- Title: A Map of Historical Homes and Buildings throughout Texas
- Author: Humble Oil & Refining Company | E.M. "Buck" Schiwetz
- Date: 1957
- Condition: Excellent - small tears at folds expertly repaired
- Inches: 22 x 17 [Paper]
- Centimeters: 55.88 x 43.18 [Paper]
- Product ID: 308536
An engaging and detailed map of Texas, highlighting the sites of many of the state’s most renowned historic homes and landmarks, was issued by Humble Oil & Refining Company. Created in collaboration with the Texas Historic Foundation, this map pinpoints hundreds of significant historic residences and structures distributed across Texas. The cartographic artwork was rendered by E.M. “Buck” Schiwetz, a celebrated Texas artist, whose illustrations showcase the distinctive architectural heritages—spanning Spanish, German, and other influences—that characterize the state’s diverse built environment.
Background on Creator
Humble Oil and Refining Company was founded in 1911 in Humble, Texas, and quickly became a significant player in the American oil industry. By the 1940s, it had grown to be the largest domestic oil producer in the United States, holding this position for several decades. The company expanded its operations during World War II, contributing significantly to the war effort by increasing oil and gasoline production. In 1919, Standard Oil of New Jersey (now ExxonMobil) acquired a 50% stake in Humble, eventually gaining full ownership by 1959. The Humble brand was used until 1973, when it was phased out in favor of the Exxon name.
Regarding printing and publications, Humble Oil was notable for producing a range of internal and external publications. These included periodicals such as The Humble Way, The Humble Bee, The Humble Sales Lubricator, and Farm Family. These publications served employees and customers, providing information and promoting the company’s products and culture. In the 1960s and early 1970s, Humble’s branding and printed materials—including product packaging, advertisements, and signage—featured the HUMBLE mark prominently, sometimes accompanied by the ESSO or ENCO trademarks depending on the geographic region. The company also issued invoices, promotional items, signage for service stations, and even 55-gallon drums branded with its logos.