Blair Cedar and Novelty Works in Camdenton, Mo. is the world leader in the production of cedar souvenirs and novelties.

The company began in 1930 as a one man operation when the late Mr. John H. Blair, after using hand tools to make cedar tables and chairs for his cafe, began turning out small souvenir items which he sold in the cafe.

Mr. Blair came to this area to supervise the construction of the area's new major highways in the days when the Lake of the Ozarks was in it's infancy.

Without his realizing it, Mr. Blair's hobby of making salt and pepper shakers was to grow into a factory which would become the heartbeat of the new community. It's first employees were the owner, his wife and sons.

Cedar novelties continued to sell, and following W.W.II, the hotel was sold and full time was given to the business of making salt and pepper shakers along with other souvenirs.

Because of the scarcity of gasoline during the war, a mail order business was introduced. The slogan, "From the log to you" and the name Blair Cedar became known in surrounding areas.

Because of the it's distinctive aroma, Blair's labeled their product "Cedaroma" - a name that became and remains the company's trademark.

By the late forties, the business had been moved to it's current  location. The younger sons whose job once had been to sit on the posts while their father carved cedar products, now were involved in specific jobs throughout the plant.

Over the years,  sales have increased. Today,  five salesmen travel all over the United States selling novelties.  Items are exhibited at gift shows throughout the nation.  Salt and pepper shakers, ash trays and banks are among the top sellers.

The latest techniques in sawing,  sanding,  shaping,  drilling and spraying are used. Cedar is heated in a dry kiln to 150 degrees fahrenheit and takes from three to ten days to dry.  Much research went into developing a  special lacquer for spraying the cedar. 

Souvenir stamping originally was hand written by Mrs. Blair, but now is accomplished by rubber stamping.  Designs have advanced from hand printing to printer's  press to silk screening. As in the beginning, products are still designed by the sales and production force.