Founded in 1912 as Standard Oil of New Jersey after the breakup of the larger Standard Oil corporation, Esso gas stations were found all over the Northeastern United States and parts of the South starting in the 1930s. In 1972, most were re-branded Exxon. These cute little mascots are a reminder of the company's early days serving the motoring public.
The sweatshirt is great, but the image on the website needs to be updated. A short sleeved shirt is shown and I think that led to confusion with my initial order.