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Original 1946 USO fundraising poster featuring a smiling U.S. Army soldier and Navy sailor beneath the familiar USO sign, with the patriotic message:
“Keep it up… Don’t let them down!”
This is an original period poster — not a modern reproduction.
The artwork is signed Hayden Hayden in the upper right corner. Hayden Hayden was the professional name used by illustrator Howard Crosby Renwick, a prolific commercial artist who produced several posters for the USO as well as advertising and magazine illustration.
This particular design can be documented to the USO's 1946 fundraising campaign. Contemporary reporting described the campaign as an effort to continue USO services for American military personnel overseas, veterans in hospitals, and young servicemen in training through 1947.
The poster has wonderful period graphics, with vivid red, white and blue USO signage above the two smiling servicemen. It is an especially appealing piece of post-WWII American military, USO and patriotic memorabilia.
Details
- Original vintage USO poster
- Date: 1946
- Artist: Hayden Hayden (Howard Crosby Renwick)
- Slogan: “Keep it up… Don’t let them down!”
- Approximately 20 x 14 inches
- Printed on lightweight cardboard/poster board
- Unframed
- Original period piece — not a reproduction
Condition
Good vintage condition with visible age and handling wear. There is wear along the edges and corners, including small creases/bends and areas of surface loss. The upper left corner has noticeable staining/discoloration. Additional light spotting, toning and surface wear are present. Despite the age-related wear, the illustration and colors display very nicely.
Please examine the photographs closely, as they are an important part of the condition description.
Because this poster is printed on lightweight cardboard/poster board, it cannot be rolled and will be carefully packaged for safe shipment.
From the Chuck Olson Collection, assembled over more than 40 years and specializing in original vintage calendar art, advertising, prints and ephemera.
