The Mendocino Grapevine "Tree Hugger" and R. Crumb

The Mendocino Grapevine was published from 1973 to 1986 in Willits, CA-- Mendocino County. In the early 70's the underground comix creator, Robert Crumb, was commissioned to do several covers for the newspaper. One of the most memorable was the February, 1973 cover,on which The Wheels of Progress Development Corp., Inc. are held back by a sole woman, later referred to as the "tree hugger". The caption reads "Woodman, Spare that Tree!!"

There is some speculation that this is where the term "tree hugger" was coined. It would be interesting to know if this is the case.


This classic image is now available on 100% Organic Cotton T-Shirts exclusively through Keep On Truckin' Apparel.