Manford Watt, a name that has was mentioned several times during the “lion” years under Dr. Wurm as President. Who was Manford Watt? An article found in the Detroit Free Press from November 27, 1939 helps shed light on Mr. Watt’s relationship with the Sebewaing Brewing Company. It also describes some additional information that is interesting.

Manford Watt was the lion trainer for the Sebewaing Brewing Company during the earlier Old Style label days. Queenie was transported from Africa by Col. Metcalf, a big game hunter with two of her siblings. During this long journey, the cubs had nothing to eat for three days. Her two siblings died for lack of food shortly after arriving in Sebewaing. Mr. Watt nursed Queenie back to health with milk from a cotton ball and then eventually a bottle.

Queenie spent time on the road with Mr.Watt staying at various hotels and often times slept in the car. She did not like cameras, but loved playing with children. The complete article can be seen here.

This newspaper article contradicts the theory that the first lions came form a traveling circus that visited Sebewaing in June of 1939. There are two articles that can be viewed by clicking the links below:

Circus Came to Town, Lions Stayed, No Lyin….!!!

The Pride and Burden of Sebewaing