Thursday, January 26, 2017 • APG News A5

Aone-eyed icon Mr. Boh maintains renewed popularity, 80+ years after his birth By Lauren Finnegan APG News

Visitors to Baltimore who travel down I-95 or visit the Brewers Hill neigh- borhood of the city’s Southeast District might run into the famous one-eyed man who keeps a constant watch over the “land of pleasant living.” Known as Mr. Boh, the friendly face represents National Bohemi- an beer, affectionately called “Natty Boh” by locals. Since Oct. 21, 2004, a $175,000, 27-by-30-foot depiction of Mr. Boh, the Beer mascot, has sat atop the Natty Boh tower, an office building in the heart of the Brewers Hill revitalization area. The Mr. Boh character, which has been around since 1933, has recently pulled double duty as the mascot of National Bohemian and as the unofficial mascot of . Natty Boh was originally a product of the Gottleib-Baurenschmidt-Straus Brew- ing Company. It had a successful run from 1895 until the passage of the Prohibition Act of 1919, which put a stop to commercial brewing and to National Bohemian until the Hoffberger family came along in 1931. The Hoffbergers, a well-to-do Baltimore family, anticipated the repeal of the unpopular law, and by 1933 they were free to brew their newly acquired beer. With the re-launch of the brand came a new marketing campaign which featured the one and only Mr. Boh, created by company President Arthur Deute. With a top hat and a longer face, the first Mr. Boh differed a bit from the mascot Baltimoreans know today; it wasn’t until the 1950s that Boh’s appearance changed to the current depiction found today on merchandise throughout the state. Though Boh has gone through some changes, one thing about the mascot that PHOTO BY ELLIOTT PLACK/FLICKR has remained the same: his one eye. "Natty Boh" the National Bohemian mascot who winks at the city of Baltimore about once a minute has been watching over the city While no one knows the real story since his debut on top of the Natty Boh Tower in 2004. behind this odd detail, many have shared their opinions over the years. permanent tattoos, which have become Dawson Farber, the former Vice Presi- one of the most highly requested in the city. dent of Marketing for the National Brew- The National Brewing Company oper- ing Company, which owns Natural Bohe- ated until the late 1970s when it was mian, said in an interview with the purchased and its breweries were shut Baltimore City Paper, that he suspects Mr. down. National’s two most prominent Boh was drawn that way because the brands, National Bohemian Beer and Colt image was meant to be a profile view of the 45, were kept alive and are now brewed in character, while others have said that Wisconsin. National was trying to convey the message The complex, located in the Brewers that “it only takes one eye to pick a good Hill Historic District, was listed on the beer.” National Register of Historic Places in The reason for the missing eye that is 2002. most popular among Baltimore residents, Smyth Jewelers, a Maryland based however, is that “Gunther’s got it.” This jewelry store cemented Boh’s popularity saying was the slogan of the Gunther with Marylanders further when it released Brewing Company, which was located an ad entitled, “When Maryland gets directly across the street from National, engaged,” featuring the Utz Potato Chip and served as its top competitor for many mascot, Sallie Utz, accepting a marriage years. proposal from Mr. Boh, and four years later Mr. Boh was eventually taken off the staging a wedding for the two. The Natty Boh cans in the 1960s to make way billboard, depicting Mr. Boh on one knee for National’s “Land of pleasant living proposing to the Utz girl has been on a campaign,” and National was eventually billboard near the Jones Falls Expressway- taken over by a larger brewery operation North since 2007. which permanently moved it out of While there’s no telling if the newly- Baltimore. weds have a little “Boh” in the works, the While Natty Boh remained a popular mustachioed face of Mr. Boh doesn’t seem Baltimore beer, now under the Pabst to be going anywhere. No matter how long Brewing Company, it couldn’t be found on he continues to look down on the city of tap until the resurgence of the brand came Baltimore, Boh will always have a place in about, due to the175-foot winking Mr. Boh. Maryland history. The sign introduced the brand and the Sources: Brewershill.net; baltimore- mascot to a whole new generation of COURTESY PHOTO sun.com/entertainment/dining/bal-natty- Baltimoreans who were eager to wear Mr. This billboard, depicting Mr. Boh on one knee proposing to the Utz girl has been on a bill- boh031106-story.html; nationalbohemian- Boh merchandise and symbols, including board near the Jones Falls Expressway-North since 2007. .com. Cardio improves overall health, well being By Brandon Allen Army Wellness Center

In last week’s article we focused on the importance of movement and simple ways to become more active throughout the work day. This week we will be discussing the importance of cardiovascular exercise. Remember to consult your health care provider prior to engaging in or changing an exercise regimen because there are always risks associated with changes in activity. Regular cardiovascular exercise is important for your health, as it leads to a reduction in Coronary Artery Disease risk factors. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, and causes over 600,000 deaths each year. Simply adding cardiovascular exercise into your daily routine, can reduce your risk of heart disease risk by 30 to 40 percent, and even improves mental well being. Not to mention, it will be much easier to make it up flights of stairs without becoming winded. Tips to keep F-I-T-T The American College of Sports Medicine recom- mends150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week for the average healthy adult to maintain good health. Keep these tips in mind to stay F-I-T-T. •Frequency: 5x/ week •Intensity: Challenging enough to raise heart rate and cause a noticeable increase in breathing rate (but not so hard you are gasping for air). COURTESY PHOTO •Time: 30 minutes/day (Can do all 30 minutes at once large muscle groups: walking, cycling, aerobic classes, we will examine vigorous intensity physical activity or break up into 10 minute bouts) dancing, aqua aerobics, and/or swimming. closer in next week’s column. •Type: Rhythmic aerobic type exercises engaging After you get started with moderate intensity exercise