Burma-Shave for a Greyhound Generation!
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Burma-Shave for a Greyhound Generation! |
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We just LOVE BurmaShave signs! BurmaShave was a shaving cream company that began an unusual advertising campaign in 1925 using little painted wooden signs stretched out along the roadside. They became an American icon over the years, entertaining generations of travelers. They advertised the product, encouraged people to drive safely, and showed a humorous creativity that is rarely seen today. Eventually their time passed, giving way to interstates, higher speed driving, and 'the technology of the future'. By the late 60's they were gone, but not before making an impression on the hearts of generations. |
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The photo at left is courtesy of the Henry Ford Museum website. They have a set of signs, as does the Smithsonian. People love BurmaShave so much that there are LOTS of websites...but sadly very few actual pictures. Each sign would appear in order, one at a time down the roadside. There were usually four or five, and the last sign was always "BurmaShave". Typically they rhymed and had a humorous 'catch' at the end. Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn MI |
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The First Burma-Shave jingle, displayed in production factory. Photo circa 1950's, courtesy of "The Power of Advertising", Eisner Museum |
An example where the jingles carried over into print advertisements, circa 1950's. |
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(Sorry Netscape users...the effect below may not work on some versions.) |
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| We've designed the new website theme around my mother's recreation of the BurmaShave logo that ended each little verse. We think the themes of two-lane roads and a slower time fit our adoption group perfectly. As the new website builds, you'll begin seeing little roadsigns popping up. Our signs, of course, will end with Greyhound Crossroads. | Over the months to come, watch this page for information about a very special contest! You TOO can be a part of the fun! In the meantime, slow down while you're traveling through life to enjoy the finer things. Hug your dogs, stop to admire a field of flowers, and remember the days when getting there was half the fun. With a greyhound in the car, that's still true! |
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The full story can be found at these excellent websites: http://grantmcl.tripod.com/burmashave.html http://www.outwestnewspaper.com/burmashave.html |
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Home Page | Hounds at the Crossroads | Road to Adoption | Crossroads Clubhouse | Postcards from Home | Member Roadtrips | Rainbow Bridge | Help at the Crossroads | Trading Post | Contact Us Page Manager: Kim Owens, Greyhound Crossroads Director
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