Your Highway ABC Book

The A-Zs of automobile indoctrination.

This absurd bit of oil industry propaganda disguised as a children’s book was written by Jay H. Williams and published by the National Highway Users Conference in 1935. The lobbying group was organized by the President of General Motors, Alfred Sloan, three years earlier to promote the economic interests of automotive and related businesses during the Great Depression.

Its priorities are shamelessly laid out in this alphabet book, which highlights the myriad of ways that motor vehicles contribute to society. It starts in a lighthearted tone, with the Apples and Asparagus that are ‘transported quickly and cheaply to you’ by truck. By the end, the mood becomes more alarmed.

“Y stands for YOU – not for three other guys! You’re needed to FIGHT – not to merely stand by! Unless all the users of highways “get wise”, Your cheap transportation will dwindle and die!”

“Z stands for Zero – that’s what YOU will get, Unless you protect motor cars from restriction. This Progress in Transport – the Country’s best bet – Will serve you for years – IF YOU’LL VOTE WITH CONVICTION.”

The back cover presents an amusing advertisement for Standard Oil of Indiana that encourages the reader to apply for free copies at any Standard service station.