A Smarter-than-the-Average Investment – July 1973

For many years, the Journal published a page of business ads once a week under the banner, "Business & Industry Review" or something similar. It was some sort of package deal, with certain advertisers receiving a short, promotional article (often with a photo) masquerading as regular content of the newspaper. I've featured one or two of these pages over the years. They're fun to look at.

And here's another one (above) from the July 16, 1973 Journal. This one is of special interest to me because it includes a short article extolling the benefits of investing in a Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp - Resort franchise in Ohio. Of course, there's an ad (below) accompanying the article.

What's really interesting to me is that there was a Jellystone Park resort planned for my current town of Vermilion! As the article notes, "The first of the nationally developed camp-resorts will begin operation around April 1, 1974 along the Vermilion River.

"Heated swimming pools, a mini-golf course, large playground sites, markets, larger-than-life replicas of Yogi and his pals and outdoor sports are featured at the resorts.

"The Vermilion development of 50 acres will cost $500,000 to construct and will provide an abundance of return for investors who don't want to be left out in the woods.

"Vacationers can avoid boo-boos and phone ahead toll free to already rollicking camp resorts coast-to-coast at 800-558-2954."

I'm sure trying to convince investors to buy into this campground caper was no pic-a-nic. But today, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts are still thriving and growing. Hey-hey-hey! 

I've camped at Jellystone Parks all over Canada, as well as in Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Interestingly, the 1319 West Erie Avenue address for Recreational Investment Co. is today the home of the Council of Lorain County Veterans, the little building next to "Big V" park. 

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I did a whole post on the early days of Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts back here.