Yes, it is highly unusual for the Chop to blog something outside Baltimore City, but as it happens today is Mama Chop’s birthday, so we’re going to play the role of dutiful son and drive out to the far suburbs, flowers and birthday card in hand, for dinner.

We’re in luck tonight too, because on the way we’re going to stop by the Bel Air branch of the Harford County Public Library to check out the awkwardly named Winds and Words of War poster exhibit.

One of 40 WWI posters on display at HCPL branches through May 31

W&WofW is a traveling exhibit of 40 WWI era posters which are archived at the San Antonio Public Library. Harford is one of only seven national stops on it’s tour. The collection is split between the Bel Air and Jarrettsville branches, and is available to view from now until May 31, Mon, Fri, Sat – 10am – 5pm and
Tue, Wed, Thu 1pm – 8pm.

In our opinion, the WWI & II era was the height of poster design, and each one we see is as fascinating as the last. The Chop once had a chance to view a collection of original War Shipping Administration posters from both world wars similar to this one, and we were absolutely blown over. Looking at these posters is like looking through a window back into history. When we watch Mad Men, this is what really comes to mind. Hell, they almost make us want to go to war today. That’s how powerful they can be.

1942 WWII War Shipping Administration poster from USMMA.

This post is taking forever to write, thanks to google images. If we could spend all day looking at these posters, we certainly would. If you’re not up for a drive to the far suburbs, you can waste your whole day looking at posters online here, here, and here.

We might also pop into Harford County’s best bar Sean Bolan’s for a pint or three after dinner.