Meet the First Greeter at Arnold Meadowmont Lodge
Surprise visit from the artist Miles Tucker
Long before Bear welcomed guests with a wagging tail, another friendly face greeted visitors arriving at Arnold Meadowmont Lodge.
Sitting proudly beneath our front entrance is a hand-carved Saint Bernard, created by renowned Northern California wood sculptor Miles Tucker in the early 1980s. For more than four decades, this sculpture has quietly welcomed travelers from around the world and has become an enduring part of the lodge's history.
The story behind the carving is what makes it truly special.
The owners of Meadow Mont Lodge at the time had a beloved Saint Bernard who became known as the lodge greeter. Guests were welcomed not only by the mountain air and towering pines, but also by this gentle dog whose friendly personality left a lasting impression on everyone who visited.
Wanting to preserve the memory of their faithful companion, they commissioned a young wood sculptor named Miles Tucker to carve the Saint Bernard from a single log. Today, the sculpture remains at the lodge, continuing the tradition of greeting guests just as the real dog once did.
For those familiar with Arnold, Tucker's work is woven throughout the community. As you travel along Highway 4, you'll find several of his iconic carvings that have become local landmarks. The impressive grizzly bear standing outside the Grizzly Bear Gas Station and the welcoming bear at Giant Burger are both examples of his craftsmanship. Together, these sculptures have become part of Arnold's unique mountain character, greeting visitors just as they have for generations.
Over the years, Miles Tucker's work has gained recognition throughout California and beyond. His carvings are known for their expressive personalities and lifelike detail, and his later career has expanded into bronze sculpture. Yet some of his most cherished creations remain right here in the Sierra, where locals and visitors pass them every day.
Our Saint Bernard is more than a piece of art. It represents the hospitality that has defined Arnold Meadowmont Lodge for decades. While today's guests are often greeted by our black Labrador, Bear, this wooden Saint Bernard reminds us that welcoming visitors has always been at the heart of this place.
As we begin sharing the stories of Arnold's past through our Arnold History Project, we're honored to preserve the history of not only our lodge but also the artists, businesses, and people who helped shape this mountain community.
The next time you visit Arnold Meadowmont Lodge, stop for a photo with our Saint Bernard. You're standing beside a small piece of Arnold history—one that has been welcoming guests for more than forty years.
