Previously:
Beaver's Bend State Park in the southeastern part of the state is in the middle of a heavily forested area that has been a big part of the lumber industry for years. That industry, and its history, is celebrated at the park's museum. Several displays include large murals painted by artist Harry Rossoll. If you don't recognize the name, you'll definitely recognize his most famous creation:
Since good ol' Smokey Bear fits right in with the Forest Heritage themes of the museum, they have a display of Smokey memorabilia. I'm a sucker for advertising mascots (like the Michelin Man I spotted in Ardmore) so, as I sometimes do, I decided to rank them in a Top Five List. Let's get started with...
5. The True Story of Smokey Bear Comic
I've covered this comic before on another blog but I think it's worth mentioning here. Several product mascots have appeared in comic format before (although not nearly enough) but this one chronicles real life events that led to the Smokey Phenomena. It's a great piece of an American legacy.
4. Smokey & His Friends One Act Play Kit
I've never been a huge theater guy but I'd love to see a production of this. I'm guessing it would be kids in cardboard cutout masks portraying various woodland creatures with an overall message of "Don't light stuff on fire" and that's really all it would need to be.
3. Little Golden Book
Slight breach of etiquette here with the inclusion of "the" in Smokey's name but the Little Golden Book franchise is legendary and being included is quite the feather in his famous hat. I've never seen the Pillsbury Doughboy or the Green Giant in one of these things (even though I'd love to) so Smokey is breathing rarefied air.
2. Sheet Music
Smokey is not the only ad icon to have his own theme song but he may be the only one with a song that has four verses. Gather round the piano with the rest of the choir and belt out the Ballad of Smokey...what could be better?
1. Special Edition Doll
Look at this thing! I wish there was something in the shot for perspective to show how big it is. It's pretty good size, maybe slightly smaller than a Chucky doll (for lack of a better comparison). I don't have any real info on it other than it's a "Special Edition," but it's clearly the star of the display.
Smokey's had a long and distinguished career and his influence has spread to a variety of mediums. These few examples are hopefully just the beginning of of an even longer influence for years to come.
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