USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Springfield > Springfield old and new. Tercentenary souvenir, 1636-1936 > Part 3
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SPRINGFIELD
Old and New . . 1636-1936
The Pioneers had a Brave and Stalwart Following
BY ERNEST NEWTON BAGG
MILES MORGAN STATUE IN COURT SQUARE
Shrewd and purposeful Pioneers were the discoverers, Pynchon and Cable, in selecting for the site of future Spring- field the fertile valley of the famous "Greate River" near its confluence with the Agawam. They displayed not only courage but a profound sagacity in making choice of the best possible as well as safest and yet most accessible abiding- place for the settlers to immediately follow. And shortly after Pynchon's group, arrived the brave seeker after the New World's best fighting chances- alert and always armed Miles Morgan. See him standing, to this very day, stalwart and watchful sentinel of Springfield's City Hall, and all it implies. Skilled in defensive marksmanship, even though un- able to make in Morgans' case, more than the crudest of marks with the pen! All, nevertheless, men of mark, indeed.
There were probably not over three hundred tribal Indians in this region when the original "Agawam" settlement, close to the mouth of Block Brook on the west side, was made. This carliest housing, was held but a single scason, be- cause of danger from floods. The first white men were immediately joined by ten others on a "street" practically cor- responding with present-day Main Street between the railroad arch and State Street. May 16th, 1636, twelve settlers received allotments of the plantation lands. The region was all supposed to be in the same jurisdiction with Windsor, Hartford and Wethersfield, Connecticut Plantation. Up to 1641, when the name of the town was changed, to "Spring- field" the settlement was "Agawam." The assessed cost of that brave little house in the lonely Agawan: meadows,-the first house ever built by white settlers in Massachusetts was put at six pounds, defrayed out of the public charge, and approved by the Pynchons, John Cable and John Woodcock. Even then there was a public complaint about the taxes.
SPRINGFIELD Old and New
1636-1936
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YOURE GROS
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SPRINGFIELD OF THE PAST
Top: The Old Toll Bridge, erected in 1816, taken from the West Springfield side, extreme right shows the Myrick Building. Bottom: The east side of Main Street from East Court Street.
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SPRINGFIELD
Old and New 1636-1936
Ten Former Mayors of Springfield, Massachusetts
HON. CALEB RICE 1792-1873 Springfields' First Mayor, 1852-1853
Williams College, Class of 1814 ;- Mass. Legislature, 1821 to 1830 ;---- Chairman of Hampden County's First Board of Commissioners ;- Inspector Fourth Division Mass. Volunteer Militia; High Sheriff of Hampden, 1831 to 1851.
An Unusual Group of Nine Former Mayors of Springfield
Left to Right: Edward II. LATHROP, 1910-1912; Francke W. DICKINSON, 1905-1906: Lewis J. POWERS, 1879-1880; William E. SANDERSON, 1907- 1909: Judge John A. DENISON. 1913-1914; Dwight O. GILMORE. 1899; William P. IIAYES, 1900-1901; Edmund P. KENDRICK, 1893-1894; Newrie D. WINTER, 1896.
Appropriate for the Tercentenary of Springfield is this group of nine former mayors of Springfield, taken during the in- cumbency of Judge Denison who stands in the center. A decided touch of Winter is given by the presence of the gentleman at the extreme right, the father of former Mayor Dwight R. Winter. The picture was taken in 1914, on the terrace in front of the Administration building, which makes it the more historically interesting. Each one made history for Springfield; and represent sixteen of the busy and im- portant years of the city's prosperous growth.
SPRINGFIELD Old and New
1636-1936
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS
November 18, 1935.
"Springfield Old and New"'
Springfield, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
It is indeed a pleasure and an honor to
serve as Mayor of the city of Springfield on the occasion of the observance and celebration of the City's Tercentenary Anniversary.
I extend greetings and best wishes to the citizens and industries of Springfield and surround- ing towns and cities.
Sincerely yours,
Mayor.
HENRY MARTENS, MAYOR OF SPRINGFIELD
Mayor Henry Martens, was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1879, the son of Charles and Matilda Martens. The family came to this country when the son was only a year old, first settling in Westfield where the father was a cigarmaker.
The family later moved to West Springfield. After a grammar school education, which included attendance at the okl Elm Street School in this city, Mr. Martens learned the cigarmaker's trade at the C. C. Margerum & Co. factory in this city. Ile was employed for many years in the Whitcomb cigar factory.
For six years, Inter on. he was associated with his brother in law. E. A. Byron, in the undertaking business. He has more recently engaged in the florist business.
lle was married 29 years ago to Miss Eva Byron and they have two children. Miss Rhea Martens, widely known as a dancer and Carl Martens.
lle began his public career in 1912 when he was elected to the Common Council as a Republican from Ward 6. Ile was re- turned in 1913 and 1914 and was elected to the Aldermen in 1915, serving through 1917. Ile then dropped out of politics for a decade but was elected as alderman again in 1928. Ile bas served continuonsly since and in 1930 was president of the board.
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SPRINGFIELD
Old and New . 1636-1936
Program
of the Celebration of the 300th Anniversary of the Settlement of the City of Springfield, Massachusetts, organized a Town, May 14, 1636, a City, May 25, 1852.
To inaugurate the FOURTH CENTURY of SPRINGFIELD'S PROGRESS
the following official activities have been scheduled for 1936
May 13
Pre-Celebration Dinner
May 14 Anniversary Exercises, Municipal Auditorium
May 15 School Day
May 16 Old Home Day
May 17 Church Day Medical Day May 18.
May 19, 20, 21
300th Anniversary Pageant
May 28. Dedication-Johnny Appleseed Memorial at Stebbins Park
Other activities to be announced later afford a series of interesting events climaxing-
September 20-26
. 20th Anniversary Eastern States Exposition
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Acrial Photos and Engravings for the book by Phoenix Engraving Co., Springfield, Mass. THE HEART OF SPRINGFIELD
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Old and New .. . 1636-1936
SPRINGFIELD
SPRINGFIELD Old and New . . 1636-1936
Conventions planned to be held in Springfield during the 300th Anniversary Celebration
May 13
NEW ENGLAND CREDIT BUREAUS Local : George B. Allan, 276 Bridge St. Hotel Headquarters: Kimball
May 28-29-30 SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS, NATIONAL Local: Dr. I. R. Calkins, 299 Central St.
June 4-5-6
DEMOCRATIC STATE PRE-PRIMARY CONVENTION Chairman : Joseph McGrath, Hotel Bellevue, Boston Treasurer : Miss Sadie Mulrone, 1215 Main St., City Meetings: Municipal Auditorium Hotel Headquarters: Kimball
June 8-9-10
MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SOCIETY Local : Dr. Allen G. Rice, 33 School St. Meetings and Exhibit : Municipal Auditorium
June 12-13-14
UNITED SPANISH WAR VETERANS, MASS. ENCAMPMENT Local : T. F. Sullivan, 403 Orange St. Meetings : State Armory, Howard St.
June 12-13-14 UNITED SPANISH WAR VETERANS, Ladies Auxiliary Meetings: Municipal Auditorium
June 12-13-14
SONS OF VETERANS, UNITED SPANISH WAR VETERANS Local: T. F. Sullivan, 403 Orange St. Meetings: Mahogany Room, Municipal Auditorium
June 12-13-14 MILITARY ORDER OF THE SERPENT, UNITED SPANISH VETERANS, MASS. ENCAMPMENT Local: T. F. Sullivan, 403 Orange St.
WAR
SPRINGFIELD Old and New . 1636-1936
June 18-19-20
REPUBLICAN STATE PRE-PRIMARY CONVENTION Exec. Sec. : Charles Nichols, 11 Beacon St., Boston Chairman : Frank B. Hall, 27 May St., Worcester Committee : George A. Bacon, Esquire, 31 Elm St., City Richard S. Bellows, Esquire, 1387 Main St., City Mrs. Hazel Oliver, 85 Westford Ave., City Meetings: Municipal Auditorium Hotel Headquarters: Kimball
June 21 MASSACHUSETTS DEPT. RESERVE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION President : Colonel Howard E. Emerson 12 Pearl St., Boston, Mass. Hotel Headquarters: Kimball
June 22-23-24
RESERVE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION OF THE U. S. Local: Dr. C. F. Pooler, 146 Chestnut St. Hotel Headquarters: Kimball
June 25-26-27
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY, MASS. DEPARTMENT Secretary : Miss Anna M. Maleady 159 State House, Boston, Mass. Meetings: Municipal Auditorium Hotel Headquarters: Kimball
August 19-20-21-22 AMERICAN LEGION, MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT (Delegates) Local: Colonel B. A. Franklin, Chairman 95 State St. Meetings: Municipal Auditorium
August 19-20-21-22 AMERICAN LEGION, MASSACHUSETTS DEPT. (Others)
August 27-28
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONVENTION BUREAUS Secretary : Joseph S. Turner, Convention Bureau, Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati, Ohio
Sept. 8-9-10
MASSACHUSETTS STATE FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION Secretary : Daniel J. Looney 1137 Old South Building, Boston, Mass. Meetings : Municipal Auditorium
Sept. 12-13
CANADIAN LEGION, BRITISH EMPIRE SERVICE LEAGUE Local : E. B. Greenwood, 120 Hillside Ave. West Springfield, Mass.
Sept. 18-19-20
CREDIT UNION LEAGUE OF MASSACHUSETTS Local: W. D. Fessenden United Electric Light Co., 73 State St.
SPRINGFIELD Old and New . . 1636-1936
THE SPRINGFIELD HOSPITAL
Aerial Photos and Engravings for the book by Phoenix Engraving Co., Springfield, Mass.
SPRINGFIELD
Old and New . 1636-1936
Eastern States Exposition observes its Twentieth Anniversary this year SEPTEMBER 20 TO 26 INCLUSIVE Its program will be last week of Springfield Tercentenary
Few contributions of greater importance have been made to Springfield's civic life than the es- tablishment of the. Eastern States Exposition, an agricultural and industrial exhibition devoted to the interests of the North Atlantic States. Here, annually, the third week in September, are brought together the leading livestock herds of the United States and Canada, famous show horse stables, state exhibits, examples of boys' and girls' work, displays of every type of industrial and commercial activity, products of home, field, farm and orchard, and the finest features of the entertainment world.
The annual fall exhibitions were begun in 1916, when the plant was dedicated with the National Dairy Show, and with the exception of 1918, when land and buildings were used by the Government for war purposes, have been continued since with increasing success. The Exposition attracts an attendance of 300,000 yearly-a discriminating audience drawn from every section of the country. This year, from September 20 to 26 inclusive, the Exposition in observing its twentieth anniversary, closes the Springfield Tercentenary program.
From its beginnings, the Exposition has been fortunate in its leadership and has adhered to a fixed policy of steady and substantial progress, rather than spectacular growth. Few changes have been made in officers or operating personnel. Joshua L. Brooks of Springfield has served continuously as president, and associated with him as trustees have been men who have carved their own high places in Spring- field's community development.
All New England has taken a keen interest in this Exposition. Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts have contributed materially by erecting permanent buildings on the Avenue of States in which to display their varied resources. Through the generosity of Mrs. James J. Storrow of Boston, Storrowton, a village of thirteen colonial structures, removed from their original sites and re-erected on the Exposition grounds, perpetuates for all time the best of carly New England architecture. Buildings for boys' and girls' work and activities of the Hampden County League have been provided by Horace A. Moses. In addition, the Exposition group comprises a Coliseum seating 5000 people, Industrial Arts Building with three acres of exhibition floor space, cattle and horse barns with stalling capacity for 1500 head, poultry building, numerous smaller exhibition structures and grandstand and bleachers with seating capacity of 7500, facing a half mile track.
Today, the Exposition plant covers 175 acres, consists of thirteen permanent brick, steel and con- crete structures, thirty other buildings, and represents an investment of $3,000,000. Area of improved buildings is 447,441 square feet, giving the Exposition approximately 1014 acres of exhibition space in permanent structures.
The total attendance from 1916 to 1935 inclusive has reached 4,766,225.
Character of its officers and trustees, financial stability, interest of cooperating agencies, strategic location, and ideal facilities for both exhibitor and public, have made the Eastern States Exposition of increasing usefulness and influence with each passing year. By common consent it has come to be re- garded as "America's Premier Exposition."
SPRINGFIELD
Old and New . . 1636-1936
1791020
AERIAL PHOTOS PHOENIK ENGRAVING CO. MASS.
SPRINGFIELD
Aerial view of Eastern States Exposition Grounds and Site of First Settlement, Three Hundred Years Ago and Route · of both of Washington's Trips thru this section.
OSOJOSE
SPRINGFIELD Old and New . . 1636-1936
Modern Springfield Is Proud of its 300 Years of History
MAJOR FREDERICK J. HILLMAN Executive Vice President . . Springfield Chamber of Commerce
Busy, growing manufacturing industries, in great variety; merchan- dising establishments of metropolitan character successfully catering to a trading population of some 700,000; superior transportation facilities providing easy entrance and exit; strong financial institutions-commercial banks, savings banks, cooperative banks, the Federal Land Bank and Farm Credit Administration, insurance companies-the most important financial center save one in the Commonwealth; metropolis of Western New England, midway between Boston and New York,-in a word is the story of Spring- field's business development in 300 years.
Tasteful homes; splendid hotels; famed public schools; superior private schools and colleges; active, prosperous churches; a magnificent public library with 6 branches, 442,000 volumes, annual circulation over 2,500,000; classic art museum, natural history museum, museum of fine arts, and the William Pynchon Memorial Building, housing inspiring art and historical collections-are merely suggestive of the life and culture of the community.
Ample parks; public golf links; other facilities for recreation on land and water; the great municipal auditorium; beautiful theatres; exclusive clubs-are indicative of recreational and social activities.
Rich in tradition, proud of its 300 years of history, jealous of its culture, Springfield combines New England dignity with the modern tempo.
The Springfield Chamber of Commerce, an organization of public- spirited, civic-minded citizens, is constantly engaged in a well rounded program for the promotion and preservation of the industry, commerce, culture and ideals which are the foundation of Springfield's history and the promise of its future development.
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SPRINGFIELD
Old and New . . 1636-1936
MAJOR FREDERICK J. HILLMAN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT SPRINGFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
"The Springfield Chamber of Commerce, an organization of public- spirited civic-minded citizens, is constantly engaged in a well rounded . program for the promotion and preservation of the industry, commerce, culture and ideals which are the foundation of Springfield's history and the promise of its future development."
Major Hillman
SPRINGFIELD
Old and New . . 1636-1936
The Joseph Wait Masonic "Parting Stone" Federal Square, Armory Hill
Thousands entering Springfield from the direction of Boston, during the past 170 years have been attracted to examine New England's most unique and picturesque wayside monument. It is the oldest out-door Masonic highway road-sign in America, the "Joseph Wait Guide-stone", nearly opposite Walnut Street in State Street, marking an historic "parting of the ways" in 1763, where Wait, a visiting Brookfield traveler, nearly lost his life as well as his way in a blinding blizzard, missing the "Boston road" for that northward to Chicopee. Thankful for his escape, he caused that same year this elaborately- · carved red-stone "parting stone" as it was generally called to be placed where he and his exhausted horse emerged back to safety and shelter. The stone is said to have been cut to Wait's order from the bed of the Connecticut River by a stone cutter and fellow-Mason, Nathaniel Brewer, and came from shallows near Pynchons' "Warehouse Point." At that time the rescued way-farer was but 32 years old, and had not yet acquired the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army. He had lately been married to Miss Martha Stone of Petersham and was recorded as Captain of "Rangers" attached to the command of General Israel Putnam. Not until a dozen years later did Wait become distinguished as the gallant officer killed in battle near Lake George at the very outset of the Revolutionary War. His body was buried with highest honors and was later marked by an imposing tombstone in a special cemetery which is often visited at one of the Wait farms at North Clarendon, Vermont.
The cut of the marker, made the subject of a special article in Frank Leslies' Illustrated weekly, in January, 1875, and as appear in numerous views made by the Milton Bradley Company, Springfield, in various books and periodicals since, (up to about 1893!), give the familiar capital "G" with its square and compass, in accustomed position in the center of the elaborate carving, at the head of the flight of symbolic steps between two pillars. During some of the recent outbreaks of opposition to masonry, these centered and important symbols were neatly and skilfully chiseled off and left bare. Later photographs do not show the Wait stone as it was originally inscribed; nor does the original bottom line which gave the number of miles to Boston appear in these modern prints. The mileage, or lowest line of inscription has been covered by earth in successive re-settings of the marker, though not many feet from its placement 173 years ago. A clean job was accomplished by the vandals! The symbol of the sun stands for "Meridian Sun" Masonic lodge, chartered in 1753, of which both Joseph Wait and his younger brother Benjamin, also as late as 1786 a major general in the northern army, were members. The famous Waite tavern on Fishers Hill, Brookfield, was kept by Col. Wait's father John, who with all his several sons were active soldiers in the Revolution. Joseph and some of his brothers were frequent visitors in Springfield. The oft-reported "bullet-holes" in this Wait stone, were simply the pit-marks appearing in brown stone finished off by stone-cutting and long exposure. The Wait monument was not in range of the three sanguinary "volleys" from howitzers under orders from Gen. William Shepard, defending the Armory stores, January 25, 1787 from attack by the 1200 insurgents under Daniel Shays. In the "rebellion" not a single musket shot was fired, and no other military action was ever seen or heard of on Armory Hill!
The famous Wait "Parting Stone" is being carefully preserved by the Masonic Fraternity of Massa- chusetts. a venerable relic admired by hosts of travellers.
SPRINGFIELD Old and New . . 1636-1936
BOSTON ROAD This Store is Erected.
For The Bench! of stray Hers,
THE WAIT GUIDE STONE AT FEDERAL AND STATE STREETS
. The Boston Mile Stone which is adorned with Masonic emblems and was erected by Joseph Wait.
COURTESY F. A. BASSETTE CO
SPRINGFIELD
Old and New . 1636-1936
Tablet Commemorating Major John Pynchon Fort .
THIS PLATE COMMEMORATES THE BUILDING KNOWN AS THE OLD FORT ERECTED ON THIS SITE IN 1660 BY MAJOR JOHN PYNCHON SON OF WILLIAM PYNCHON LEADER OF THE FIRST SETTLERS OF SPRINGFIELD
The Bronze Descriptive Tablet which was placed on the Bowles Building by its former owners, the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Co., marking the site of the original William Pynchon Fortified llouse. Tablet mysteriously disappeared when building was renovated ten years ngo.
SPRINGFIELD
Old and New . 1636-1936
ERNEST NEWTON BAGG
Author of history in "Springfield Old and New" Anniversary Book
Ernest Newton Bagg was born in West Springfield, Mass., the son of James Newton Bagg and Mary Sears Bagg. Mr. Bagg studied music at the New England Conservatory of Music. He is a Music Critic and writes for many publications and newspapers throughout the country.
Three Hundredth Anniversary Committee, Springfield, Mass.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Adrian L. Potter, Chairman Dwight R. Winter, Vice Chairman
Mayor Henry Martens, Ex-oficio
William F. Adams Dr. Alfred M. Glickman
Herman Isenburg
Rev. David Nelson Beach John E. Gorey
Edward H. Marsh
Victor N. Bengle Walter Guenther
Joseph Onorato
Rev. George S. L. Connor
William C. Hayes
Mrs. George S. Sabin
Patrick J. Courtney
Eliphalet T. Tifft
President Board of Aldermen President Common Council
COURTESY F. A. BASSETTE CO. THE OLD TOLL BRIDGE ONCE STOOD WHERE THE NEW MEMORIAL BRIDGE IS TODAY
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1636-1936
Old and New
SPRINGFIELD
SPRINGFIELD
Old and New 1636-1936
HARRY H. LANE CO., Inc.
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HARRY H. I ANE
DONALD R. LANE
Harry H. Lane, Treasurer of the Company, commenced his business life in 1897 as a salesman for the A. T. Fairbanks Confectionery Company, traveling in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut.
Thirty-seven years ago he started in the wholesale confectionery business for himself, on Lyman Street just above Chestnut Street, taking Edward S. Sheldon as a partner, under the name of Sheldon & Lane.
When Mr. F. C. Hatch, formerly of Perkins & Hatch, built a block on Lyman Street, they moved to this location, occupying the entire second floor. Several years later they combined with the Springfield Confectionery Company, and incorporated under the name of The Royal Candy Company, and occupied space in the block at the corner of Dwight and Hillman Streets, until they purchased a four-story block on Essex Street. Here they carried on a manufacturing business and employed about sixty persons, and remained in this location until the business and block were sold several years later.
Soon after this, Mr. Lane started in business again under his own name, and continued in this way until he incorporated the business in 1933. At this time he took his son, Donald R. Lane who had been traveling for him for the last four years, into the business as one of the officers.
The Company carries one of the largest and most complete lines of confectionery and fountain supplies of any company in Western Massachusetts. They have six salesmen who cover territory bounded approximately by Hartford, Connecticut on the south; Becket and Shelburne Falls on the west; Montpelier, Vermont in the north; and by Athol and Brook- field in the east.
Mr. Lane is one of the oldest jobbers in Massachusetts in point of service.
anl ,CO ERAJ H YAMAH
SPRINGFIELD
Old and New . 1636-1936
HAMPDIA HOUSE.
BUILDINGS OF DAYS GONE BY
Top: The Old Hampden House once located where the Stillman Department Store now stands on Main Street, near Court Square. Bottom: The Old Aaron Day House built in 1754. oldest standing residence in this section, located in West Springfield.
Bottom picture Icaned by courtesy Springfield Chamber of Commerce
SPRINGFIELD Old and New .. 1636-1936
Standard Oil of New York
Division of SOCONY-VACUUM OIL COMPANY, INCORPORATED
The Standard Oil of New York, division of Socony-Vacuum Oil Company, Inc., plays an impor- tant part in the industrial activities of Springfield and vicinity. It has branch offices and plants located at North Adams, Greenfield, Pittsfield, Great Barrington, Westfield, Northampton and Palmer. Its familiar Flying Red Horse trade-mark helps to guide motorists to its hundreds of retail outlets.
This company has been operating in Springfield for the past forty-six years. Its first tank (80 barrel capacity) was erected in 1890 for the storage of kerosene oil used chiefly for lighting; and for many years the product was hauled to Springfield by railroad-first, in barrels and later in tank cars. Today, kero- sene, gasoline and fuel oil are received thru 90 miles of pipe line from Providence, R. I., and the company dispenses petroleum products of all kinds.
Standard Oil Company and the Socony-Vacuum Oil Company, of which it is a part, have been leading factors in the petroleum business of the world for many years. The organization has its own producing fields and crude oil collecting systems and pipe lines in various sections, and its refineries are conveniently located in the United States and in foreign lands.
The vessels in which it transports crude oil and refined petroleum products constitute what is said to be the largest private navy in the world.
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One important activity and one in which the organization takes great pride is the research work which the organization carries on with the purpose of meeting and anticipating the ever advancing needs of industry.
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The organization's marketing activities cover all parts of the United States and nearly every country of the world. Its gasoline, Mobilgas, is today the largest selling gasoline in the United States and its motor oil, Mobiloil, is the largest selling motor oil in the world.
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