Flossi: Preserving Our Parks

Albert Staehle (1899–1974) was an American illustrator best known for creating the original Smokey Bear image and his work on various commercial and public service campaigns. Here are key details about his life and career:

Early Life and Career:

- Birth: Albert Staehle was born in Germany in 1899 and emigrated to the United States with his family as a child.

- Artistic Talent: Staehle showed artistic talent early and eventually trained at the Art Students League in New York City. His early career involved working as an illustrator for advertising and commercial art projects, creating posters, ads, and magazine covers.

Commercial Success:

- Advertising Work: Staehle became a highly sought-after illustrator for advertising campaigns, working with major brands like Pepsi-Cola, Brewing Companies, etc. His animal illustrations mainly gained popularity, often featuring dogs, cats, and other creatures.

- Magazine Covers: Staehle also gained fame for his magazine covers, especially for Saturday Evening Post, Collier’s, and other popular magazines in the 1930s and 1940s.

Creation of Smokey Bear (1944):

- Smokey Bear: In 1944, Staehle was commissioned by the U.S. Forest Service and the War Advertising Council to create a character for the fire prevention campaign. His creation, Smokey Bear, became an iconic symbol of wildfire prevention in the United States. Staehle’s original depiction showed Smokey wearing a ranger hat and holding a shovel, with a serious yet approachable demeanour.

- Legacy of Smokey Bear: Smokey’s famous slogan, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires!” became one of U.S. history's most well-known public service announcements. Staehle's contribution was foundational to the character’s long-lasting success and popularity.