by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel
A recent television commercial highlighted that Smokey the Bear just turned 80 years old! Many of us grew up easily recognizing Smokey as the symbol of fire safety and the important of protecting our trees and wildlife. It was the U.S. Forest Service that used Smokey to educate the public about fire safety in its Wildfire Prevention Campaign. Started in 1944, it is one of the longest running public service announcement campaign in the United States. We remember his deep voice saying “Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires” as we saw him in a forest rangers hat. Speaking of voices, Smokey has been narrated over the years by a long list of celebrities and other noteworthy people. This includes actor Sam Elliott who voiced Smokey from 2008 thru 2023, Jeff Foxworthy and Al Roker, to name only a few. So popular was Smokey back in the 1970’s and 80’s, often a traveling bear (not a real one) made appearances in large garden centers to promote his message. Back then we drove to a nearby town on a Sunday afternoon with our four year old to visit Smokey, shake his hand and have a photo taken with him. The line was long, attesting to this iconic television character’s commercial message and recognition.
Companies selling a product pay huge sums of money to advertising agencies to come up with logos, jingles and characters to represent their product. The character has to be likeable, memorable and if a catchy jingle or phrase is devised, all the better. Children’s cereals and other products they use are typically the most famous of all. See how many you recall from your childhood that may no longer be used, yet you know the image or can recite the jingle.
Questions:
1) Can you name the three Rice Krispies elves?
2) What was the name of the tuna representing Starkist?
3) Who was the bald man with muscles that would “save the day” helping the distressed housewife clean?4) What animal was the symbol for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and what did he say about them?
5) What character represented Alka Seltzer and had a tablet for a hat that depicted fast results for your pain?
6) What soup boasted it was “mm, mm good”?
7) A basset hound was the mascot for what shoe style?
8) What cartoon character walked around in a top hat, carried a cane and wore a monocle to represent a snack company?
9) What washing machine company claimed it was so good that the repairman was lonely and never had repair calls?
10) Back in 1984 a little old lady named Clara Peller asked the question, “Where’s the beef?” as she made a purchase at a fast food restaurant. What company made this commercial showing that their burgers were larger in size?
Answers:
1) Snap, Crackle and Pop; 2) Charlie; 3) Mr. Clean; 4) Tony the Tiger, who said “They’re Grrreat!” 5) Speedy; 6) Campbell’s Soup; 7) Hush Puppies; 8) Mr. Peanut; 9) Maytag; 10) Wendy’s
