' Guide thanks John Leys and Victor Jones of the New Bern-Craven County Public Library for providing this information.)