Talk:Esso

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Logo history

The infobox states this logo has been in use since 1965. This can't be, as it can already be seen on this photo of Kennedy's inauguration parade in 1961. The German article de:Deutsch-Amerikanische Petroleum Gesellschaft has this undated evolution of the Esso logo. The first one with the hand-written Esso logo with a swash is already in use on this German photo dated "c. 1932-1935", whereas the German article's talkpage claims the brand name Esso wasn't introduced in Germany until 1938. All of which leaves it a mystery when they changed it from the circle to the oval. Maybe in 1934 in the US, when looking at this English article's infobox? As for the logo reading "STANDARD", that brand name was introduced in Germany in June 1931. In any case, I'd be interested in dates for all the logos on the German logo evolution image. --2003:DA:CF2E:4557:10FE:A05F:264:ECF8 (talk) 15:43, 6 October 2024 (UTC)

etymology of "Esso" being Eastern States

I can't find any actual source from the company which states this is the case. Exxon only state its the phonetic pronounciation of S.O, and, the source cited is paywalled. I can't find any other definitive source confirming that's what it stands for.

I can't find any record of a company called Eastern States Standard Oil either, and Exxon claim ESSO was at first a fuel blend of the New Jersey Standard Oil company.

Furthermore, a quick Google search shows that there's two different acronyms - Eastern Seaboard or Eastern States. Neither make particular sense as no single company had ownership of oil rights in either.

Should the second (theorised) etymology be removed - I believe it's a folk etymology and without any solid evidence otherwise I think it's wise to treat it as such. ~2026-18219-89 (talk) 11:52, 23 March 2026 (UTC)