Although the ad depicts a "friendly man of Ashland Oil" handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, Lorain didn't have an actual service station that sold Ashland branded gasoline to customers. Instead, there was a bulk station at 3600 Broadway. (It was listed under "Oils and Lubricants" in the 1964 City Directory.)
Nevertheless, the 1962 ad has a pleasant, timeless nostalgic vibe, with its kids wearing elaborate homemade costumes (instead of a TV-inspired get-up like a Yogi Bear or Fred Flintstone mask, which we were wearing back then).
Of course, the cowboy outfit would be a no-no today, with the elaborate holster and guns. The witch might be a problem as well (might promote Satanism, you know). But the clown would be okay, as killer clowns are more popular than ever now.
Oddly enough, today's kids (at least the ones I saw at an early Halloween party setting) seem to be wearing customized outfits again, which is nice.
If you have kids, be sure to leave a comment as to what they'll be wearing when they go trick or treating this year.
