One of the most unique
advertising promotions in history was created by Oscar Mayer in the
1930's to promote his company. He created a character called
"Little Oscar," then sent out real-life impersonators of
this character, who travelled across country in a microbus shaped like
a giant hot dog in a bun.
These Weinermobiles became a
recognized part of the American landscape for more than 40 years. The
most famous "Little Oscar" chef was portrayed by George
Molchan. He and the other Oscars rode their Weinermobiles from town to
town, they were seen in parades and in supermarket parking lots, and
they visited hospitals and foster homes.
During the 1950's and 60's, the
Weinermobiles reached their peak of popularity, handing out more than
five million "weiner whistles" to the people they met.
Today the Weinermobile still
roams the US doing promotions and capturing peoples attention where
ever it travels.