[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 110 (Wednesday, August 10, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           TRIBUTE TO ALBERT STAEHLE: CREATOR OF SMOKEY BEAR

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                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 10, 1994

  Mrs. MEEK. Mr. Speaker, this year we are celebrating the 50th 
anniversary of Smokey Bear. For the past 50 years, Smokey Bear has been 
a symbol of fire prevention for the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
Forest Service. He has instilled in generations of Americans the 
message--Remember--Only you can prevent Forest Fires!--a message of 
personal responsibility in the fight against carelessly caused 
wildfires.
  The original Smokey Bear was born from the imagination and pen of the 
late Albert Staehle, considered America's greatest animal illustrator. 
In 1944, the USDA Forest Service asked Albert Staehle to create a 
mascot for its wartime fire prevention campaign. After considerable 
deliberation, he finally settled on a bear. The bear, he felt, could be 
portrayed as the father of the forest. The bear was fitted with a 
ranger's hat, blue jeans, a badge, and a bucket of water to put out 
fires.
  Albert Staehle's creation, much to the benefit of our forests, is now 
the most recognizable animal figure in modern American history. Little 
did he know at the time that his creation would become a legend and 
constant reminder of the importance of preserving our precious forests.
  During his lifetime, Mr. Staehle created such memorable animal 
figures as ``Butch,'' the lovable cocker-spaniel who graced the covers 
of The Saturday Evening Post, Borden's Elsie the Cow and of course, the 
Forest Service's Smokey Bear. However, his work was not just confined 
to the animal kingdom. His genius was displayed in a variety of media 
including posters, magazine advertisements and house organs. He also 
designed war posters that were considered to be quite striking. His 
posters were consistent prize winners, in 1938-40 winning the 
prestigious Kerwin H. Fulton Medal for the Advancement of Art in 
Outdoor Advertising. He also won awards for his art from the Chicago 
Outdoor Advertising Association and the Art Directors Club of 
Philadelphia.
  Albert Staehle was born in Munich, Germany, and came to New York when 
he was 14. He was a third-generation artist. He is the late husband of 
Marjory Staehle, a resident of the 17th Congressional District of 
Florida.
  Mr. Speaker, until this year, Mr. Staehle has not been given the 
recognition he deserves for his contribution to the Smokey Bear 
campaign against forest fires. The American public was unaware and the 
U.S. Government has overlooked Albert Staehle's contribution.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud the Department of Agriculture Forest Service 
decision to recognize Albert Staehle for the significant contribution 
he made to our national heritage.

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