Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, South Carolina Division Photographs
Collection
Identifier: Mss-0273
The collection includes photographic negatives and prints dating from 1919 -- 1970, and two articles, 1924 --1925, related to the company. The bulk of the collection ranges in date from the late 1920’s through the early 1950’s. The collection is arranged alphabetically by folder title, the titles being derived from the locations where the photographs were taken. The photographs mainly depict the Standard Oil plants and Esso gas stations in South Carolina and their employees. There are also photographs of a football game and the Senior Platoon at Clemson University in 1939, the construction of the Savannah River Plant in 1951 including views of Ellenton prior to its relocation, and other events in which the company participated.
John D. Rockefeller founded the Standard Oil Trust in the late 19th century. In 1882, two refining and marketing organizations were created — Standard Oil of New Jersey (Jersey Standard) and Standard Oil of New York (Socony). In 1911, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the dissolution of the organization resulting in the formation of thirty-two individual companies including the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey. This company was awarded the area of New Jersey, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In 1919, the Standard Oil Company acquired a 50% interest in the Humble Oil and Refining Company. The company expanded across the U. S. under the brand name of Esso. In 1972, the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey changed its name to the Exxon Corporation in the U.S. but remains Esso in other parts of the world.
0.45 Cubic Feet (consisting of 60 folders in 2 boxes including 2 articles, approximately 130 prints, and approximately 375 negatives.)
English
The Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, South Carolina Division maintained several bulk plants and numerous terminals and stations around the state. Photographs ranging from the early to mid 20th century depict the company’s plants and stations as well as their workers. The collection also includes photographs of the construction of the Savannah River Plant.
Fred Hayes York donated the collection, accession numbers 01-120, 01-137, and 01-142.
Stacie Newton processed the collection in 2004 by as part of the practicum requirement for History 790, Archival Administration and Techniques, through the University of South Carolina. The finding aid was entered in Archivists' Toolkit by Kristi Roberts in July 2010.
Part of the Clemson University Libraries Special Collections and Archives Repository