This name eventually became one of the biggest private companies in America. Wood River Oil and Refining Company acquired the Rock Island refinery near Duncan, Oklahoma in 1946 and took the Rock Island name for itself. A young Charles Koch joined the company in 1961, became president by 1966, and took over as chairman the following year — the company was renamed Koch Industries in 1968.
Printed on a soft, broken-in cotton twill cap with deliberate distressing built in from day one. Unstructured, low-profile construction with a curved visor, self-fabric hideaway strap, and metal D-ring for an adjustable fit. Each hat carries slight natural variation in distress and color, so no two wear in exactly the same way. Spot clean with warm water and dish soap; a soft-bristled brush handles the stubborn spots.
The Rock Island name shows up attached to more than one independent oil company across the 20th century — Oklahoma, Texas, and Indiana all had their own — but the Duncan, Oklahoma operation is the one with the biggest afterlife, quietly becoming the foundation of a company most people have heard of without knowing where the name started.
The perfect gift for petroliana collectors, classic car enthusiasts, business history buffs, garage and man-cave decorators, and anyone who likes a good origin story.
The Faded Label Co. — keeping the golden age of American roadside art alive, one product at a time.
