Buster Brown at the 1904 World’s Fair: From the Funny Papers to Transforming Consumer Culture In-Person
At the St. Louis World’s Fair, cartoon celebrity Buster Brown became the spokesman for over 100 companies, including the Brown Shoe Company. Buster Brown’s transition from the funny pages to advertising trademarks gives insights into fundamental shifts in American consumer culture during its developmental years. Mostly remembered today as a children’s shoe logo, this presentation explores Buster Brown’s journey as a landmark comic strip character through his role in birthing today’s dominating consumer culture.
About the Presenter:
Kris Runberg Smith is a historian, professor emeritus, and museum professional. She earned her PhD in American Studies from Saint Louis University and degrees from the University of Idaho and Washington State University. She has worked in historical institutions, including the Missouri, Ohio, and Kansas historical societies along with the City Museum. As the Brown Shoe Company archivist, Kris researched the many transformations of Buster Brown, a cartoon celebrity lent his name to over 100 companies.