Monday, June 17, 2024

Esmond Dairy Day at Cedar Point Ad – June 18, 1954

Well, school's finally out – and families can start planning their summer fun, which might include a day at Cedar Point.

Seventy years ago this month, Esmond Dairy was celebrating its own day at Cedar Point on Saturday, June 19, 1954. Above is the ad that ran in the Lorain Journal the day before.

First, a little about Esmond Dairy. According to the Sandusky History blog, "Esmond Dairy was begun by Elmer Otto in 1907, and was incorporated in 1920. After starting on Washington Street, the company moved to the 1600 block of Campbell Street by 1919. Delivery trucks operated by the Esmond Dairy improved greatly as technology advanced. Esmond Dairy continued operating in Sandusky into the 1970's."
There's a lot going on in the ad and something for everyone. Apparently Esmond Dairy was sponsoring an appearance by the Corona Family High Wire Act. Here's some vintage footage of the fearless family to give you a great idea of what the crowd saw that day.
Cedar Point was also introducing a brand new Kiddieland area with 55 rides.

For Esmond Dairy Day attendees, there was a Huckleberry Pie Eating Contest. I guess it was anticipated to be a messy affair. (Follow this link to an NPR article about '8 Epic Eating Contests in American History.")
There was also a chance for three people to win Esmond Quality Chekd Ice Cream for one whole year, and an opportunity to win a cocker spaniel (a promotion that would be considered a dog of an idea today). 

Back in 1954, the Cedar Point Causeway hadn't opened yet. Thus the ad notes, "Fast, Frequent Ferries Leave Sandusky Every 20 Minutes."

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

That .07¢ ticket price is a super bargain.It would be the equivalent of about .85¢ in today's world.But the way things are and the way all the companies want to gouge everyone so they can still get their fat profits,it would probably cost more like $5.00.Capitalism at work my friends.You can still have all the fun you want,it will just cost you an arm and a leg.