Maybe it was Tom Peterson knocking on our TV screen, Les Schwab promising free beef with a set of tires (looking back, that was such an oddball tie-in), or those ridiculously catchy jingles that somehow still live rent-free in our heads decades later (Merry Christmas, From Payless).
I’ve always had a soft spot for digging up these little pieces of Oregon’s past, and once you start watching old commercial compilations on those nostalgic YouTube feeds, it’s damn near impossible to stop.
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So I did you all a solid and rounded up 20 vintage Oregon TV ads from the 1960s through the 2000s that are guaranteed to stir up a few memories, a few laughs, and maybe even a sudden urge to buy a water heater.
1. Les Schwab Free Beef! (1989)
Nothing goes together quite like new tires and beef.
2. Tom Peterson (before it was Gloria’s Too) (1983)
Morbid fact: Kurt Cobain died while wearing a classic Tom Peterson wristwatch.
3. Tom Peterson (and Gloria’s Too!) (1990’s)
We want to hear from people who actually got the free trademark haircut, because “free is a very good price”.
4. Eugene Wunderland Arcade (1980’s)
I miss spending hours loading nickels into those machines and walking away with a cheap, plastic keychain.
5. Henry Weinhard (1960’s)
Henry’s Private Reserve was my go-to for years.
6. Outrageous Audio (2006)
I don’t know about you, but these old commercials DID NOT make me want to buy a car stereo here. Quite the opposite, actually.
7. Shoji’s, Capitol Highway (1984)
White 1980’s Americans attempting to use chopsticks.
8. The Organ Grinder (1980’s)
This one is deeply steeped in vintage Portland nostalgia.
9. Cub Foods (1988)
Melons being unceremoniously chucked into water.
10. George Morlan Plumbing (1988)
The water heater king!
11. “Bulls vs. Blazers”, EA Sports (1992)
Available for Sega Genesis and Super NES, this is a long-forgotten game from such a great era.
12. Merry Christmas From Payless (1986)
Almost 40 years later, this annoying jingle is STILL stuck in my head. I sing it to the kids every Christmas.
13. Thomason Ford (1988)
I’m not sure what happened to Scott Thomason, but the rumor mill abounds. “If You Don’t Come See Me Today, I Can’t Save You Any Money.”
14. Friendly Chevrolet, Lake Oswego (1977)
A brand new Nova with AM Radio, only $4295.
15. Ramblin’ Rod for Beaverton Toyota (1981)
16. Ramblin’ Rod’s 25th Anniversary, KPTV (1989)
I’m still miffed my mom wouldn’t let me be on the show.
17. Craig Walker on 62 KGW (Early 1980’s)
“Did you hear what Craig said this morning?” Stumptown’s #1 Morning Man.
18. KGON (1982)
Before 92.3’s rock was “classic” it was just rock. (Yes, I feel old.)
19. Stereo Super Stores, Mall 205 (1980’s)
Rad. Just rad.
20. Portland Wrestling Intro (1987)
Rowdy Roddy Piper…may you rest in peace with Tom Peterson and Ramblin’ Rod Anders.
Funny how a 30-second commercial can bring back memories you didn’t even realize you’d forgotten. One minute you’re watching an old Oregon TV ad, and the next you’re back in your childhood living room, sitting in front of a bulky television, with a jingle stuck in your head that you haven’t heard in 30 years. These commercials might have been trying to sell us tires, furniture, or just about anything else, but somewhere along the way, they became little pieces of Oregon history. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from digging through these old gems, it’s that some of the best memories come from the most unexpected places. So, which commercial took you back? And more importantly, which one did I miss?
