Old Oil Stocks – in progress “C”
Warning: Old Oil Stocks – in progress “C” research probably will not lead you to lost riches – see Not a Millionaire from Old Oil Stock. This American Oil & Gas Historical Society’s information page depends on your support.
AOGHS continues to look into forum queries as part of its energy education mission. Some investigations have revealed little-known stories like Buffalo Bill’s Shoshone Oil Company; many others have found questionable dealings during booms and epidemics of “black gold” fever like Arctic Explorer turns Oil Promoter.
Visit the Stock Certificate Q & A Forum and view company updates regularly added to the A-to-Z listing at Is my Old Oil Stock worth Anything? AOGHS will continue to look into forum queries, including these “in progress.”
California-Alaska Petroleum Company
California-Alaska Petroleum Company (1922), Hesperian Petroleum Company (1904), Anglo-American Oil & Coal Company (1907), Watermobile Corporation of America (1917), Clayton Oil Company (1921) all appear to have been short-lived ventures in which seaman-turned-entrepreneur (Captain) Edward J. Rathbone played significant roles, including president and field drilling superintendent. Lewis & Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1895) has a brief biography and photo of Rathbone. To find more about Hesperian Petroleum Company, check with Seattle libraries for references to E.J. Rathbone’s numerous business ventures.
California Commercial Refining Company
In 1924 Oil News reported California Commercial Refining Company was organized with $3 million capitalization to increase the capacity of their refinery to 25,000 barrels daily. The company’s refinery, sited near North San Pedro at Rioco, increased its production by almost 237,000 gallons of gasoline in 1925 – but the company came under fire for failing to pay excise taxes to California. By 1929 bankruptcy led to sale of the refinery to Champion Gasoline Company, Ltd. By 1931, ownership of the Rioco refinery had passed to Richfield Oil Company. California’s first commercial refinery processed oil from the First California Oil Well in 1880. (more…)
