Mention the company name 'Exxon' to someone today and they most likely know it as
a huge oil and gas corporation (and the one responsible for the 1989 notorious oil spill in Alaska).
But fifty years ago, Exxon had just become the new name for Humble Oil and Refining Company, previously doing business around the country under various brand names including Humble, Esso and Enco. The huge ad above announcing the name change appeared in the Lorain Journal back on September 12, 1972.
In 1959, Humble had introduced its popular "Put A Tiger In Your Tank" ad campaign featuring a tiger mascot. He soon became the face of the company and was seen in countless ads.
But although the tiger was seen smiling in the 'name change' ad, he would soon be privately growling in displeasure. Exxon dropped him in favor of a real tiger in its advertising, and the cartoon tiger was caged and packed off to the retired animal ad mascot zoo.
However, he made a comeback in the 1990s when Exxon used him to sell food and beverages in its Tiger Mart convenient stores. Unfortunately this led to a legal battle with Kellogg's, who didn't like another cartoon tiger competing with Tony to sell food.
The case went all the way to the Supreme Court, but was eventually settled out of court – with both big cats purring.
