The Bear House of Balboa Island: Marcy Cook’s Incredible Teddy Bear Collection
By: Jodie Salerno
In the heart of Balboa Island, California, sits a home unlike any other, often referred to as "The Bear House." This charming residence belongs to Marcy Cook, a longtime island resident whose passion for collecting teddy bears has transformed her home into a wonderland of cuddly treasures. With an astonishing collection of 6,144 bears, Marcy has built a legacy that combines her love for travel, teaching and, most importantly, the warmth and joy that teddy bears bring.
The Bear House has always been more than just a unique home on Balboa Island. It's a cherished part of my life and memories. Every weekend, I would walk around the island, often with my kids, and we would always make a point to stop and admire Marcy Cook’s incredible teddy bear collection. No matter what kind of day we were having, seeing the bears would instantly put a huge smile on our faces. It became a special tradition, something that felt like a landmark of Balboa Island for my family. The joy and warmth that radiated from her home made it a beloved sight, and I know we weren’t the only ones who felt that way. Marcy’s passion for collecting and sharing her bears brought happiness to so many, turning her house into a symbol of love, nostalgia, and community.
A Lifelong Californian with a Passion for Education
Marcy is a native Californian who moved to Balboa Island in 1975 and has lived there ever since. She grew up in Culver City and later attended the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) for her undergraduate degree before earning her Masters degree from Stanford. Her passion for education led her to a fulfilling career in teaching, starting in Sunnyvale, California, where she worked with upper elementary students.
Her love for adventure took her beyond the U.S., leading her to Thessaloniki, Greece, where she taught 7th and 8th-grade math, science and algebra at an international school for two years. Upon returning to California, she continued shaping young minds, teaching primary grades in Carmel before settling in Fullerton. There, she worked at Cal State Fullerton, the Fullerton School District, and later in the gifted program for Newport Mesa.
Marcy’s passion for mathematics extended beyond the classroom. She became a math consultant for international schools, traveling the world to teach educators how to create engaging math experiences for their students. Her workshops and presentations took her to Europe, Asia, Mexico, Central and South America and even Africa. Her expertise in strategic thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on math activities made her a sought-after speaker. She also created MarcyCookMath.com, a website dedicated to sharing her interactive and engaging teaching strategies.
A Simple Beginning: The First Teddy Bear
Marcy’s massive teddy bear collection began with a single bear, gifted to her by a neighbor who suggested she hold it because it was soft and cuddly—like a baby. She loved the bear so much that she went out and bought an identical one. At the time, she had no idea that this small moment would spark a lifelong collecting journey.
Her collection grew rapidly when her son, Jim, introduced her to Beanie Babies, and she became captivated by the variety of bear designs. A Christmas trip to New Orleans led her to discover festive teddy bears, which made her wonder if there were bears for other holidays. Sure enough, she found bears for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July and Thanksgiving—though for a while, Easter and Thanksgiving bears were harder to find.
Over the years, Marcy’s collection has expanded across the globe, with teddy bears from various countries. She has traveled extensively, always on the lookout for unique bears. Some of her favorite bear-hunting destinations include Bavarian cities in Germany and the Hugglets Teddy Bear Shows in London. Last year, she visited London twice specifically for bear fairs and also traveled to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a picturesque German town known for its teddy bear stores and antique shops.
A Home Filled with Teddy Bear Themes
Marcy’s bears are not simply stacked on shelves—they are carefully displayed throughout her home in themed rooms and sections:
• Kitchen – Chef bears
• Living Room – Beach, Hawaii and maritime bears
• Bathrooms – Honey and bee-themed bears in one, frog-related bears in another
• Office – School bears and international bears (with a large number from Germany and Britain)
• Master Bath Entrance – Beautifully dressed female bears
• Staircase – Paddington Bear and Winnie the Pooh bears
• Special Room – A dedicated space for Ty Beanie Babies and Beanie Buddies
One of the most heartfelt sections of her collection is a room dedicated to her late son, Bob, who passed away from cancer at age 20. This special space includes his college bulletin board, karate belts, and 347 angel and cancer-themed bears. Every Christmas, 60 angel Christmas bears are brought out of hibernation to honor his memory.
Gifts, Donations, and Unexpected Bear Arrivals
Many of Marcy’s bears have been gifted or left on her doorstep. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers have contributed to her collection, recognizing her deep love for these cuddly companions. Some people have asked her to adopt their bears when they downsize, while others have left bears at her door, trusting that she would provide them with a good home.
One particularly touching moment came when a woman whose mother had passed away asked Marcy to take in her mother’s teddy bear, ensuring that it would have a beautiful bay view. These stories highlight the emotional connection that teddy bears can hold and how Marcy’s collection has become a place of comfort and remembrance for many.
A Hobby Gone Awry, but No Plans to Stop
Despite her massive collection, Marcy has no intention of slowing down. While some might expect her to be aiming for a world record, she insists that she has no specific goal for the number of bears she collects. The current record is over 20,000 bears in Hungary, but Marcy is content with collecting at her own pace, adding to her ever-growing teddy bear family.
A man once jokingly remarked outside her window, “It’s a hobby gone awry.” Marcy and her husband, who passed away in 2013, loved this phrase so much that they found a sign in Florida reading:
“Teddy Bear Collector – Orphans Welcome Here.”
They customized it to say:
“Teddy Bear Collector – Hobby Gone Awry.”
A Collection That Brings Joy to Many
Marcy Cook’s teddy bear collection is more than just a hobby—it is a passion, a tribute to her loved ones and a reflection of her lifelong adventures. Whether finding a bear on an international trip, receiving one as a heartfelt gift, or adopting a bear in need, she has built something truly extraordinary.
Visitors and passersby alike can’t help but be charmed by The Bear House on Balboa Island. As Marcy herself would say, “You can never have too many Teddies.
Tudaloo on the Town!
Jodi Salerno