Before the invention of the Bantam Jeep in Butler, there was a Jeep that was familiar to millions — Eugene the Jeep of the Popeye comic strip, at left.

Created in 1936, Eugene the Jeep was a doglike character from the fourth dimension that could walk through walls and ceilings, climb trees, fly and just about go anywhere it wanted. Also, instead of barking, it “jeeped” at Popeye and other comic strip characters.

According to various websites, the first use of the term Jeep was during World War I as slang for new recruits and untested equipment. As for the vehicle, it is speculated that the Jeep either got its name from the cartoon character or the general purpose designation by the Quartermaster Corps that abbreviated the vehicle’s name to ‘GP’ or jeep.