Happy Birthday Smokey Bear

[Jeff]

I've got several things up on the cabinet here, but my Axe is blocking them from view. ;)

[Ron Scott]

Nice collections!There sure are a lot of Smokey collectables out there. There are always Smokey items on Ebay.

[Magicman]

but my Axe is blocking them from view. ;) 

But I got to view the Axe.   

[SwampDonkey]

I am subscribed to a Youtube channel that has archived old video footage of just about anything imaginable and this week what came up was 'Smokey's Story' with Dennis Weaver telling the story to some kids. So I knew there had to be a thread on this forum already about Smokey, so here's 'Smokey's Story'.

" SMOKEY'S STORY " THE STORY OF SMOKEY THE BEAR U.S. FOREST SERVICE FILM w/ DENNIS WEAVER XD47974 - YouTube

[woodroe]

"Smokey's friends don't play with matches"

That was a good story SD. Late 60s early 70s era by the looks of the chevy truck.
Once upon a time I had to wear a Smokey the Bear costume for a elementary
school visit or two. 
Was filling a temporary fire tower watchman position and being the new guy
on the block I was elected to be Smokey. Terribly hot inside that thing and the kids
poked me in the eyes being curious what or who was really inside the costume.
Hopefully they didn't go play with matches after so they could see Smokey again. 

[SwampDonkey]

This video has a more complete background story of Smokey the Bear.

THE STORY OF SMOKEY BEAR w/ HOPALONG CASSIDY U.S. FOREST SERVICE FIRE FIGHTERS 98974 - YouTube

[beenthere]

The song writers added "the" to Smokey Bear's name. Just fit the lyrics better than Smokey Bear. 

[scsmith42]

Wow, this thread brings back some family stories.

The "Smith Veterinary Hospital" in the video was owned by Ed Smith in Santa Fe, NM.  Dr. Ed was my father's best friend and the best man at my parents wedding in 1948.  I recall visiting the clinic and staying with Dr. Ed's family at their house around 1969.

My father was actually visiting Dr. Ed at the clinic the day that the bear cub was brought in, and was present in the room when the video was taken.  

Today Ed's grand daughter and great grand children are still operating the clinic.

[SwampDonkey]

Cool Scot, that adds even more to the story.

[Ron Scott]

Coming up in 2024: Smokey Bear turns 80: A fire prevention legacy unmatched
80 years is a tremendous milestone—for anyone. To make it to 80 means you have overcome life's greatest challenges and you truly become the elder, the sage, the one who knows a thing or two and should be listened to. Being the spokes-bear, if you will, of the longest running and most successful advertising campaign in American history, at 80 years old, I think Smokey Bear would agree.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/features/coming-2024-smokey-bear-turns-80?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_m