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to read more about the Presidents of the NCS |
At the end of 1946, Milton Caniff left "Terry and The Pirates"
to create the adventure strip "Steve Canyon," which
debuted in 243 newspapers to instant acclaim. The following May,
he became the first artist formally honored by the group as the
"Cartoonist of the Year." The trophy was a silver cigarette
box, engraved with Billy De Beck's "Barney Google and Snuffy
Smith" characters. The Billy De Beck Memorial Award continued
until 1953. The following year, the Reuben Award was introduced.
(For full details of the Reuben Award
history, click here.)
In 1948, Caniff was elected NCS President. Rube Goldberg was
named Honorary President and Al Capp became the second Cartoonist
of the Year. |
At a press preview for the 1948 NCS Exhibit in New York, several
cartoonists did their chalktalk routine: Milton Caniff, Gus Edson,
Ham Fisher, Alfred Andriola, Zack Mosley, Otto Soglow, Harry
Haenigsen, Fred Lasswell. Throughout the 12-day run, cartoonists
appeared daily. Proceeds from admission charges went to the Cancer
Fund, and chalktalks were later done for underprivileged children. |
