Standard Oil Collectibles

In California’s Silicon Valley, the key to a successful startup is what’s known as an “unfair competitive advantage.” In this case, the word “unfair” is meant to be positive, but back in 1870, when John D. Rockefeller co-founded the Standard Oil Company in Cleveland, Ohio, “unfair” simply meant “unfair.” For Standard Oil, its unfair competitive advantage came courtesy of the sweetheart-deal shipping rates it enjoyed from numerous railroads....Continue Reading