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I picked up a matchbook from the Johnson High Test Oil Company of Freeport Illinois...

Does anyone have any insight into the History of this Company and their products? Most notably their: "Jonsunite True Gasoline" and their HI-DUTY Motor Oil...

I found an image of a "rocker" that sold late last year on Ebay....





I noticed that Noah, also had a matchbook cover from the Company, For Sale the other day...


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Here is another matchbook, it is different color. 350286152754

Last edited by Gas sign guy; Thu Mar 28 2013 11:40 AM.

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Thanks Noah, I bought it... Also you might want to delete some of your PMs? You have "hit your limit"....


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I deleted some.


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Save everyone from having to search the e-Bay listing. Here's the matchbook Bob just bought:

Matchbook.JPG

Dave GILL,
Dave's Garage & Memorabilia, Inc.
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Bob
Johnson High test was in the 30's and later converted to Mobil
they were located in Freeport IL , just 40 west of us and we are in Belvidere, IL , out side of Rockford, IL
I have some of their items, the 5 gal. Rocker can, 1 gal flat can, a 24 inch Porcelain Curb sign with correct base and 20 x 21 inch Porcelain Flange sign. Have not seen any other items. I'm sure they didn't have many stations as Freeport was and still is a small city.
Wendell

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Wendell, would it be possible to see some photos of your Johnson items?

Any idea when the Company was acquired by Mobil?

For Johnson High Test to advertise that one could now buy their oil in "Tamper-proof cans" tells me that the matchbook covers are from around '32-'35...

From research I've done, it seems that most Oil Company's didn't advertise that their oil was being sold in sealed cans after '35.... As it had become 2nd nature for the consumer to look for sealed cans at their local station and/or garage...

Last edited by Bob Richards; Fri Mar 29 2013 07:50 PM. Reason: I didn't like my phrasing

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Bob
I sent you a Pm
Wendell

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That rocker is the one that I sold last year, after I upgraded the one I had.

They had at least 1 station, but I believe several, in Dubuque, Iowa. I'll dig up the photo or two that I have.

In addition to what Wendell has, I had a 5 lb Grease Can, a 5 Quart Can, and 1 or 2 different quart cans.


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Great info Nathan! I look forward to any images and info that you can/will share!!

I have a small "collection" of Johnson Oil/Brilliant Bronze items and it would be great to have info on a Company that was so close in name....


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Wendell has shared some of his images and they are terrific!









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I sold that flange to Wendall in 2004. It came from an antique dealer that bought it from someone that had found it on their farm in Dubuque, Iowa.

They found it in their horse field when they were walking through and saw the flange part sticking up out of the dirt. Naturally they dug it up. I cleaned the heck out of it once i got it.

I've never seen another!


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Hi Bob,

I just found some historical pictures with my great grandpa, Guy Lomax and his gas station in Forreston, Illinois. It mentions Johnson High Test Oil, and I believe my great uncle Charlie and/or Harold Johnson owned it or at least sold it.

Did you find anything out about the matchbook?

I have a picture of the article in the paper about it if you are interested. Email me at jodimiley@gmail.com.

Jodi


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