Acknowledgements

There are over a hundred books that refer to the early days of the petroleum industry and thousands of letters, documents, newspaper articles, and the like. However, until some 15 years ago much of the history of the very early years with which we are concerned was based on hearsay, legend, and recollections long after the happenings themselves.

This article is based on some 35 books, and on all material available in the Archives of Baker Library relative to Bissell, Brewer and the two Crosbys.

We have relied most heavily on the four books and certain of the articles of Paul H. Giddens, Professor of History and Political Science at Allegheny College and Curator of the Drake Well Memorial Park and Museum. Professor Giddens is the indisputable historical authority on the initial and early history of the industry, and his four books published in 1938, 1941, 1947 and 1948 have been the means of bringing the beginnings of the industry into clear focus.

Paul E. Allen '26 wrote an article in 1934 in the "Forgotten Dartmouth Men" series, entitled The Father of Petroleum: GeorgeHenry Bissell. The present story of the conception of the petroleum industry, in view of the rich field of material and writing since available, is an elaboration and an extension of his article.