Crossroads Friends Worship Group

Why do they use the name Quaker?

Many of us have noticed that a number of businesses and institutions use the name "Quaker." 
We are attempting to contact such firms to ask how they happen to use the name,
anticipating that the history and explanation may be interesting.
If you are aware of such Quaker-named businesses,
send us the information, and we'll attempt to contact them as well.

I am a chemistry teacher here at Lansing Eastern High School finishing my thirteenth year of service.  The school's cornerstone shows the date 1929 (if I remember correctly).  Our location is 220 N. Pennsylvania Avenue.  The first year's graduating seniors produced a yearbook that they chose to call the Lantern from the words "LANsing easTERN."  They were an involved lot, with many, many groups and activities.  High intellectual challenge and achievement were espoused in the first yearbook.  They also seemed to think of themselves as quite witty.

The story I heard (I no longer recall the source) was that the Quaker nickname was associated with the Pennsylvania Avenue address.  I'm sure you get the connection.  For many of our current students, I'm afraid the connection is simply with the oatmeal box; however, a poll of one general ed class showed that several knew of the Pennsylvania Avenue/Pennsylvania (state)/Quaker connection; others mentioned the Quakers were members of a certain religious group; and another stated that "they don't fight."

Many of the faculty are also amused by the use of the nickname with the peaceful reputation (as opposed to Falcons, Warriors, Spartans, Wolverines, etc.).  I even have an old bumper sticker which bears a similarity to the famous Oatmeal Guy with the legend, "BELT 'EM, QUAKERS," which is just too ironic when one thinks about it.  I don't believe anyone thinks we are offending the Friends, and I don't believe that was the original intent.

If we are, indeed, offending then I for one would be interested in knowing.  I'm not sure that my voice would change things.  There was an attempt to change the actual name of the high school about a decade ago which met stiff resistance from alumni.  I would be interested in knowing firsthand from members of the Religious Society of Friends themselves whether offense was taken.

Sincerely,
...Rob Clegg...
Chemist/Teacher
Please note that the opinions expressed above are my own and not those
of the Lansing School District or any other staff or faculty.

No response at this time.  The company is a division of Pepsico, and uses a "Quaker man" logo:

 

Apparently a reference to Pennsylvania as the first oil-producing state. This is now a division of Shell Oil.  No response at this time.
 

No response at this time.

According to the website - www.quakerhillfarm.com/store.htm - there was a Quaker settlement in the area, and the geographic place name arises from that history.  The farm, founded in 1742, was part of this Quaker settlement. The description traces the "country store" to the plantation system in Virginia.  The website notes the farm and store are only 15 miles from Jefferson's Monticello.
 

No response at this time.

No response at this time.

A chain of restaurants, based in Florida, but present across the Midwest and adjoining areas, apparently featuring NASCAR and motorcycle themes.  The choice of name is apparently a play on Quaker State Oil (above).

No official response, but we note the "Now playing" listing on their website appears to be family movies.  Is this a coincidence?

Presumably a geographical name.  Firm produces software for model railroaders, and uses this logo:

No information at this time.

A venture capital business.  The name may simply be endemic in Philadelphia, and be regarded as geographical.

No information at this time.

No information at this time.

This is a hotel constructed in - not on the site of - the actual silos and buildings which were the initial base of Quaker Oats.  The rooms are reported round, and rather luxurious.  They use a Quaker Man logo.

No information at this time.  This is a Quaker area, but we don't know if the name is geographical or if the business was started by Quakers.  Apparently they manufacture automotive and related parts.

This seems to be a hat manufacturer.  A glance at their online catalogue did not reveal any Quaker broadbrims, however.  Again, it may be that almost anything in Philadelphia may sprout the Quaker name.

This company manufactures and markets a variety of wild game calls, such as deer, elk, etc.  Their "Quaker Boy" logo (below) looks a bit like a cartoon pilgrim.  We have inquired of them, but have not received a response yet.