Blasts from the Past

Before the era of super highways and 65 mph speed limits, driving cross-country did take longer. However, it gave the driver and passengers the lovely opportunity of enjoying  America's roadside charms. One of these treasures was the Burma Shave Signs. 

From the 20s to the early 60s, these poetic signs dotted the asphalt landscape. Placed 20 to 30 yards apart, six signs when read in toto gave a unique advertising message. Sometimes the boards conveyed safe driving tips, but no matter what the message, the series always ended with "Burma-Shave".

The interstate highway system and increasing speed limits, rang the death knell for these amusing  billboards. Here are some of examples of the kitschy, nostalgic doggerel:

Every shaver/now can snore/six more minutes/ than before/ Burma-Shave

A peach/is fine/with lots of fuzz/But your face is no peach/and never was/Burma-Shave

Within this vale/of toil/and sin/your head grows bald/but not your chin/Burma-Shave

On curves ahead/remember Sonny/that rabbit's foot/didn't save/the bunny/Burma-Shave - as ever - BB

"Genuine poetry can communicate before it's understood." - T.S. Eliot