JOSEPH KLEISER von KLEISHEIM

Joseph Kleiser von Kleisheim was born September 9, 1760 in Urach, Germany and died on May 5, 1860. Joseph married Josephine von Langen in May, 1796. Joseph Kleiser was the Kammerprasident (Finance Minister) of the First Duke von Furstenburg, whom he defended against the French Revolution and later against Napoleon. On July 18, 1796, Joseph was knighted and given a nobel Coat of Arms and christened "Hofrat Joseph Kleiser von Kleisheim in Heiligenberg. They had one one son, Karl Adolf von Kleiser born 1801 and died in 1878. Karl married Maria Kreszentia Salome Sabine Romona Werhart von Bernegg in 1822. Their grandson, August Alfred von Kleiser immigrated to Aerica where he settled in Martinsburg, Woodridefarm, Virginia. Alfred von Kleiser was a Captain and fought in the Civil War and is recorded in many U.S. historical books and documents, pictured on the left. He had one son named August Albert von Kleiser, who was born in Virginia in 1867 and later died in Texas in 1892. It is unknown if he married or had children.

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GRENVILLE KLEISER

Grenville Kleiser was born in 1868, in Toronto, Canada. He married to Elizabeth Thompson in 1894. Grenville died in August, 1935 in New York City. He was the author of a long list of inspirational books and guides to oratorical success and personal development. Among his titles were "Inspiration and Ideals", "Christ, the Master Speaker", "How to Succeed in Life" and "Taking God into Partnership".

In November 1933, Mr. Kleiser although admitting that an upturn in business was visible, preofessed himself so tired of the depression that he had to do somehting about it. Accordingly, he sent checks for one dollar to each of ten persons. Each check was enclosed a note reading "To Aid Business, this is a goodwill gift to help Buy Now Campaign" The ten recipients were, President and Mrs. franklin D. Roosevelt, Gen. Hugh S. Johnson, Henry Ford, the radio announcer and editor of the Evening Post and the Sun, both in New York and Passaic Herald News. "The last got a check because he always sent me a copy of the issue of paper in which a poem of mine appears said Mr. Kleiser.

LETTER from LORENTZ KLEISER - 3-21-1955

Writen to Oslo, Norway Kleiser's... 1930's

It was interesting to learn that you have been wanting to look up our Kleiser ancestors. Without effort on my part I have run into some of the descendants of my grandfather's two oldest brothers who came to this country when their father wanted to immigrate here. His wife refused to go aboard the ship when she first saw it, and he then sent the two oldest boys over, and with his wife and five children returned to Schwarzwald. Well you probably know the story. Of the descendants of the two boys who came here I know the one branch that finally settled in California having gone there during the 1849 gold rush.

One of the descendants GEORGE KLEISER I met one day when my tailor in New York made an appointment for me to try on a new suit, he asked me to be punctual for the appointment. When I arrived there he took me to one of the booths and told me to take my suit off and he would bring the new one. He returned shortly and asked me to step out of the booth, when I objected as I was in my underwear, he said "Oh come on out there is no one here", I stepped out and he pulled aside the curtain of the booth alongside of me and there was a man, also in his underwear. The tailor said Mr. Kleiser meet Mr. Kleiser and walked off. Well we became acquainted just as we were, in our underwear. He invited me to come and visit him in California after we had settled and he also was a descendant of great grandpa in Schwarzwald. Constance and I were out in California and visited with them later and met several of the family out there. George Kleiser proved to be quite a man. He started out as a dentist, but turned something that would make money for him while he slept, he told me. He built up the largest advertising firm in the country. Which he sold in 1952 for seven million dollars and then he promptly died.

A third generation of the other brother GRENVILLE KLEISER, was in New York when I was there, he and I were the only Kleiser's in the telephone book of eight million people. He and I also were the only Kleisers in Who's Who in America. He was a poet, lecturer and linguist. I was told several times that we look much alike, but somehow never did meet, though we had mutual friends.

There are some of uncle Karl Kleiser's, Ida's father and uncle Johan's descendants in Elgin, Ill., as you know, also in Philadelphia, PA.

A lady came in to see me in my studio in New York some years ago. She was the wife of a banker in the middle west. She was born a Kleiser and evidently well married. She asked me to come and see them but I forgot the husbands name. Also, during the depression 1932 a man came in to see me and introduced himself as a Kleiser, looked so much like my father that it shocked me. He had just come to this country and was short of money to go where he had been promised a job. He told me that there are hundreds of Kleiser's in Schwarzwald. I helped him but never heard from him again....

Lornetz Kleiser

LORENTZ KLEISER

Born 5-29-1879 in Elgin, Illinois of Norwegian descent and was taken to Norway as a child. he studied in Oslo, Munich and Paris before returning to the United States. He became an internationally known artist and designer in hand loomed tapestries. In 1913, Mr. Kleiser founded Edgewater Tapestry Looms, Inc. designing tapestries that now hang in permanent collection in museums across the country. He started a series of one man shows of paintings and tapestries in 1935 that were held from New York to Los Angeles.

The photo of the oil painting above is of the Norwegian-American Artist Lorentz Kleiser (1879-1963) currently an oil painting is still in possession by a family member, Oyvind Michelsen 2008, painted by his fellow student Gustav Stamnes at the Norwegian Art Academy about 1896.

Mr. Kleiser lectured at New York University and Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and in 1925 served on the Hoover Fine Arts Commission to France. He was a former President of the Arts-in-Trades Club in New York, a former vice-president of the Architectural League and an honorary Member of the American Institute of Architects and of Decorators.

Lorentz Kleiser's forefathers came from the Black Forest in Germany. His great grandfather, Augustine Kleiser was born in Schollach, Germany. He used to travel from Germany to Oslo selling clocks. Augustine's son Heinrich Kleiser later moved to Norway and started his own clock and watch wholesale business in 1836.

Lorentz Kleiser was a resident of Palos Verdes, California from 1936 - 41. He returned to New York City where he remained until his death in May, 1963. He is survived by his widow, Constance and his daughter Mrs. Miroslav Kafka.

JAMES ABRAM KLEISER a California Pioneer

History of the State of California and Biographical Record of Coast Counties, California by James Miller Guinn 577 (Chapman Publishing 1904 1500 pages)


It is but little less than half a century ago in 1859 that James A. Kleiser came to Sonoma Co. as one of its early pioneers. At that time Russian River Valley was a wild country with a few straggling settlements here and there, the present thriving town of Cloverdale being then a small hamlet containing a half dozen rude structures used as dwelling houses. Purchasing the site of the present village of which he was the founder, he was for many years its moving industrial spirit and to his sagacity and enterprise is largely due its present prosperous condition. In the various beneficial enterprises inaugurated for developing or advancing the interests of town or county, he has been prominent and active, assisting in their establishment by a judicious use of his advice, time and money. A son of George Kleiser, he was b. July 7, 1818 in Bourbon County, Ky. He comes of thrifty German ancestry, his paternal grandfather, Joseph Kleiser, a watch and clock maker by trade, having emigrated from the Fatherland to the US when a young man, taking up his residence in Virginia. George Kleiser was b. and reared in Va. He subsequently removed to Kentucky, where he married Elizabeth McLeod, a daughter of George McLeod. A carpenter by trade, Mr. Kleiser worked as a joiner and builder until his death in 1823, at the age of 46. His widow, with her 3 children, afterwards moved to Montgomery County, Indiana settling on a farm near the village of Waveland. The eldest of a family of 3, James A. Kleiser assisted his mother on the home farm during his earlier years, doing much of the pioneer labor of clearing a homestead from the dense wilderness. Having much natural mechanical ability, he became proficient as a carpenter without serving any special apprenticeship and on attaining his majority took the contract for building the first Presbyterian Church in Waveland, Ind. Subsequently settling in Lafayette, Ind, he was for a few years the leading contractor of that place, and erected several large buildings in that town. Turning his attention then to the Atlantic coast in order to make a study of the subject, visiting all the principal cities of the New England, middle and central states. In 1849, inspired by the glorious accounts form the golden region of the Pacific Coast, he, in partnership with Capt. William Winter, formed a small company to come to California. Each man putting in $300, five wagons were purchased, with a sufficient number of mules to draw them and Feb 22 the little band left Lafayette, driving to St. Louis, where a stock of provisions was laid in. In April 1849, the party left St. Joseph, Mo, being the first outfit to leave that city that year. At the foot of the Black Hills the party had to form a blockade of the wagons for protection against the Indians but no serious trouble was had with the Crow. Mr. Kleiser formed the friendship of Chief Red Cloud, of the Sioux tribes, who protected their band while in his country. The company disbanded before crossing the Sierra Nevada mountains at which time the property was divided and although each had put in only $300 the increased value of their goods was such that each man received $600 as his share. Mr. Kleiser purchased nearly all of the carpenter, blacksmith and harness-making tools, and he, with five others, continued the journey to Stockton and theirs were the first three wagons to enter the town, Aug 12, 1849. From there they went to the Mokelumne Hills, and for a time were successfully engaged in mining at Winters bar. With characteristic enterprise he started a trading post, going to Stockton, where he chartered a small schooner, which he loaded with provisions and mining supplies, buying at the wholesale houses in the city and from the vessels in the harbor. Returning to the hills, he had no trouble in disposing of his entire stock at a good price. At one time he was alcalde, and as such meted out impartial justice to whites and Indians. Disposing of his interests in that locality, Mr. Kleiser returned with his accumulations to Indiana in the Fall of 1850, and soon afterward purchased a farm of 200 acres in Lafayette where he lived as a farmer and money broker for two years. In the Spring of 1853, he and his former partner, Captain Winter, again crossed the plains with their families, coming to the coast with 200 head of cattle and locating on the Sacramento River August 20, 1853. Mr. Kleiser sent his part of the cattle to Humboldt Co. The following October he settled with his family in Arcata, Humboldt Co., but subsequently removed to Hoopa Valley, where he erected a flour mill costing $12,000 which he operated until 1858. Selling out his milling property, he traveled with his family through various parts of the state, visiting places of note, and being especially pleased with Russian River Balley determined to locate here permanently. Purchasing from Messrs. Markel & Miller 750 acres of land in July 1859, he moved here with his family the following September and has since been one of its most esteemed residents. Very soon afterward he surveyed 100 acres, which he later platted as a town site in 1861 sold the hotel which stood upon the place when he bought it and built a brick residence. Mr. Kleiser carried on an extensive business as a stock raiser and dealer for a number of years, and was also interested in mining pursuits, in 1862 mining on the Salmon River in Idaho and on John Day's River. He was one of the organizers of the Cloverdale Toll Road and took a contract for building that part of the road extending to the Geysers, and the branch extending to Clear Lake, and was practically owner of the roads which he built at a cost of $20,000 the subscribers failing to pay for their stock. As the road did not pay, the patronage not being sufficient to pay expenses, it was presented to the county. He was fortunate in his financial investment sin the John Day's river mining district, the 7-mile ditch and flume which he built at a cost of $9000 going in debt for the same, paying for itself in two years. In 1867, he built bridges for the Central Pacific RR on the Truckee River and in 1868 erected six miles of snow sheds for the company at the summit of the Sierra Nevada, inventing and using a machine for cutting and fitting the timbers. While building the bridges he fell a distance of 50 feet and was carried unconscious to the camp. Notwithstanding the fact that five ribs were broken he recovered rapidly. In 1871 he superintended the building of the RR from Healdsburg to Cloverdale, building all the stations and fences from Donahue landing to Cloverdale, and surveyed the RR form Fulton to Guerneville. He obtained all the rights of way free except one, and built the road to the satisfaction of all, besides making money out of the undertaking. He also superintended the location of the survey.
In more recent years, Mr. Kleiser had given his attention tot he care of his large ranch, having one of the finest olive orchards in this part of the county. It is within the town limits and he carries on a profitable business in the manufacture of olive oil and pickling the olives. He has also 7 or 8 acres of pasture land within the town limits. He has persistently declined all public office, but is a warm supporter of the principles of the Republican Party. Fraternally, he is a member of Curstis Lodge No. 140, F&AM of Cloverdale.
March 18, 1869, Mr. Kleiser married Elizabeth Unferfate, a native of Rochester, NY. 3 children have been born of their reunion, Goerge W, whose birth occurred June 25, 1874, is a resident of Portland, Ore; James Henry b. Jan 28, 1876 and Joseph Albert b. Aug 1, 1881 are dentists by profession and reside in San Francisco. All 3 sons were made Masons in the Cloverdale Lodge.

Picture of James A. Kleiser and family above in Cloverdale, Calif., taken about 1894. His wife, Lizzie Unferfate, is seated on his right. His sons are standing behind, George W. Kleiser (founder of FOSTER and KLEISER) by woman with baby. James H. Kleiser, Sr., is standing on your left as you look at the picture. Joseph Albert Kleiser is the boy seated. I (Harry Kleiser) do not know who the other people are. Earlier assumptions appear to have been incorrect. He says the young woman seated next to James A. Kleiser is probably a friend of the family from across the street. I do not know who the other people are. Will edit again as more info becomes available. I (Harry Kleiser) selected 1894 as a date because the boy appears to be about 13. If it be Joseph Albert, he was born in 1881.

RANDAL KLEISER

RANDAL KLEISER, born July 20, 1946 in Lebanon, PA. is an American film director and producer. Randal Kleiser has directed several feature films, including Grease (1978), Other features include The Blue Lagoon (1980) with Brooke Shields, Summer Lovers (1982) with Daryl Hannah, Grandview, U.S.A. (1984) with Jamie Lee Curtis, Flight of the Navigator (1986), featuring the first use of digital morphing in a film, Big Top Pee-wee (1988), White Fang (1991) and Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992).

In London, Kleiser directed the comedy Getting It Right (1989), starring Lynn Redgrave, Helena Bonham Carter, Jane Horrocks and Sir John Gielgud. In 1996, he wrote and directed It's My Party, starring Eric Roberts, Gregory Harrison, Lee Grant, Bruce Davison and Marlee Matlin. As a writer-producer, he was responsible for the surfing film North Shore (1987) for Universal Pictures. He also directed the thriller Shadow of Doubt (1998) with Melanie Griffith and Tom Berenger. Working in 70mm 3-D, he directed Honey, I Shrunk the Audience (1995) at the Disney Theme Parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Tokyo and Paris. His television films include The Boy in the Plastic Bubble (1976) with John Travolta, the Emmy-Award winning The Gathering (1977) and Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway (1976).

As a freshman at the University of Southern California, Kleiser appeared in George Lucas' first student film Freiheit. Kleiser's award winning Master's thesis film Peege launched his career. He has taught a graduation workshop at USC and Masters Directing Classes for European students at film festivals in Deuville and Sarlat, and Malaga. He serves as a judge on the Student Awards for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and as chairman of the Academic Subcommittee for the Directors Guild of America, he inaugurated a videoconferencing program to connect film classes with working directors. Working with the Graphics Lab at USC's Institute for Creative Technologies, he has co-invented a digital Cinerama-like process called Vistarama HD.

A longtime friend of George Lucas since film school at USC and Digital film avant, Randall Kleiser was the marshall force in planning, filming, and during two years of computer lab post-production of the original experimental movie musical shot on interactive virtual sets, entitled Red Riding Hood (2004). The work takes new ground for the High-definition community. The production is also notable for being among the lowest-ranked by Internet Movie Database users, who mainly comment that Red's cape is too short and she is wearing too much make up.
Kleiser's house was used in the film Scream 3. Kleiser was inducted into Radnor High School's Hall of Fame on October 20, 2006.

FOSTER and KLEISER - The History of Outdoor Advertising

Foster & Kleiser Outdoor Advertising was founded in 1901, Walter Foster and George William Kleiser were outdoor advertising's original pioneers and have been credited with propelling the industry from simple posters pasted onto any available surface to standardized structures that are uniform, attractive and often feature landscaping enhancements. Early innovations and the automobile brought immediate success for Foster & Kleiser. The prosperity lead to an aggressive expansion from the company's roots in the Pacific Northwest to outdoor plants in Los Angeles, San Francisco and eastward toward the Atlantic seaboard. In 1952 the company was sold to W.R. Grace Co. but retained it's name in the same year Karl Eller began working for Foster and Kleiser as a lease man. In 1959 the company was sold to Metropolitan Broadcasting but again continued with the F&K name. A division of Metropolitan Broadcasting called Metromedia eventually sold the Foster and Kleiser Division to Patrick Media Company. The name was changed to Patrick Media Group September 15th 1986. In 1995, Karl Eller and Partners acquired all assets of the 94 year-old Foster and Kleiser Company. The name was then changed from Patrick Media to Eller Media Co. In 1997, Eller Media Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications, one of the world's largest media companies. In 1997 Clear Channel acquired Universal Outdoor and combined the two companies giving the company over 88,000 displays and coverage in 33 major U.S. markets. In the same year Clear Channel acquired The More Group, a European based company operating in 25 countries. In July of 2001Eller Media Company officially changed its name to Clear Channel Outdoor signaling its commitment to the parent company's strategy to create a global brand. Since being owned by Clear Channel the outdoor division has added Spectacolor in Times Square, Donrey outdoor and continues to expand their international presence.

Clear Channel is committed to leadership in all media segments where the company participates. Clear Channel's strength as a media company and its success as a publicly traded stock translates into solid benefits for Clear Channel Outdoor. The future financial stability of Clear Channel is evident from its longevity and strategic acquisitions. Clear Channel is now the world's largest outdoor advertiser with over 800,000 out-of-home displays. Clear Channel is also a world media leader with 1225 radio in the United States and 240 radio stations international(1465 radio stations) in 300 markets, 37 television stations, over 900 international websites and the world's largest concert promoter. For current acquisitions visit our Press Releases section.
Clear Channel Outdoor has roots in the principals of Foster and Kleiser, guided by the spirit of Karl Eller and looks forward to it's bright future as the world leader of outdoor advertising.

Compiled by Joseph R. Blackstock1986 - Updated 1999; Updated 2005 (Tony Alwin)
FROM: Joseph R. Blackstock

SUBJECT: A CHRONOLOGY OF COMPANY HISTORY
It has been one hundred years since Walter Foster left the bicycle racing sporting life of San Francisco to begin selling outdoor advertising space for Thomas H.B. Varney in Oakland.
He met dentist George Kleiser a year later in 1898. The two young men became friends and were soon planning an outdoor advertising partnership which became the Foster and Kleiser Company.
The attached chronology notes some of the significant company events occurring since then. It includes years of operations by the founding Foster and Kleiser partners-and later owners-the W.R. Grace Co., Metromedia, Patrick Media, G.E. Capital, to the present Eller Media Company.
This historic time line, spanning the days of Walter Foster to Karl Eller a century later, was first compiled in 1986 and has been updated to the present era.


1871
Walter Foster born September 30 in Vallejo, California.
1874
George Kleiser born June 25 in Cloverdale, California.
1897
Walter Foster begins selling outdoor advertising for Thomas H. B. Varney in Oakland, Ca.
1898
Walter Foster and George Kleiser meet in San Francisco. They become friends and soon consider idea of outdoor business partnership.
1900
Total of 8,000 autos registered in United States.
1901
Foster and Kleiser open for business in Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington.
1902
Foster and Kleiser incorporated.
1903
Wright brothers make first airplane flight.
1904
Tacoma, Everett, Bellingham plants added to Pacific Northwest territory.
1905
New Portland office and operating facility opened at 5th & Everett Streets. New Seattle office and plant opens at 8th & Virginia St.
1906
San Francisco earthquake and fire.
1907
U.S. Population is 83,000,000
1908
First Model T Ford sold.
1909
There are now 400,000 autos registered in America.
1910
• First company motor vehicle purchased. A truck. • Enlarged Portland branch building opened at 7th & Everett.• George Kleiser begins campaign for national standardization of outdoor structures at Poster Advertising Association Convention.
1911
• George Kleiser elected President of Associated Billposters and Distributors Association.• Company displays first individualized AA lOx25 24 sheet poster structure in America.
1912
• Conversion of 'horse wagons' operating equipment to auto truck begins.• Foster and Kleiser acquires and operate Alhambra Theater in Seattle.
1913
Foster and Kleiser open new Columbia moving picture theater in Portland, Oregon.
1914
George Kleiser elected Vice President of Outdoor Advertising Association.
1915
Acquire J. Charles Green plants in San Francisco Establish new General Office headquarters there.
1916
Illuminated outdoor advertising service begins on Market Street in San Francisco.
1917
• Classic U.S. Tires "history book' I ' free form painted bulletins appear near historical landmarks featured.• Horticultural department formed. Landscaping of deluxe painted bulletins begins. Many have gardens park like settings.• F&K artists assist in forming camouflage unit for service in World War I military and civilian projects.• Company advertising facilities mobilized for war service recruiting, Liberty Bond sales rationing bulletins etc.
1918
Acquire Thomas H. B. Varney plants in Los Angeles and Oakland, Berkeley and Alameda. Oakland Branch opens at 13th & Webster. Los Angeles Branch begins at 230 S. San Pedro Street near Civic Center.
Post World War I Expansion
1919
• F&K service now covers six key markets in California, Oregon and Washington.• Company cited by President Wilson and US War Department for outstanding service during World War I.
1920
• LA Branch office and operating plant moved from San Pedro Street to 1550 W. Washington Blvd.• Preferred stock issue placed on market. Proceeds used to purchase additional facilities.
1921
Sacramento territory acquired from Caswell Co. and W.R. Funk.
1922
• San Francisco Branch and General Offices moved to new location at 1675 Eddy Street (at Pierce).• Purchase Long Beach facilities from H. B. Whited.
1923
• Special department formed to paint walls and do sign shop work. Named 'country department'.• Fresno territory acquired from Griffin Service and William G. Fahy Co.• First photo departments started in larger branches.
1924
• F&K acquires San Diego and Arizona territory from McClintock.• Short handle method of billposting begins ending long handle use.
1925
• New York sales office opened.• First 12x25 poster panels with three foot green bottom lattice installed. Dry brush, non wrinkle type posting in use. • Poster Advertising Association and Outdoor Advertising Associations merge. The two national trade organizations become Outdoor Advertising Association of America.



1926
• Foster and Kleiser now operating service in 600 cities and towns in California, Oregon, Washington and Arizona.• Now San Diego office/operating plant opened at Columbia & Juniper.
1927
• Chicago sales office established.• Begin zone system in setting up equalized poster showings and guaranteed net advertising circulation values in all markets.
1928
• Paint factory established in San Francisco. Will test and manufacture all bulletin colors.• Painted bulletin with triangular shaped moving sections provide three design copy changes for LaSalle cars.
1929
• Chicago sales office opened in Wrigley Building, Central Manufacturing plant opens in San Francisco. Will produce sections, lattice, moldings etc.• Traffic flow maps showing vehicular volume patterns in all major cities printed.
The Depression Times
1930
• George Kleiser elected President of OAAA (served five years)• First rotating painted bulletin service begins in Portland Branch.

• Foster and Kleiser "Garden Clubs of The Air" begin broadcasting on Sunday mornings over Don Lee Columbia Pacific Coast Network radio.• Oxydol poster designed by F&K artist Marshall Reid judged Best Poster of 1930 by Chicago Art Directors.
1931
F&K plays decisive role in forming O.A.I. national sales organization. Company extends complete recognition to general advertising agencies.
1932
• Pontiac poster designed by F&K artist Otis Shepard judged Best Poster of 1932 by Chicago Art Directors.• Live models on Paramount Pictures movie promotional bulletin creates traffic jams on Wilshire Blvd. Harpo Marx and Marlene Dietrich cause mob scene on night bulletin unveiled.
1933
• Country Department renamed "Special Paint Branch".• F&K leads formation of Traffic Audit Bureau. Factors and formulas for development of 12 and 18 hour counts tested in F&K territories.
1934
F&K painters change hourly Dow Jones averages figures on Montgomery street painted bulletin in San Francisco's financial district.
1935
• New streamlined 'art deco' painted bulletin structures introduced.• Monthly seasonal variation traffic counts begin in all branch cities.
1936
• First traffic origin study completed at 9th & Alameda, Los Angeles.• Recapitalization Plan for Company stock completed.• Special large scale models made for new San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge.
1937
New presentation rooms featuring large electrically spotted maps for illustration of poster showing coverage opened in major branch cities and New York/Chicago sales offices.
1938
• "Know The Values" merchandising booklets featuring authenticated market values for each poster showing first published.• Experimental 9 sheet pasting units first displayed in Los Angeles.
1939
F&K produced model of new San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge displayed at Worlds Fair in San Francisco.
1940
Company booklet, "Forty Years in Advertising" published.
World War II Activities
1941
F&K hosts OAAA Golden Anniversary Convention in Los Angeles.
1942
• Company World War II activities include recruiting, civilian defense and war bond promotions. Production of camouflage for civilian and military projects begin. Protective concealment of Boeing Aircraft Plant in Seattle is largest camouflage project ever completed in history of war.• War time coverage allotments in effect. Plans provides additional poster panels for each showing. • Lee DeForest, famed "Father of radio" aids company in developing device for turning off outdoor advertising illumination during air raid 'blackouts'.
1943
War activities expanded to include manufacturing of boxes and containers for Military shipments overseas. Adobe brick production also begins at military request.
1944
• Walter Foster died January 13th.• Time Magazine features Foster and Kleiser war effort activities.• New posting procedure applying paste on posters at the truck started.
1945
• Caladobe Department begins production and sale of adobe bricks for residential and commercial buildings.• At World War II end, 144 F&K employees in military service. Four were killed in war action. • LA Times "Headline" painted bulletin wins top national award for beat media promotion. Headline changed every day during World War II.

Post War Growth and Change
1946
• First issues of new employee publication, "Our News" appear.• "Blentone" process posters perfected. It features delicate blending of colors and tones.• "Ad Andy" adopted as F&K company trademark character.• Loewy poster panel adopted as new 24 sheet structure.• Results of F&K sponsored Sacramento Study researching outdoor advertising awareness published.• Power driven boom trucks developed to lift posting and paint section into position on location.
1947
• Gil Haynes becomes President. George Kleiser is Chairman of Board.• Industrial Painting and Decorating Division begins operation. First assignments include painting of Governor's Mansion in Sacramento.• Creative book titled "Poster Design" by Walter Warde distributed to clients, agencies and art schools. Copies in all libraries on West Coast.• Construction departments begin using motor driven mechanical post hole diggers.• Cyril Wright previews his new company sales presentation, "Case of The Reluctant Dollar."• Light aluminum posting scaffolding and stages produced for use on new Loewy panels• Caladobe adobe brick department sold to J.E.Dietrich in Fresno. • Reflective Scotchlite introduced as night embellishment for highway bulletins in Arizona and California.
1948
• New posting pick up trucks replace traditional closed panel vehicles.• Coloring book for children published. Featuring "Ad Andy in Outdoorland", it is distributed to schools and day nurseries throughout West Coast.• Public relations booklet "Messages For Millions" published.• Industrial paint departments commissioned to paint super sized murals for drive in movies throughout Los Angeles.
1949
• Three alarm fire destroys Oakland Branch operating area.• Loewy poster panels modified. New lighter stainless steel moldings replaces porcelain enamel materials.• IBM department established at General Office to centralize accounting procedures.
1950
• F&K creates 'teaser' painted bulletin campaign "Consult An Advertising Agency." Was cited favorably by American Assc. of Advertising Agencies membership.• Black Light painted bulletins combining fluorescent paint and ultraviolet light introduced.• New Company 35mn slide sales training presentation, "The Outdoor Story" released. 50th Anniversary & W.R. Grace Ownership
1951
• 50th Anniversary observed. Eleven branches, 30 operating bases, 1,500 employees, take part in celebration.• Company pictorial artists complete world's largest outdoor painting (1,575 sq. ft) for Howard Hughes movie.
1952
• George Kleiser dies November 30.• Company sold to W.R. Grace Co.• Seattle and Tacoma branches consolidated into single Seattle unit.• Karl Eller begins outdoor advertising career joining Company as lease man in Phoenix Branch.
1953
• Sahara bulletin features real swimming pool and live bathing beauties. Comedian Red Skelton leaps into pool to publicize opening of his act in Las Vegas. In the start of famed Sunset Strip entertainment bulletin displays.• Engineers test new Fiberglass moldings for poster panels.• Boom trucks utilized to move rotating paint sections, cutouts etc.
1954
• Jackman painted bulletin at Wilshire & Virgil, Los Angeles, features no molding format with cut out extensions.• Hydraulic elevators used in paint studios to facilitate painting at all levels.
1955
• Durable lightweight Fiberglass molding adopted for poster panels.• Sun reflecting "Dancing Discs" embellishment appear on Hamms beer bulletin in San Jose.• Gil Haynes retires. L.H. Odell becomes President.
1956
• New slimline fluorescent lighting tested and adopted for poster panels. First unit so lighted on Magnolia Ave. in Long Beach.• Foster and Kleiser featured on KGO TV program "Success Story" in San Francisco.• Extra size 30 sheet posters become popular. Extensively used this year.• "F&K Imprint", new company publication, published.• F&K hosts 59th Annual Convention of OAAA in Los Angeles.• Pabst illuminated revolving prisms first used as painted bulletin embellishment.
1957
• Front of Los Angeles Branch modernized with new steel porcelain enamel face. Has concrete lower exterior, translucent glass panels and the new round F&K logo.• Imperial Valley Yuma markets added to San Diego branch territory.• New Phoenix branch building opened.
1958
Imperial Valley Market facilities sold to Outdoor Lighting Inc.
1959
• W.R. Grace announces sale of Foster and Kleiser to Metropolitan Broadcasting Co. (12/11/59.• Neon embellished poster panels displayed in Los Angeles.• Detroit sales office established.• Operating departments develop and begin use of two way radio communication.Metromedia Era Begins F&K Goes National
1960
• A.C. Nielsen Study completed. Developed first reach and frequency figures for outdoor.• New Los Angeles paint studio opened.
1961
• Ross Barrett named President.• Single post unitized construction of Poster panels begins. Prefabricated panels are hoisted into place by boom truck.• LA Metro zones Coverage Plan announced (for 1962)• A.C. Nielsen Study completed in San Francisco and Oakland.• Pre pasting of posters in billrooms begins.• First printed bulletin displayed.
1962
• Phoenix and Fresno branch territories sold to Karl Eller then forming Eller Outdoor Advertising Co.• Long Beach Branch closed.• New San Diego and Seattle branch buildings completed.• San Joaquin Valley area facilities sold to Ryan. Indio Palm Springs area plant sold to Bob.Leonard.• Company facilities in Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara sold to Purcell.• First mobile panels used for merchandising and public relations.• First modern "multivision" painted bulletin displayed in Sacramento. Triangular sections permit display of three different designs on single unit.• IBM Computer system installed for all accounting operations.• A.C. Nielsen Study completed in Seattle.
1963
• San Diego North Interior Market sold.• Foster and Kleiser begins operation of Chicago and New York outdoor plants formerly owned by General Outdoor.
1964
• Second A.C. Nielsen Study conducted in Los Angeles Orange County Market. First to reveal complementary values of combined outdoor/television campaigns.• New Northern California Regional headquarters opened in Oakland.
1965
• Packer Outdoor facilities acquired in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and Salt Lake City.• F&K supports passage into law of Highway Beautification Act of 1965.• Study of Children's Outdoor Readership conducted by Poster Appraisal Service for F&K in Los Angeles and New York.• First aerial photographic study measuring and comparing freeway and surface street traffic volume takes place in Los Angeles.• New Chicago Regional office opened on Morgan Street.
1966
• Automated printing of IBM Verified Poster Location Lists begins. System provides instantaneous printing of location lists for all showings.• Alfred Politz Awareness Studies conducted in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.• New Regional Operating Center opened in Maspeth, New York.• A.C.Neilsen Study completed in New York.
1967
• Company's new motion picture, "Adman's Dilemma" released. The David Wolper production starred Jonathan Winters.• Public Exhibition of famous Ervine Metzel Collection posters held in major cities.• F&K publishes complete Outdoor Advertising Manual.
1968
• Los Angeles headquarters offices remodeled. Carpets, air conditioning, new furniture featured in the 250,000 square feet project.• Sheets from first 24sheet poster printed in America presented to F&K by Morgan Litho Co.• Financial Department and Order Processing Department moved from Sunset Metromedia offices to 1550 W. Washington Blvd headquarters.• Toledo branch sold to Stoner System.
1969
• People's Gallery, featuring triosk structures in regional shopping malls introduced.• A.C. Nielsen Study completed in Chicago.
1970
• Frank Lott named President and General Manager. California Regional Headquarters set up in Los Angeles.• Lease Departments renamed, Real Estate Departments.
1971
Oakland Branch bombed causing $750,000 damage to office. Weatherman antiwar group later admit attack was a mistake. The Army Officers Club one block west was intended target.
1972
• Middleton outdoor plant in Dallas Fort Worth purchased.• Acquisition of Houston Poster Advertising Co. made in Houston, Texas.• Sterling Outdoor facilities acquired in Houston.
1973
Billboard Control Measure defeated 62% to 3776 in Seattle, Washington.
1974
• Ross Barrett named Senior vice-president of Metromedia.• New F&K Houston, Texas office/plant opened.• Rotating paint programs shifted to 60 day rotation. This was change from 30 day rotating in most West Coast markets.• Big Los Angeles billroom fire. Fire doors prevent spread of flames to rest of branch office and studios.
1975
New Dallas/Fort Worth regional office and operating facility completed.
1976
• Acquire Tampa St.Petersburg, Florida outdoor facilities.• Northwest Region facilities in Portland and Seattle sold to Northwest Communications Inc.• Acquire Hansen Advertising Co. outdoor plant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.• Company motion picture, "Birth of A Notion" released.• Acquire Akron Canton Ohio territory.• Foster and Kleiser is 75 years old.
1977
Proposition to prohibit billboards in San Francisco rejected by voters in November election
1978
• F&K stages art show at California Museum of Science and Industry in Los Angeles called "Big Art". It featured craft of billboard pictorial artists.• Acquire Baltimore facilities from Donelley Advertising.
1979
First F&K 8sheet plant built in Oakland and San Francisco, Acquire B & G outdoor plant in San Antonio, Texas. Purchase made of poster and bulletin plant facilities of Outdoor West in Houston, Texas.
1980
F&K now operating 40,000 outdoor facings has become largest outdoor advertising company in America.
1981
• Acquire facilities of Estus Outdoor in Savannah, Georgia.• Purchase outdoor plant in Atlanta, Georgia Establish new 8 sheet plant in Tampa, Florida
1982
• Acquire Pittsburgh, Pa. and Rochester, New York outdoor facilities.• Purchase outdoor plant of Allen Outdoor in Waco, Texas.• F&K plant in New York Metro area sold to Winston Network.• Metromedia sells all F&K structures to Outdoor Advertising Associates a limited partnership. Metromedia will continue to manage the business.• New Cleveland Region plant facility opened in Parma, Ohio.• Acquire Brunswick, Georgia plant• U.S. Supreme Court declares San Diego antibillboard ordinance unconstitutional.
1983
• Purchase outdoor facilities in Austin and San Antonio, Texas• Acquire outdoor plants in Birmingham, Tuscaloose, Huntsville Sheffield and Gadsen, Alabama.• Hurricane Alicia damages or destroys more than 1,000 outdoor structures in Houston Galveston area.
1984
• Bert Dart named President.• Public Relations Department renamed Public Affairs Dept. • New Publication, "Region Rap" published by Cleveland Region Employees.
1985
"Super 300 Plus" units introduced. New 12x12 plus cut-out extension embellished painted unit. Copy is rotated every 90 days.
The Digital Age
1986
• Structure Inventory Management System (SIMS) installed. Provides computer data for each location.• Computerized painted copy displayed on bulletins in Los Angeles.• New F&K 24-hour hotline phone system established. A 1-800-252-2551 number available for service and information calls.• Metromedia sells Foster and Kleiser Division to Patrick Media. Company name is changed to Patrick Media Group September 15th. General office in Los Angeles closed. Corporate headquarters shifted to Scranton, PA headed by Gerald Joyce, new President, CEO.
1987
• Popular "I Love L.A" synchronized slide presentation produced. Also shown in video format.• Premier edition of new Patrick "Impressions" magazine distributed.• Company receives prestigious Silver Bell Award from Advertising Council for outstanding contribution to public service advertising.
1988
• Atlanta Branch sold to Outdoor Today Inc.• PMG designated consultant for development of outdoor advertising in China (People Republic of China). Goal is to help modernize and expand medium there.• California Supreme Court rules outdoor advertising signs may only be placed on land zoned primarily for commercial or industrial use.• Rod Wales patents anti-pigeon lightweight spinning propeller device for use on outdoor units.
1989
Patrick sponsors large outdoor advertising exhibit at Municipal Art Gallery in Barnsdall Park in Los Angeles.
1990
• State of California begins large scale anti-smoking campaign using PMG posters state wide..
1991
• Cincinnati, Hartford, Pittsburgh and Scranton branches sold to Martin Media. Corporate headquarters/administrative center moved to Chicago, Illinois • Stephen A. McNeeley appointed new CEO/President.• Patrick Media becomes a consolidated affiliate of General Electric Capital Corporation. • Company provides considerable photos and data for new book, "The American Billboard 100 years" marking the Centennial of O.A.A.A.
1992
Purchase Shields Outdoor bulletin plant in Los Angeles Savannah, Georgia branch territory sold to Lamar Outdoor. Austin, Texas plant sold to Reagan Outdoor.
1993
• Patrick awarded BART transit advertising franchise contract in San Francisco Bay area.• Patrick acquires Target Media bus shelters advertising in Orange County, Calf..• Purchase Omni outdoor plant in San Antonio, Texas.• Acquire Shelter Advertising of America bus shelters in Miami, Florida.• Company buys Blue Wallscapes Co. Purchase includes 57 large walls located in Los Angeles and San Francisco.• MapInfo geographic information systems (GIS) installed New Premiere Panels introduced.• Converts standard 30-sheet poster panels to 30% larger full bleed image area. Copy can be hand-painted or computer produced on vinyl.• Macintosh computers installed in all account executive sales offices• Protesters demonstrate on Hollywood Blvd in campaign to save 50 years old Coca Cole semi-spectacular bulletin.
1994
• New Cactus Digital Imaging production facility makes four-color posters in variety of sizes.• Purchase facilities of Metropolitan Outdoor Advertising Co. in San Antonio, Texas and Los Angeles.• Mobile Billboards Service begins utilizing trucks flush mounted with two 30-sheet posters one facing on each side of vehicle.• Introduce new transit shelter service in Sacramento.• Acquire Transportation Media Inc's train shelter displays in Chicago.• Premiere Plus panels introduced in Milwaukee. These feature painted Vinyl surfaces wrapped around two vertical decked poster panels making a 600 sq. ft. surface
1995
• Concourse posters installed in downtown San Francisco Bart stations.• Eight-sheet plant in San Antonio, Texas purchased from Delta Displays.• New transit shelter plant built in Simi Valley section of, Venture County.• Patrick Mall Displays opened in West Los Angeles and Orange County shopping centers.• Acquire Sam Trans bus side advertising contract covering Bayshore Transit routes in San Mateo County.• Patrick Media co-sponsors auto racing team named PMG/Firestone Indy Light Racing Series.• Company acquired by Eller Media Company and Hellman and Friedman Capital Partners. Name changed to Eller Media Company. Karl Eller is Chairman and CEO.• Corporate headquarters moved to Phoenix, Arizona.
1996
• New "Power of Presence" video presentation produced.• Transit shelter plant developed to cover booming San Jose/Silicon Valley in Northern California.• "Ellie" Award established to recognize creative excellence in out-of-home advertising.• Karl Eller hosts large gala Eller Media Company reception at Planet Hollywood in Beverly Hills.• Eller Corporate Meeting held in Phoenix. "Street Smarts" competition featured first ever presentation contest between all branch sales staffs.
1997
• Company sold to Clear Channel Communications of San Antonio.• Scott Eller becomes President and Chief Operating Officer• ABC Outdoor purchased in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.• Paxton Communications Corp. outdoor bulletin plant acquired in Orlando & Tampa, Florida.• Eller acquires 4,000 transit shelter displays in LA, County Orange and Northern San Diego from Metro Display Advertising.• Company distributes 20"x30" American Automobile Industry posters commemorating a century of classic automotive outdoor advertising.• Karl Eller hosts happy reunion of former employees of Foster and Kleiser, Pacific Outdoor and Eller Outdoor in Los Angeles.• Clear Channel Communications buys large Universal Outdoor Co. The Eller Outdoor division now consists of 88,000 display faces
1998
• Clear Channel Communications acquires The More Group operating in 25 countries.• Company now operating in 33 major U.S. Markets.• Total outdoor advertising displays 200,000+ in twenty five countries worldwide.• Eller Media web site goes on line.• Joe Blackstock company Archivist/Historian passed away after 58 years of service, November 25, 1998
1999
• Eller acquires Mall Communications Network, becoming the leader in the US mall advertising business.• Paul Meyer is named President and COO of Eller Media Company replacing Scott Eller who becomes Vice-Chairman.• The More Group becomes Clear Channel International representing all of Clear Channel's international media properties.• Eller completes the century as it started remaining America’s number one outdoor advertising company in customer service and top market presence.
2000
• Eller acquires all Ackerley Media units in the Miami and West Palm Beach markets. This addition dramatically increases Eller’s total number of outdoor products in these key Florida markets.• A partnership agreement with Spectacolor is finalized which positions Eller as the top outdoor advertising company in the nation’s most recognized outdoor advertising location, Times Square. • The acquisition of Spain-based Urbamex quickly accelerated Eller’s outdoor media advantage in Mexico.• The acquisition of Interstate Outdoor strategically added many key units to Eller’s already strong Philadelphia and New York markets. • Eller entered the taxi advertising industry with the acquisition of Taxi Tops. Eller renames the new asset Eller Taxi Media. • The acquisition of Donrey Outdoor added 10 new markets to Eller's U.S. market roster. Eller purchases Chile's leading outdoor advertising company, Procom. This provides Eller’s first entrance into the Chilean outdoor market.
2001
• Eller celebrates it’s 100th anniversary recognizing it’s thousands of clients who have helped it achieve success.• Eller announces the first-ever outdoor industry “real time” rate card via its web site.• Eller launches sweeping industry standardization changes for Proof-of-Performance in responds to customer needs.• Eller Media Company officially changes its name to Clear Channel Outdoor signaling its commitment to the parent company’s strategy to create a global brand.
2002
• Clear Channel Outdoor announces the planned merger with the Ackerley Media Group• Clear Channel Outdoor completes merger with Ackerley Media Group• Clear Channel Airports (Chicago O'Hare Division) ranks among the magazine BtoB's 2002 Top 50 Media Power List for its unique ability to reach business travelers. Clear Channel Airports joins a distinguished list of other top venues for placing b-to-b messages including: The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Forbes, Business Week, The New York Times, and CNN's "Moneyline".• Paul Meyer is named President and CEO of Clear Channel Outdoor• Karl Eller Retires and receives a Lifetime Achievement award from OAAA. The award was presented to Mr. Eller, retiring Chairman and CEO of Clear Channel Outdoor, at a party in his honor, held at the Los Angeles Clear Channel facility. The LA plant--six acres of prime real estate that was originally the site of a silent movie studio in the early 20th century--will be closed and relocated in 2003, allowing room for a new high school to be built on the West Washington Blvd. property. The presentation of the award, a Steuben crystal eagle, was made by former OAAA Chairman, Kevin Reilly, Jr., of Lamar Advertising Corporation. Also on hand to help celebrate were leaders from the outdoor advertising industry, members of the agency and advertising communities, colleagues, family and friends spanning Mr. Eller's 50-year career. A video retrospective was shown, and a congratulatory letter from President George W. Bush was read aloud.• Fastpitch is implemented in all divisions allowing for an industry-first on-line database of inventory across the country. The program allows Account Representatives the ability to put local or national sales proposals together in a matter of minutes.
2003
• Clear Channel Outdoor Chooses Arbitron And Scarborough Research For Information Services In All U.S. Outdoor Markets• Clear Channel Outdoor Los Angeles Receives 2003 Silver Bell Award For Community Service• Clear Channel Adshel And The City Of Oakland Dedicate A City-Wide Street Furniture Program• Paul Meyer announces plans for reorganization that includes a new postion for two Regional Presidents.
2004
• Clear Channel Outdoor decides to actively seek new technologies that allow for remotely and instantaneously changeable static signage. Michael Hudes is named EVP Of Corporate Development with a dedication to helping make digital signage a reality.• Clear Channel Outdoor Awarded Franchise To Provide Advertising On NCTD Buses Operating Within North San Diego County• Announcement of Clear Channel Outdoor's exclusive service guarantee.• 80 Manhattan Street displays are converted to companies first digital network. Displays are named the "Digital Street Network"• Domestic outdoor surpasses one billion in revenue for first time in company history.• Paul Meyer is elected as the Chairman of OAAA
2005
• First Outdoor company to use current TAB audited DEC's• Clear Channel Outdoor Launches Multicultural Sales and Marketing Initiative in U.S. to focus on the growing U.S. Hispanic and African American population.• Clear Channel Outdoor implements an on-line Proof of Performance Website. The site allows advertisers the ability to see campaigns as they are posted and track details about posting dates, photos, removal dates and other important details.• Paul Meyer is named Global President and COO of Clear Channel Outdoor• The Cleveland division unveils a network of 7 high profile LED bulletin displays. The new network gives marketers significant creative flexibility, up-to-the-moment message opportunities and a visual impact unlike any other medium.

JEFF KLEISER

link to information on Jeff Kleiser:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0459165/

HERR KLEISER (not so Notable Comic Book Character)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kleiser was a high ranking member of the alien hierarchy known as the Chitauri, and was part of a group who infiltrated Earth during World War II. Taking the form of a Nazi officer named Kleiser (by absorbing and devouring him), he and his fellow aliens contacted the Nazi party and attempted to help them win the war by offering advanced technology. The Chitauri wished to utilize the Nazis to conquer Earth and impose "order", erasing all individuality, which they saw as an aberration. Near the end of the war, Herr Kleiser faced Captain America, and was defeated not by brute force but by clever strategy and misdirection; Kleiser never forgot this humiliating defeat. For decades, Kleiser and the other Chitauri slowly built a new power base and secretly influenced human affairs to prepare for another takeover attempt. 60 years later, Herr Kleiser infiltrated the SHIELD Psi-Division, and planted false information designed to lure the Ultimates to an island in Micronesia where they were supposed to be destroyed by a nuclear device. However, Iron Man's force field and Thor's dimension-warping hammer allowed the Ultimates to escape unharmed, although thousands of SHIELD personnel were killed. Kleiser and the remainder of his troops also infiltrated the Triskelion, the headquarters of SHIELD and the Ultimates. He captured The Wasp and brought her to a hidden base in the desert near Phoenix, Arizona.
A short time later the remnants of the Chitauri fleet came to Earth and informed Kleiser they were soon to destroy the planet; at this point it was revealed the Ultimates had survived and a large battle began. During this fight Herr Kleiser and Captain America finally engaged in personal combat, during which Kleiser demonstrated superhuman strength, great durability and near-instant healing, as well as being able to perceive General Fury while the latter was in "light-negative" (invisible) mode. Captain America briefly ended this battle by cutting Herr Kleiser in half, however this did not finish him and Captain America had to have Bruce Banner intentionally traumatised so as to bring out the Hulk. Captain America then told the Hulk that Kleiser had been "all over Betty" and the Hulk promptly pounded Kleiser into the ground, tore him apart and ate him. The invading fleet was defeated, and Iron Man and Thor disposed of the alien's Doomsday bomb. Banner's excretions were later collected by S.H.I.E.L.D. to analyse and destroy, as Herr Kleiser was a shapeshifter and might have been able to survive even the digestive process.

Publisher
Marvel Comics
First appearance
The Ultimates #10 (July 2003)
Created by
Mark MillarBryan Hitch

[edit] Other Media
Herr Kleiser appears in Ultimate Avengers and Ultimate Avengers 2 voiced by Jim Ward.

I posted this because I have a sense of humor. If your offended, get over it... :-)