Wednesday in Wyoming - March 12, 2025

 

Do you recognize this poster? It's Smokey the Bear (or Smokey Bear if you prefer), teaching his woodland friends about the dangers humans present.

Since I told you that I was highlighting exhibits from the Wyoming State Museum, you won't be surprised to learn that this was one of a number of posters on display at the museum during the summer of 2019. 

As an aside, have you noticed that the public service announcements on TV now say, "Only you can prevent wildfires" rather than the original "Only you can prevent forest fires"? 

Wednesday in Wyoming - January 29, 2020

We've reached the last Wednesday in January, so this will be my final Smokey Bear poster.

Did you enjoy seeing them? I hope so.

Wednesday in Wyoming - January 22, 2020

Remember the equation Smokey Bear taught in last week's poster? Here's the result -- a careless camper leaving a fire still burning.

Wednesday in Wyoming - January 15, 2020

Who knew that Smokey Bear taught mathematics to the forest animals?

This equation -- man plus fire equals burned tree -- is, unfortunately still true.

Did you notice the fire alarm next to the poster? I know it was only coincidental, but I liked the juxtaposition.

Wednesday in Wyoming - January 8, 2020

Here we see a tired Smokey Bear holding a message: Please Prevent Forest Fires.

Although that one and the famous "Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires" are direct appeals to everyone who sees the poster, the first Smokey Bear poster had a different message. It said "Care WILL prevent 9 out of 10 woods fires!"

Notice the differences. It's not a personal appeal, and instead of saying "forest fires," it calls them "woods fires."

Which do you think is more effective?

Wednesday in Wyoming - January 1, 2020

Happy New Year and Happy New Decade!

Did you know that Smokey Bear (no, it's not Smokey THE Bear) had his 75th birthday last year? August 9, 1944 was the big day. In celebration of his 75 years as a spokesbear for fire safety, the Wyoming State Museum had an exhibit of some of Smokey's posters last summer.

Don't worry if you can't make out the details. I'm going to feature some of my favorites this month. So ... come back next week to see more of Smokey.