Sunday, August 9 — National Book Lovers Day

Some things become famous because of what they are. Others become famous because of what they come to represent.

Today, we begin with Betty Boop, whose first appearance was very different from the character most people recognize today. Then we revisit Jesse Owens’ fourth gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where an athletic achievement became something much larger. Finally, we meet Smokey Bear, the forest-fire symbol that started as a public message before becoming connected to a real bear.

We also celebrate the birthday of Sam Elliott, whose unmistakable voice became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable sounds.

History is full of characters, people, and symbols that grow beyond their original purpose.

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