Try a Tex Tux

Occasionally, background artists in old-time animated cartoons would put the names of co-workers in their work; Paul Julian at Warner Bros. may have been the most famous for this. Here’s an example from Tex Avery’s MGM cartoon “Hound Hunters” which refers to Avery himself.

There’s one scene when Junior runs down the street before turning and running toward the audience. Unfortunately, the versions of the cartoon that are out there are fuzzy so you can’t really see all the names of the businesses.



This building features a hotel, Molinari and a shoe store.



Stokes Delicatessen is on the right. Bob Stokes worked at several studios in the ‘30s and ‘40s. I’d love to think “Hanna-Barbera Hardware” is on the building on the left but I can’t read it.



Here we have a cleaner on the left with “Tex Hotel” and “Tex Tux.” Polamari is on the right.



Alas, this one is unreadable.



This one isn’t readable, either.



Hopewell and Goode is next to what looks like the Cheriet Dairy Lunch (note: Dave Mackey solves this one in the comment section. Thanks, David).



And, finally, Crenshaw’s Groceteria, Inc. is the last business as Junior turns the corner.

Although he’s not credited, presumably the backgrounds are by Johnny Johnsen.