That Little Voice

Burma-Shave. I had never heard of the

I had never heard of the once popular shaving foam until 1955 when our family embarked on a two-week road trip from west Texas to the California coast on iconic U.S. Hwy. 66.

In fact, I had no idea we were on Hwy. 66, nor did I know that particular highway was considered ‘iconic.’ I only knew the adventure was going to be exciting, at least for this 13-year-old whose world traveling encompassed several trips from Texas to Oklahoma.

Our family of five along with my 80-something, hardof-hearing Grandmother, filled our hours singing, playing Zit, and watching the landscape and temperatures change from flatlands to mountains and cool weather to desert heat.

Boredom, lots of bathroom stops, cheese and cracker snacks, and much teenage arguments were the highlights of our travels as we inched our way westward, with not much excitement …UNTIL…we saw our first sign on the side of the road.

The Place to Pass

On Curves You Know

Is only at a Beauty Show

Burma-Shave

Another…

No Use Knowing

How to Pick ‘em

If Your Half-Shaved

Whiskers Stick ‘em.

Burma Shave

And more...

Forest Fires Start From Scratch

Careful

Where You Throw

That Match

Burma-Shave

They kept popping up.

To Steal a Kiss

He Had the Knack But Lacked the Cheek

But Lacked the Cheek

To Get One Back

Burma-Shave

Brother Speeders

Lets Rehearse

All Together

“Good Morning, Nurse”

Burma Shave

Within This Vale

Of Toil

And Sin

Your Head Grows Bald

But Not Your Chin

Burma-Shave

Angels

Who Guard You

When You Drive

Usually

Retire at 65

Burma-Shave

These boredom breakers kept showing up, keeping us alert, and begging for more.

The O’dell family began the business in the 1920s, but it didn’t prosper until one of the sons came up with the idea of putting up rhyme signs on highways. Scoffed by most, he persuaded his dad to try a few, and soon, the manufacturing firm had two businesses: making shaving cream and making signs.

The small firm had made it big, dotting the highway landscapes with Burma Shave rhymes, and entertaining drivers and their passengers on the long and often lonely roads.

My recollections of that magical trip are highlighted with clever lyrics promoting a product and bringing chuckles to travelers.

Thanks Burma-Shave for the memories!