Toledoans nostalgic for a taste of the 1960s got it when Schlitz Beer re-launched its “Classic ’60s Formula” in December. For those still thirsty, the company is offering another flashback in the form of Cynthia “Cindy” Myers, its new spokeswoman for the retro beer. A Toledo native, Myers first gained prominence as Miss December 1968 for Playboy.

“This is just such a fun thing to do after all these years,” Myers said. “It is just the biggest kick I can think of.”

Myers said she is Schlitz’s official Gusto Girl, a public representative who promotes the beer brand. During the 1960s, she said, Schlitz boasted sales which dominated American beer sales. Now back in select markets after a lengthy hiatus, she said she was happy the company chose her as its icon given her association with the beer’s golden age.

“People have fond memories of Schlitz and my centerfold,” Myers said. “It is nice they paired us together.”

Signed to a two-year contract with Schlitz, Myers now promotes its brands in select markets, she said. Her first tour started June 15 and has taken her through Kansas City, St. Louis and Minneapolis so far. She said she is due in Grand Rapids, Mich., July 8.

A typical stop, she said, includes morning radio shows, lunch with local distributors and evening meet-and-greets which are invitation only. Schlitz fanatics could register for passes on the company’s Web site, www.schlitzgusto.com, she said.

Regardless of where she is, she said, she appreciates the response her appearances receive.

“My fans are fantastic,” she said. “They are so loyal.”

Now back with its classic brown glass bottle, Schlitz boasts “Things had better body back then … especially the beer,” Myers said. The phrase is a nod towards Myers’ Playboy shoots, with photos of her on the Schlitz Web site covering up skin. Besides receiving Miss December 1968, she was also voted No. 10 “Playmate of the Century” in a Playboy poll.

Cynthia Myers (center)

Those original photo shoots, Myers added, occurred in Toledo. Her now-famous 1968 layout was taken in front of the Toledo Art Museum and was titled “Wholly Toledo,” she said. She said she grew up in the city’s west side and attended Woodward High School. Despite her work with Playboy, she said, no one from the area ever judged her.

“The people of Toledo have good, Midwestern values,” Myers said. “I came from a really good, loving family. I never did anything I was uncomfortable with or that I didn’t feel was right.”

Though she is excited for more tour stops, Myers said she remains modest about her work. She said she is happy for a bit of nostalgia herself in undertaking her promotional trek.

“Every woman in Playboy has been a beautiful woman,” she said. “Whenever I am singled out for a project, I am humbled.”

This entry was posted on Friday, July 3rd, 2009 at 1:00 am and is filed under Arts and Life.
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