In 1950, a careless act turned into tragedy when a fire burned wild and swept away over 17,000 acres of forest and watershed land in Capitan Mountains, Lincoln National Forest, N. M. Hundreds of firefighters battled the blaze.

A strong wind trapped 24 firefighters and only by laying face down with their faces covered with wet kerchiefs were they able to escape with their lives. The flames flared-up all around them and the smoke near choked them to death. When the fire died down the 24 firefighters spotted a badly burned little cub clinging to a charred tree.

They rescued the bear and did a quick look for mother bear, but the fire must have claimed her life because all around the firefighters, as far as they could see, the forest was blackened and bare.

Smokey's name was given to the small cub who escaped death by wildfire. With the love and care shown to the cub by Ray Bell*, his wife and daughter, Judy he soon recovered. A home at the National Zoo would be his ticket to living to a ripe old age.

In 1961, an orphaned bear found in the Magdelena Mountains of New Mexico became Smokey's lifetime companion. They named her "Goldie." They became the most visited attraction at the Zoo. Smokey lived until 1976 and is buried at the Smokey Bear Historical Park, Capitan, N.M. story by Bridget Smith, Historical Gazette

*Editor's Note: My sincere apologies to Ray Bell (who is still alive and well) for having credited Harold Bell for the rescue of the cub, Smokey. We were contacted by his son, Donald Ray Bell, by email who corrected the mistake. My delight was in getting the chance to talk with Ray Bell from his home in North Dakota. Thank you both for helping me to get the story straightened out! And, thank you, Ray, for directly contributing to our nation's history.

The story above is from the front page of this edition. Our newspaper carries five illustrations by Rudy Wendelin, Smokey's official artist. In June 1994, at Pioneer Courthouse Square we had the opportunity to meet Rudy Wendelin and his lovely wife. He helped Portland, Oregon celebrate Smokey Bear's 50th Birthday in a smashing way! In my files I have several very nice photographs that our editor took that day. The radio station turned out to broadcast the event. Those in Portland who were lucky enough to visit the square that day for the celebration were treated to a beautiful sunny day.