Bookmark Friday: Smokey's Friends

Growing up I was a huge fan of Smokey Bear.  Smokey.  He wanted to protect the forest and all the adorable animals.  He wanted to educate us about how not to burn things down.  And best yet, he was speaking directly to children.  He was talking to me.  The cutest cartoon bear I ever saw and he was talking to ME.

And then I read the story of the real Smokey.  Who could resist the tale of the poor orphaned bear stranded up a burned-out tree?  Not I.  It's so Bambi.  But real, too.  And when the forest rangers put bandages on his little bear cub paws?  Melted my heart like buttah. 

Recently I spoke to someone who did not know that there even was a real Smokey.  I tell ya, kids today...


Of course, da Smokes was shilling for the US Forest Service, but I didn't care.  The Ad Council and the Forest Service dreamed up the talking bear in 1944 to campaign against arson. The real Smokey wasn't found until 1950 but was promptly co-opted for the conservation campaign.

And for the record, his name if Smokey Bear.  There was a song called "Smokey The Bear" in 1952, but that was never his real name. And originally it was spelled "Smoky."  So while I cannot account for the "e" we know where the "the" came from.

I was one of "Smokey's Friends" and had a badge and ID.  Seemed at the time that I might need those if I was going to bust any arson perps.  Smokey's Friends took "the oath." Smokey had rules. Smokey Bear had a posse.

Smokey is bound up in my childhood memories with Gentle Ben, Clint Howard, Bambi, Walt Disney, and Uncle Sam.  Probably throw some Dancing Bear and Captain Kangaroo, too.  I still love him.  The little animals love him.  Long live Smokey.

I wish I still had my Little Golden Smokey Bear & The Campers.  And I sure do wish I still had my badge and ID.  I'd bust some perps for sure.