Apr 25, 2007

Smokey Bear Memorabilia Museum & Gift Shop serves up the legendBy Julie CarterRuidoso News

Smokey Bear is the longest running public service campaign in United States history. Capitan is home to the legend and the bear that started it.

Open seven days a week, the Smokey Bear Memorabilia Museum & Gift Shop offers a walk through more than 60 of Smokey Bear books, toys, clothing, posters and other items used to commemorate the icon.

Located next door to the Smokey Bear Historical Park, the small log cabin, built in 1960, is packed full of the things of yesterday’s Smokey.

While visitors are often disappointed, the memorabilia isn’t for sale, there are hundreds of Smokey Bear items that are for sale.

One of two store “curators,” Jeannette Gonzales-Carrillo said visitors from all over the world often browse the store for as much as 30 minutes before deciding on a souvenir to buy. She said the Beanie Smokey Bears are the most popular item.

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