Old Log Cabin Whiskey Ad – Feb. 6, 1952

Earlier this week, my first post about the Wilson-Baldauf house noted that Ebenezer Wilson built a log cabin for his wife and and three children upon their arrival in what was then Black River Township, to serve as a home until he could build a permanent home.

Well, today’s post is about another log cabin – namely, the one featured in Old Log Cabin Whiskey ads, a favorite topic on this blog. National Distillers Products Corporation ran a lot of ads for Old Log Cabin in the pages of the Lorain Journal beginning in the late 1940s and continuing right into the late 1960s.

I’ve featured several ads in the late 1940s/early1950s series that had the clever theme: “There’s bourbon enjoyment inside.” Well, here’s another ad – a “lanky” – with a new theme: "Follow the Trail to Old Log Cabin.” It ran in the Lorain Journal back on February 6, 1952 – 70 years ago.

I like the dog sled graphic, which reinforces that whole, rugged “North Woods” appeal. It’s in sharp contrast with Kentucky Bourbon advertisements, which often had Kentucky Colonels, horses, etc. as their theme.

Modern advertisements lack the charm of these vintage ones, which required the consumers to use their imaginations.

This colorful cardboard sign (currently on eBay) provides a closer look at the Old Log Cabin label.