History

Jim Van Meter

Smokey Bear Association History

The goal of the club is “to find, collect and preserve memorabilia and share information concerning our country’s number one fire prevention symbol, Smokey Bear.”

Founded in 1995

The Smokey Bear Association, formerly the Hot Foot Teddy Collectors Association (HFTCA) was founded in 1995 by retired fire captain specialist, Jim Van Meter of California.

First Newsletter

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Debuting on July 1, 1995, the first issue of the Hot Foot Teddy Collectors Association newsletter was an attempt at providing “a formal method of reaching lovers of Smokey Bear across the country.”

The club was first referred to as the SBCA: Smokey Bear Collectors Association. It was changed to the Hot Foot Teddy Collectors Association in the March 1997 News.

Logo

The Hot Foot Teddy Collectors Association logo, a bear cub with bandaged paws sitting beside a charred tree stump, was unveiled in 1997. This was drawn by the late member-artist Rudolph Wendelin, “caretaker” of Smokey Bear. That same year, the club hosted its first national convention, attracting over 80 members.

Name Change

On August 16, 2012 by a majority vote of the membership, the name of the Association was changed to the Smokey Bear Association.

HFTCA Hall of Fame for Convention Perfect Attendance

This member has attended every convention from 1997 to 2012.
Robert Rouse

Almost-Perfect Attendance

The below named have missed only one convention:

Adam & Carolyn Ramos (missed Georgia)

Jim & Nancy Shaffer (missed Sacramento)

Frank & Deanne Winer (missed Las Vegas)

Virginia Horton (missed Columbus)