Smokey Bear Slept Here

Yes, Smokey Bear slept here in September of 1992. Well, actually, Smokey's creator Rudy Wendelin slept here. Artist Rudy Wendelin helped conceive and draw the US Forest Service mascot and spokesman for 40 years. He took Smokey from a bear cub to an animated protector of the US Forests. Mr. Wendelin was born in 1910 and died in 2000, but in 1992, he slept at Clearwater Lodge. He left us this little drawing in the guest book of the room he stayed in.

It says....

Thanks to Clearwater Lodge

.....and all my forest fire

preventing friends!

Smokey

by Rudolph Wendelin

9-9-92 who slept here