Rueckheim, Robert

From HistoryWiki

Robert Rueckheim, (1913-1921), was the grandson of Frederick William Rueckheim, a German immigrant. Cracker Jack Mascot Sailor Jack was modeled after Robert Rueckheim. Robert's parents were Edwin Lewis Rueckheim and Dorothy Rueckheim nee: Dorothy Catherine (Clara).

In 1918, one of the more iconic images in American foods, Sailor Jack and his dog, Bingo, were introduced on Cracker Jack™ boxes, (although they were not registered as trademark logos until 1919).

Sadly, Robert died of pneumonia at the age of eight shortly after his image appeared on the box and he was interred in his maternal grandparent’s plot in St. Henry's Cemetery. His image acquired such meaning for the founders that it was included on his tombstone in St. Henry’s cemetery.

Six months later, his father, Edwin, died, and his mom, Clara, remarried the same year.