Hamm's Bear

If you were a child in Minnesota during the 1950s and 1960s, one of your early memories may be watching a black-and-white cartoon bear in the Hamm’s Beer television commercials. The Hamm’s bear became one of several iconic characters linked to well-known Minnesota products and legends. The popular and award-winning Hamm's commercials, part of the Land of Sky Blue Waters advertising campaign, featured the clumsy and appealing bear, a catchy jingle, and a drumbeat.

Photograph of a Minnesota Twins schedule advertising Hamm’s Beer

Minnesota Twins schedule advertising Hamm’s Beer

Tri-fold pocket schedule for the Minnesota Twins 1972 baseball season featuring an advertisement for Hamm's Beer and WCCO Radio, 1972.

Photograph of Hamm’s Brewing Company salt and pepper shakers

Hamm's Beer salt and pepper shakers

A pair of salt and pepper shakers modeled after the Hamm's bear, ca. 1970s.

Photograph of promotional paper bag with Hamm's bear

Hamm's Beer promotional paper bag

Hamm’s Beer promotional paper bag featuring the bear playing baseball, mid-to-late 1960s.

Hamm’s Beer float in St. Paul Winter Carnival Parade

Hamm’s Beer float with Hamm's bear and dogsled in the St. Paul Winter Carnival Parade, 1959.

Photograph of Hamm’s bear bank

Hamm’s bear bank

Hamm’s bear bank made by Red Wing Pottery, Red Wing, Minnesota, late 1950s.

Hamm's Beer float in St. Paul Winter Carnival Parade

St. Paul Winter Carnival Parade, 1958, featuring the Hamm’s Beer float “Golden Page in History.” The Hamm’s bear wears a coonskin cap. From the St. Paul Winter Carnival Photograph Collection, Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul.

Photograph of Hamm's Bear float in St. Paul Winter Carnival Parade

Hamm's Beer float in St. Paul Winter Carnival Parade

St. Paul Winter Carnival Parade, 1957, featuring the Hamm’s Beer float with the Hamm’s bear, squirrels, and duck. From the St. Paul Winter Carnival Photograph Collection, Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul.

Photograph of “Hamm’s Good Cheer” holiday promotional sign featuring the Hamm’s bear, little bear, and squirrel, mid-to-late 1950s.

Hamm's Beer promotional sign

“Hamm’s Good Cheer” holiday promotional sign featuring the Hamm’s bear, little bear, and squirrel, mid-to-late 1950s.

Photograph of Hamm’s Beer needle case

Hamm’s Beer needle case

Plastic needle case advertising Hamm's Beer, ca. 1950s.

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