Not many people know this story but we would like to thank the American Oil and Gas Historical Society for bringing all of this information under one roof at AOGHS.org
New York City’s Judgemagazine included its first cartoon drawn by Theodore Seuss Geisel – who would develop his skills as “Dr. Seuss†while working for the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey.
In the 1928 cartoon that launched his career in drawing, Geisel drew a peculiar dragon trying to dodge Flit, a popular bug spray of the day.
“Quick, Henry, the Flit!†soon became a common catchphrase nationwide. Flit was one of Standard Oil of New Jersey’s many consumer products derived from petroleum.
Throughout the Great Depression hundreds of Geisel’s fanciful critters populated Standard Oil advertisements, providing him much-need income. Ad campaigns included cartoon creatures for Esso gasolines, lubricating oils, and Esso marine Oil and Greases. He later acknowledged that this experience, “taught me conciseness and how to marry pictures with words.†Learn more in Seuss I am, an Oilman.
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