 Formed by Harry F. Sinclair in 1916, Sinclair Oil Corp. is one of the oldest continuous names in the oil industry.
More than 75 years ago, the company created a marketing icon whose popularity with children – and educational value – remains to this day.
Sinclair’s famous Brontosaurus trademark made its debut at Chicago’s 1934 “Century of Progress” World’s Fair. Known more correctly as Apatosaurus, the green giant and his accompanying cast of dinosaurs were a huge success. Sinclair’s “Dino” would become an enduring icon of successful marketing.
Ten million visitors marveled at Sinclair’s “Dinoland” exhibit –and Dino’s travels did not end when the fair closed in October 1965.
After being disassembled and configured for an extended road trip,Dino  began visiting shopping centers and other venues where  crowds of children were introduced to the wonders of prehistory, courtesy of Sinclair.
After traveling more 10,000 miles through 25 states and 38 major cities, Dino retired to Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas, about 50 miles southwest of Fort Worth. He can still be seen there today.
Kansas Corythosaurus 
The Historical Museum of Independence, Kansas, includes an Oil Room, celebrating Sinclair’s Mid-Continent oilfield production and refining heritage. The museum’s Old Post Office building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
On display at a nearby public park is Corythosaurus – one the dinosaurs from Sinclair’s “Dinoland” exhibit at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.
  
Learn more about the evolution of Sinclair's marketing symbol by visting the company's website.
-- From Vol. 6, No. 1, March 2009, Petroleum Age
 Support energy education. This historical society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Send a tax-deductible donation (federal tax ID 52-184-9282) to: AOGHS, 1201 15th Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005. |
