I agree Stamperdude,
it wouldn't be astray with an exhibition of Scouting either.
From Wiki:
Though the US Forest Service fought wildfires long before World War II, the war
brought a new importance and urgency to the effort. The forest service began using
colorful posters as a way to educate Americans about the dangers of forest fires.
In the Lookout Air Raids of 1942, the Japanese attempted to set southwest Oregon's
coastal forests ablaze. In separate attempts on 9 and 29 September, the Japanese
submarine I-25 surfaced and launched a Yokosuka E14Y floatplane loaded with
incendiary bombs.
On August 13, 1942, Disney's 5th full-length animated motion picture Bambi
premiered in New York City. Soon after, Walt Disney allowed his characters to appear
in fire prevention public service campaigns. However, Bambi was only loaned to the
government for a year, so a new symbol was needed.
Smokey Bear's debut posterSticking with the popular animal theme, a bear was
chosen. His name was inspired by "Smoky" Joe Martin, a New York City Fire
Department hero who shrugged off burns and blindness in a bold 1922 rescue.
Also in 1944, Forest Service worker Rudy Wendelin became the full time campaign
artist; he was considered Smokey Bear's "caretaker" until he retired in 1973.
During the 1950s and 1960s, the Ad Council sponsored radio ads, featuring Smokey
Bear "in conversation" with prominent American celebrity stars such as Bing Crosby,
Art Linkletter, Dinah Shore, Roy Rogers, and many others.
Smokey Bear with members of the Boy Scouts of America and the Camp Fire Girls in
1950For Smokey's 50th anniversary in 1994, he was honored with a U.S. postage
stamp that pictured a cub hanging onto a burned tree. It was illustrated by Rudy
Wendelin.
Posted 02/16/2010 12:18 pm
