The Smokey Bear character and campaign were conceived as part of the United States Forest Service's wildfire prevention efforts during World War II. The first Smokey Bear poster was illustrated by Albert Staehle and debuted in August 1944. Later that year, Rudy Wendelin became the official artist for the campaign and further developed the character's physical appearance. In 1947, Smokey's now famous saying, "Remember...only YOU can prevent forest fires" was introduced. The Smokey image gained popularity in 1950 when a black bear cub rescued from a New Mexico wildfire was given the name "Smokey" and housed at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. as a living symbol for fire prevention.
To date, the Smokey campaign has resulted in thousands of informational items designed to warn against the dangers of wildfires and to teach fire prevention techniques. Products include posters, songs, clothing, children's toys, television specials and televised public service announcements, and even a cartoon show.
These materials were acquired in 2007 by the Oregon State University Archives as part of the Gerald W. Williams Collection (MSS WilliamsG). They now reside independently in the Oregon State University Libraries Special Collections and Archives Research Center.
This collection was accessioned as part of the Gerald W. Williams Collection (MSS WilliamsG). It has since been separated from that collection and processed independently.
This collection is open for research.
Gerald W. Williams Collection on Smokey Bear (MSS Smokey), Oregon State University Special Collections and Archives Research Center, Corvallis, Oregon.
Other materials relating to the history and work of the United States Forest Service include the the
The Gerald W. Williams Collection on Smokey Bear is comprised of two series: Series 1. "Happy Birthday Smokey" 50th Anniversary Campaign, 1993-1995 and Series 2. Wildfire Prevention Promotional Materials and Memorabilia, 1933-1995.
The Gerald W. Williams Collection on Smokey Bear documents the history of the Smokey Bear mascot and the related United States Forest Service wildfire prevention campaign from 1944-1994. The bulk of the collection is comprised of materials documenting the 1994-1995 "Happy Birthday Smokey" traveling exhibition and campaign which commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Smokey mascot. Included is promotional literature (brochures, a poster, and an activity book), an exhibit manual, a guest book, a photograph album, loose photographs and slides, video recordings of news coverage of the 50th anniversary event, two short films, and a "50th Birthday" patch.
The collection also includes more than 100 slides of posters featuring Smokey, a design and clip-art guide, photocopies of the "Smokey Says..." graphics from Guardian of the Forest (1971), and several other photographic prints, negatives, and slides. The collection also contains one videocassette featuring several Smokey Bear public service announcements produced by the Advertising Council and another videocassette with three episodes of The Smokey Bear Show, a cartoon aired from 1969-1971. Also included are two patches and twelve pins/buttons featuring wildfire prevention messages.
Series 1 is comprised of materials documenting the 1994-1995 "Happy Brithday Smokey" campaign and traveling exhibition. The campaign celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Smokey mascot and attempted to spread wildfire danger awareness through a cross-country traveling exhibit. Materials include an activity book, a poster, and several pamphlets; an exhibition manual; an exhibit guest book; two short video recordings celebrating Smokey; recordings of television news coverage of the 50th birthday event; and an interview with Smokey artist Rudy Wendelin. The series also includes a photograph album containing more than 450 photographic prints, 100 slides, and 3 contact sheets featuring photographs of the exhibition and events in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Las Vegas, Denver, Seattle, Cody (Wyoming), Portland (Oregon), and Phoenix. Additionally, more than 200 loose color photographic prints and negatives are included in the collection, many of which duplicate the content found in the album.
A short film produced by the United States Forest Service celebrating the 50th anniversary of the genesis of Smokey Bear.
A short film depicting the real life Smokey Bear and scored by a musical narrative.
An interview with Smokey Bear artist Rudy Wendelin in celebration of Smokey's 50th brithday. Aired on News Channel 8 in Pennsylvania.
Recordings of several television news stories covering the Happy Birthday Smokey event in Atlanta, Georgia, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the genesis of Smokey Bear.
Series 2 is comprised of materials generated by the United States Forest Service and the Advertising Council promoting wildfire prevention. The series includes color slides of fire prevention posters (including several predating the Smokey campaign and one featuring Woodsy Owl); a Smokey Bear graphic art guide; photocopies of graphics used in the book Guardian of the Forest; and wearable pins, buttons, and patches. The series also contains photographic prints, negatives, and slides depicting the mascot's appearance at Oregon's Timberline Lodge, a photo-op with Lady Bird Johnson, the original living Smokey bear, a promotional drawing for the National Zoo, and other images featuring Smokey.
A collection of public service announcements created by the Advertising Council featuring Smokey Bear.
Includes three episodes of The Smokey Bear Show including "The Founder's Day Folly," "The Ol' Club House," and "one Born Every Second."