

TRIBUTE TO ALBERT
STAEHLE: CREATOR OF SMOKEY BEAR
HON.
CARRIE P. MEEK
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
creati on 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.