Peter “Pete” Hoffman, 1939-1996, MSS-291

Size: 35 linear feet (approx. 6,038 items – original artwork only)

Provenance: Peter Hoffman, Paul Hoffman and Sharyanne Kollin

Access: Open

Collection Summary: The collection includes the original artwork of nationally syndicated cartoonist and University of Toledo alumnus, Peter Hoffman (Class of ’41), including the nearly full run of his most popular newspaper strip, “Jeff Cobb”, selections from his long-running educational feature, “Why We Say”, advertisements, and freelance work. Some personal papers, including correspondence and biographical information also appear in the collection.

Subject(s): Music, Art, Drama and Theater

Related Collections: n/a

Processing Note: Materials from MSS-050, which included artwork donated by Peter Hoffman in 1985 and 1991, have been absorbed into this collection and re-organized accordingly.

Copyright: The literary rights to this collection are assumed to rest with the person(s) responsible for the production of the particular items within the collection, or with their heirs or assigns. Researchers bear full legal responsibility for the acquisition to publish from any part of said collection per Title 17, United States Code. The Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections may reserve the right to intervene as intermediary at its own discretion.

Completed by: Sara Mouch, May 2015.

Biographical Sketch

Peter Hoffman was born in Toledo in 1919, and a mere four years later he published his first drawing. His rendition of cowboys, Indians, and horses caught his teacher’s attention, who submitted the artwork to the Toledo Times. From that day forward, the self-taught artist began his journey toward a long career as a nationally syndicated cartoonist.

Hoffman attended the University of Toledo, majoring in advertising and marketing, with a class in art appreciation being his only instance of formal art education. Instead, he learned by practice, lending his talents to the Campus Collegian and the Blockhouse while a student at UT and later as an advertising artist for Tiedtke’s department store for six months. He continued to draw while stationed in Europe during World War II as a captain in the Army Air Corps, developing caricatures of the men in his unit for fun.

When he returned from service, Hoffman dropped by the Toledo office of Allen Saunders and Elmer Woggon, the artists behind “Steve Roper”, a popular adventure comic strip that had started appearing in newspapers in 1936. He had met the team behind the comic while a student at UT and stopped in upon his return to say hello. Saunders and Woggon, impressed by his university work, offered Hoffman a job as a ghost artist for “Steve Roper”. Hoffman took the face of “Roper”, which had previously been more cartoonish, and made it more realistic and in line with the trend of the day. Uncredited, Hoffman worked on the strip from 1945 to 1954, in addition to illustrating an educational feature about the history behind common words and phrases titled “Why We Say”, which he drew from 1950 to 1978. In 1954, he left Saunders and Woggon to develop his own comic strip because he “got a little ambitious to try it on [his] own”.

A small newspaper syndicate, General Features Corporation, developed the concept of a cartoon strip based on the newspaper industry. Peter Hoffman took the concept and created the world of Jeff Cobb, an investigative reporter for the Daily Guardian with a penchant for getting into binds (including famously losing vision in his right eye during an arson investigation in the mid-60s that led him to wear an eye patch, increasing his popularity with readers). Hoffman got his storylines from the headlines of real newspapers, using a little creative license to make them either more dramatic and adventurous or less grim and more humorous than reality. Many of the characters were patterned after prominent figures such as Cobb’s city editor, Ben Benson, who looked like union leader John L. Lewis.

Hoffman wrote, researched, and illustrated “Jeff Cobb”, producing 6 daily strips a week. He also penned a separate storyline for Sunday editions between 1955 and 1957, but scrapped the edition when he struggled to meet deadlines. As the years went on, Cobb’s popularity grew and at its peak the strip ran in over 100 newspapers in North America, South America, and Europe, including the Detroit News, Newark Star Ledger, New York Post, and the Toledo Times. However, the popularity of continuity strips started to diminish in the 1970s and “Jeff Cobb” was the victim of a phase-out. The strip ended its national run in 1975, but was promoted abroad (with Sweden as having the largest fan base) until 1978.

After “Jeff Cobb” went out of print, Pete Hoffman semi-retired. He offered his talents on freelance projects, including creating a superhero mascot for Oberlin Steel and penning illustrations for his alma mater’s 50^th reunion homecoming and Golden Alumni Society events.

Hoffman never married, claiming that he was “married to the drawing board”. He worked out of Toledo for his entire career, primarily on Algonquin Parkway in West Toledo. He donated selections of his work to the Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections in 1985 and later in 1991 and had previously housed his art at the Ohio State University Library for Communications and Graphic Arts in Columbus, Ohio and the Museum of Cartoon Art in Port Chester, New York, which merged with the former in 2009 with a name change to the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum. After his death in 2013, Hoffman’s nephew Paul Hoffman and niece Sharyanne Kollin donated the bulk of his life work to the Canaday Center.

Scope and Content Note

The records of the Peter “Pete” Hoffman Collection are divided into five series. The arrangement is primarily in alphabetical order with the exception of the first series, “Jeff Cobb”, as that series presents the majority of as well as the most significant materials.

The “Jeff Cobb” Panels consists of original inked panels of nearly every episode of “Jeff Cobb” Hoffman put to newsprint. There are only a couple of episodes not presented here and several have missing panels. Other materials, including promotional flyers and sketches related to “Jeff Cobb” are included. The episodes are summarized at the end of this section.

Series two, Freelance and Other Original Artwork, includes the work Hoffman did outside of and after “Jeff Cobb”. Steelman, books for Custom Comic Service, political ads, and another, short-lived strip, “Stu Mulligan”, comprise this series.

Miscellaneous Records, the third series, contains biographical material, correspondence, publications about the comic strip industry, and some panels/artwork by other artists of the time.

Series four, University of Toledo Projects, is comprised of work Hoffman did on the Blockhouse, Collegian, for the 50^th Homecoming Reunion, and Golden Alumni Society, as well as renderings of “Rocky” the Rocket.

“Why We Say” includes examples of Hoffman’s other syndicated piece. Release schedules and a small selection of panels make up the majority of this fifth series.

“JEFF COBB” EPISODE SUMMARIES, 1954-1975

*Each episode usually ran between 10 and 14 weeks and were featured daily, Monday to Saturday.

Episode 1, June 29, 1954 – August 21, 1954

(Note: Panels for June 29-July 26 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the apparent accidental death of the wife of a prominent lawyer, who planned the car accident that took her life in order to be with his mistress.

Episode 2, August 23, 1954 – October 23, 1954

(Note: Panel for September 2 is not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a community of residents who are voluntarily handing their life savings over to an unseen overseas investor operating under an estate swindle.

Episode 3, October 25, 1954 – December 22, 1954

(Note: Panels for November 29- December 5 and December 7-14 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates complaints of poor conditions at a mental hospital by being committed himself.

Episode 4, December 23, 1954 – February 12, 1955

(Note: Panels for December 25, January 12, 25, 29, February 2, and 5 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the secret missions of a pilot revealed during a story on the private flying industry.

Episode 5, February 14, 1955 – April 16, 1955

(Note: Panel for March 24 is not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the death of a Daily Guardian employee who was murdered in a case of mistaken identity.

Episode 6, April 18, 1955 – June 4, 1955

(Note: Panels for April 18-30 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a man who resembles a fugitive on the run from a twenty year-old fraud and murder rap after seeing him while on vacation.

Episode 7, June 6, 1955 – July 30, 1955

Jeff Cobb investigates a blackmail ring involving a socialite who threatens the wealthy with bad publicity if they don’t pay.

Episode 8, August 1, 1955 – September 24, 1955

Jeff Cobb investigates the mystery of a boy he and colleague Colleen “Jonesy” Jones find abandoned at the zoo.

Episode 9, September 26, 1955 – November 12, 1955

(Note: Panels for October 16-30 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates rigged boxing matches after a local prizefighter starts losing on a regular basis.

Episode 10, November 14, 1955 – January 14, 1956

Jeff Cobb assists an ex-con in finding work after publishing his story in the Daily Guardian.

Episode 11, January 16, 1956 – March 17, 1956

Jeff Cobb investigates the blackmail of a wealthy industrialist by his nephew and butler.

Episode 12, March 19, 1956 – May 19, 1956

Jeff Cobb investigates a counterfeiting ring with the help of a former counterfeiter who is captured by the perpetrators and later rescued by Jeff.

Episode 13, May 21, 1956 – July 20, 1956

Jeff Cobb travels to a town devastated by a tornado and rescues a woman who lost her parents in the disaster, settling her in with his editor while he investigates the storm.

Episode 14, July 22, 1956 – September 29, 1956

Jeff Cobb visits his old friend and the latter’s wife, who was Jeff’s old flame and who asks Jeff to investigate his friend’s new boss, of whom she is suspicious.

Episode 15, October 1, 1956 – December 8, 1956

Jeff Cobb is contacted by his former editor who offers him the editor position on his old newspaper, which brings him back to his old town. He meets a young man who wants a job at the newspaper who is later kidnapped by an escaped convict and thrust into a race against time to deliver an antitoxin but is hampered by a severe snowstorm

Episode 16, December 10, 1956 – February 23, 1957

(Note: Panels for January 12, February 4, 7-8, 14 and 21are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a cavern surrounded by local legend after the daughter of a guide who was killed there stows away in his car.

Episode 17, February 25, 1957 – May 11, 1957

(Note: Panel for April 22 is not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the case of a man who writes into the newspaper saying he plans to kill himself as the result of an injury that prevents him from working as an artist and losing his wife. Jeff must find him before he follows through on his plan.

Episode 18, May 13, 1957 – July 27, 1957

(Note: Panels for May 23 and June 7 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the murder of a wealthy young woman who secretly had a gambling problem.

Episode 19, July 29, 1957 – October 5, 1957

(Note: Panels for August 12 and 14 are not included.)

While on vacation, Jeff Cobb has a run of bad luck, including running out of gas, getting lost, being shot at, and eventually becoming wise to a kidnapping.

Episode 20, October 7, 1957 – December 14, 1957

(Note: Panel for October 21 is not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a series of attacks by a man wielding a Billy club.

Episode 21, December 16, 1957 – March 8, 1958

(Note: Panels for December 16 and March 3 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a car dealer who sells bad cars after he gets into an accident with a woman whose brakes failed. He discovers the dealer uses the business as a front for selling heroine.

Episode 22, March 10, 1958 – May 31, 1958

(Note: Panels for March 10, 20, 24, 27-28, April 14, 21, and May 17 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the prison escape of Public Enemy Billy Cain who has plastic surgery to cover up his appearance.

Episode 23, June 2, 1958 – August 9, 1958

(Note: Panels for June 28, July 1, 11, 19, and 29 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the murder of dock bosses at the pier and uncovers corruption, kickbacks, and murder.

Episode 24, August 11, 1958 – October 18, 1958

(Note: Panels for August 20-21, September 16, 27, and October 10 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the disappearance of a wealthy widow who was conned into marrying a gold-digger who then murdered her.

Episode 25, October 20, 1958 – January 3, 1959

Jeff Cobb investigates the corruption in a small town after he’s mugged while there on a train stopover and assists the local newspaper’s new editor in exposing the crimes.

Episode 26, January 5, 1959 – March 21, 1959

(Note: Panel for January 7 is not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the murder conviction of an American soldier stationed in London and proves that he was framed by a criminal planning to steal the payroll on the Army base.

Episode 27, March 23, 1959 – May 30, 1959

(Note: Panels for May 9 and 12 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates organized gambling run by gangsters after a gambler in a winning streak is killed.

Episode 28, June 1, 1959 – August 8, 1959

(Note: Panels for June 27, 30, July 4, 9, 16, and 29-30 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the case of a bank president who disappears into the slums after writing a confession of embezzlement.

Episode 29, August 10, 1959 – October 17, 1959

(Note: Panels for August 24, September 21, and October 2 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the disappearance of a boy who goes in search of a wanted criminal to prove that he hadn’t lied to his dad when he saw the man previously.

Episode 30, October 19, 1959 – December 16, 1959

(Note: Panels for October 19, 24, 26, 28, November 3, 23-24, December 4 and 15 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the death of a fellow reporter by traveling to the resort town where he was killed and discovers a real estate racket controlled by mobsters.

Episode 31, December 28, 1959 – March 5, 1960

(Note: Panels for January 4-5, 7, 16, 20-22, and February 28 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb is removed from the crime beat when a criminal he put behind bars escapes. Instead, he is sent to interview a child star whose train into town is stuck on a bridge when the river crests after a heavy rain. The convict takes refuge there.

Episode 32, March 7, 1960 – May 14, 1960

(Note: Panels for March 7, 14, 17, 19-24, and 30 are not included.)

Fellow reporter Jonesy investigates philanthropic oil tycoon who is conning wealthy men and women out of investments.

Episode 33, May 16, 1960 – August 6, 1960

(Note: Panel for June 9 is not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates two escaped robbers while his editor tries to get life-saving medicine to a little girl when both stories collide during a heavy fog.

Episode 34, August 8, 1960 – October 22, 1960

Jeff Cobb investigates the murder of a man he and a new photographer find on the side of the road. The photographer snaps candid photos of racketeers reopening a gambling hall and becomes a target. In his effort to save her, the Daily Guardian’s editor, Ben Benson, is shot and killed.

Episode 35, October 24, 1960 – December 10, 1960

(Note: Panels for November 23-28 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the closed case of the son of a washerwoman who claims he’s innocent after going to prison five years prior for murder.

Episode 36, December 12, 1960 – January 28, 1961

(Note: Panels for December 14 and 30 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a boxer whose winning streak abruptly ends and discovers he’s hooked on heroine.

Episode 37, January30, 1961 – March 25, 1961

(Note: Panel for March 2 is not included.)

Jeff Cobb and competing reporter Scotty Henson travel to a nearly impassable mountain to cover an expedition that turns deadly.

Episode 38, March 27, 1961 – May 27, 1961

(Note: Panels for April 15-17, May 15, and 18 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates two highway shootings by a man who claims to be “curing” the victims of driving anxiety.

Episode 39, May 29, 1961 – August 12, 1961

Jeff Cobb investigates the 15 year-old kidnapping of a young girl who is reunited with her mother.

Episode 40, August 14, 1961 – October 21, 1961

(Note: Panels for September 13 and 15 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the escape of two “red” agents who flee on a cruise ship carrying competing reporter Scotty Heston.

Episode 41, October 23, 1961 – January 9, 1962

(Note: Panels for October 28-30, November 16, December 11-12, and December 27, are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the theft of paintings from events and museums around town.

Episode 42, January 8, 1962 – March 24, 1962

(Note: Panels for January 17 and February 26 are not included.)

Scotty Heston goes to a neighboring town to visit a friend whose family owns most of the town’s businesses and discovers a criminal effort to prevent her friend from being with the man she loves. Jeff Cobb joins the investigation.

Episode 43, March 26, 1962 – June 16, 1962

(Note: Panels for May 21, June 4, 12, and 14 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb is assigned to partner with former reporter Flip Tabner, who has a drinking problem and fails to convince anyone he witnessed the murder of a man who claimed his brother went away for a murder he didn’t commit.

Episode 44, June 18, 1962 – September 8, 1962

(Note: Panel for July 27 is not included.)

Flip Tabner’s nephew applies to be a police officer and runs afoul of a bully who’s conned into robbing a bank on the nephew’s patrol beat.

Episode 45, September 10, 1962 – November 24, 1962

(Note: Panels for November 16 and 20 are not included.)

Scotty Heston does a makeover story, transforming a homeless man into a nobleman, but he has a racketeering con man on his tail.

Episode 46, November 26, 1962 – February 16, 1963

(Note: Panels for January 5 and 18 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the deaths of two women from an overdose of sleeping pills and learns a “doctor” degreed from a “diploma mill” is using hypnotism as a treatment to lull them into security before forcing them to take the pills.

Episode 47, February 18, 1963 – May 11, 1963

(Note: Panel for February 28 is not included.)

Daily Guardian’s editor Holliday’s granddaughter Pat is in town, intent on quitting school and becoming a journalist. She joins Jeff Cobb in an investigation of a car crash, uncovering a fraud scheme by the driver and his lawyer.

Episode 48, May 13, 1963 – August 3, 1963

Jeff Cobb takes Pat back to Hillview College where a con man/murderer has gone to secure marriage from a wealthy widow.

Episode 49, August 5, 1963 – October 26, 1963

Jeff Cobb investigates the death of an ex-con in a robbery shoot out then assists the victim’s brother in a drug deal in order to trap the dealer.

Episode 50, October 28, 1963 – January 18, 1964

(Note: Panels for November 11, 18, January 1, and 18 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a fatal car crash of a woman whose husband accuses the police of contributing to her death when they encountered her vehicle while driving on a one way street, but Jeff has his suspicions about the husband.

Episode 51, January 20, 1964 – April 11, 1964

(Note: Panels for February 7-8, 29, March 7, and April 3-4 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb is sent to Hillview College in search of a bank robber he suspects is a student there, with Pat Holliday.

Episode 52, April 13, 1964 – July 11, 1964

Jeff Cobb investigates a bomber who sends letters to the newspaper indicating when the next bomb will detonate and discovers a former electrician injured in a boiler accident years prior.

Episode 53, July 13, 1964 – October 10, 1964

Flip Tabner is sent to his hometown after a mild heart attack to recuperate but his plane crashes which reveals bullet holes. His mother tells him of an oil well under the city that will make them rich, but it’s a con by a prominent local.

Episode 54, October 12, 1964 – January 2, 1965

(Note: Panels for October 24 and December 7-8 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a warehouse fire and suspects arson after meeting an insurance investigator. As he pursues his suspicion, he’s caught in another fire and while trying to escape is injured.

Episode 55, January 11, 1965 – March 27, 1965

Jeff Cobb, hospitalized after his arson accident, is ordered to cover a light story on a failing artist that turns into a forgery/murder mystery.

Episode 56, March 29, 1965 – June 19, 1965

(Note: Panels for June 8, 16, 19 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a jewel heist wherein the loot is lost by one of the thieves and found by a demolition crew who consider keeping it for themselves.

Episode 57, June 21, 1965 – September 11, 1965

(Note: Panels for July 13, 15, 20-23, 31, September 6, and 8-10 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb is sent to a small town to catch up with an escaped con who returns to settle a score with his ex-girlfriend.

Episode 58, September 13, 1965 – December 4, 1965

(Note: Panels for September 13 and November 17 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a fatal hit and run accident perpetrated by an underage drinker.

Episode 59, December 6, 1965 – February 26, 1966

(Note: Panels for February 7- 9 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the death of an old woman whose hidden wealth saved for her niece is claimed by an impostor.

Episode 60, February 28, 1966 – May 21, 1966

(Note: Panels for March 24, 26, 29-30, April 11-12, May 9, 14, and 17 are not included.)

Jonesy is romanced by a con man who convinces businessmen to buy money-printing machines with their life savings.

Episode 61, May 23, 1966 – August 6, 1966

Jeff Cobb competes with Scotty Heston for an exclusive on a double murder involving a man’s wife and a robber, set up by the husband.

Episode 62, August 8, 1966 – November 5, 1966

Jeff Cobb is sent on an entertainment story but discovers racketeers setting up a small business owner to be a front man of a supper club that will be host to criminal activity.

Episode 63, November 7, 1966 – February 4, 1967

Jeff Cobb investigates a car casualty ring led by an attorney.

Episode 64, February 6, 1967 – May 6, 1967

Jeff Cobb investigates the overseas theft of a large diamond by a local suspect.

Episode 65, May 8, 1967 – August 5, 1967

Jeff Cobb investigates the disappearance of an old college roommate he hasn’t see in 15 years.

Episode 66, August 7, 1967 – October 28, 1967

(Note: Panels for August 26-29, September 3, 8, 13, 21-24, October 25 and 27 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb is sent to Paradise Island on what he thinks is a vacation but turns out to be an opportunity to interview the king of a small country, who is conned by a former racketeer.

Episode 67, October 30, 1967 – January 6, 1968

(Note: Panel for November 20 is not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the theft of a payroll delivery by men in military police uniforms.

Episode 68, January 8, 1968 – March 16, 1968

(Note: Panels for March 5, 7, and 11 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb hosts Pat Holliday on his beat in the slums where they discover a man impersonating a doctor as he heals the poor residents for free.

Episode 69, March 18, 1968 – May 18, 1968

(Note: Panels for March 19, 21, April 16, 19, and May 17-18 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a plot to kidnap an oil heiress after a stowaway who is drawn into the plot by his old cell mate tips him off.

Episode 70, May 20, 1968 – July 27, 1968

(Note: Panels for May 21-22, June 6-7, and June 10 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb is offered a job by the oil heiress he saves from a kidnapping until he learns that she and her brother are bankrolling an extremist organization bent on violence.

Episode 71, July 29, 1968 – October 5, 1968

(Note: Panels for July 31 and August 27-September 4 are not included.)

An attorney friend of Jeff Cobb’s hits a man with his car, killing him and running from the scene. The victim’s son investigates.

Episode 72, October 7, 1968 – December 14, 1968

Jeff Cobb’s aunt Prudence is getting married. Her fiancé, however, is only interested in her wealth and is willing to kill to get it.

Episode 73, December 16, 1968 – February 22, 1969

Jeff Cobb investigates an art con with a dealer manipulating his artist cousin into reproducing Renoirs to sell to rich couples.

*There are no panels for Episode 74, which ran from February 24, 1969 to May 3, 1969.

Episode 75, May 5, 1969 – July 12, 1969

Flip Tabner investigates the weight loss industry with Miss Dickens. After failed efforts with diet and exercise, Miss Dickens considers weight loss pills until her friend Agnes falls violently ill from them.

Episode 76, July 14, 1969 – September 20, 1969

(Note: Panel for October 30 is not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a shop robbery and the shop owner who identifies the wrong man due to poor eyesight and consequently causes hardship for the accused.

Episode 77, September 22, 1969 – November 29, 1969

(Note: Panels for October 6-7, 11, 14-17, 27-29, November 5-6, 11-13, 20, 22, and 24 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the death of the Guardian’s science editor by traveling to the resort where he died and discovers a woman who is involved in a hate group led by a man bent on launching an anti-hurricane missile.

Episode 78, December 1, 1969 – February 14, 1969

(Note: Panels for January 19, 22, 31, February 12 and 14 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates twin brothers who are reunited after the release of one from prison and they go back to their old bank robbing ways.

Episode 79, February 16, 1970 – May 2, 1970

(Note: Panels for February 18, 21, 24, March 11, 16-18, 28, and April 4 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb gets involved with Cuddles, a woman who had helped with the twins’ capture. When Jeff distances himself from her, she meets Mark, a mob informer who’s in hiding after an attempt on his life.

Episode 80, May 4, 1970 – July 18, 1970

Jonesy meets a young man who just inherited a lot of money that leads to trouble from family, car thieves, and his own conscience.

Episode 81, July 20, 1970 – October 3, 1970

(Note: Panels for July 21-22, 24, 28-30, August 4, 7-8, 10-14, 18-19, 22, 27, 29, 31, September 5, 7, 9, 15-19, 21-23, 25, 28, 30, and October 2 are not included.)

Jonesy takes over covering boxing after Jeff Cobb claims that women can’t be as good or better than men. She develops a crush on a new boxer who is on a winning streak. He’s backed by a mobster and when he and Jonesy start dating, he puts both of their lives in danger.

Episode 82, October 5, 1970 – December 19, 1970

(Note: Panels for October 5-21, 23-24, 26-27, 29-31, November 2-9, 11-12, 14, 16-17, 19-26, 30, December 1-3, 5-12, 15-16, and 18-19 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a jewel heist in which Jonesy gets involved and subsequently kidnapped.

Episode, 83, December 21, 1970 – February 27, 1971

(Note: Panels for December 22-24, 26, 29, 31, January 1-16, 19-20, February 20, and 22-23 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates an explosion that involves a man’s missing daughter. She is dating a man associated with a radical group intent on using violence to overthrow the government.

Episode 84, March 1, 1971 – May 15, 1971

(Note: Panels for April 7, 12-16, 19-May 1, 4-6, 8-13, and 15 are not included.)

Mentally and physically worn from his previous story, Jeff Cobb is sent to a secluded cabin for rest. There he is nearly run off the road by an executive, Dee Savage, who is intent on purchasing the land on which the cabin sits. The owner is reluctant.

Episode 85, May 17, 1971 – July 31, 1971

(Note: Panels for May 17-18, 20-26, 28-June 7, 9-15, 17-22, 24-July 5, 8-12, 14, 16-29, and 31 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the death of a Nazi prisoner and enlists the help of Dee Savage and her Uncle Eric. Throughout the investigation, Jeff Cobb becomes suspicious of Eric, and discovers he’s a Nazi leader living in the United States under an alias. Now Jeff and Dee are in danger.

Episode 86, August 2, 1971 – October 9, 1971

(Note: Panels for August 2-7, 9-11, 13-17, 20, 23-26, 27, September 4, 15, and 27 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a con pulled by a couple intending to get $3 million off a new parolee.

Episode 87, October 11, 1971 – December 11, 1971

(Note: Panels for October 11, 18, and 28 are not included.)

Jonesy takes on the entertainment beat and interviews a washed-up actor who has returned to his hometown for a class reunion. With a reputation as a coward, the actor proves his mettle when Jonesy is put in the path of the Payroll Murderer.

*There are no panels for Episode 88, which ran from December 13, 1971 to March 11, 1972.

Episode 89, March 13, 1972 – May 6, 1972

(Note: Panels for March 14-28, 30, April 13, and May 2 are not included.)

After a stressful investigation that lands him in the hospital, Jeff Cobb goes on vacation to a tropical island where he is manipulated into helping a group of people excavate an underwater cave for buried treasure.

Episode 90, May 8, 1972 – July 15, 1972

(Note: Panels for May 2, 12, 22, 25, 31-June 1, July 5, and 12 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a vehicle break-in of a wealthy couple, shining a light on the machinations of the greedy husband who plots his wife’s murder.

Episode 91, July 17, 1972 – September 30, 1972

Jeff Cobb investigates a motorcycle gang that sets fires, robs bars, steals the purses of old women, and threatens young men for perceived slights.

Episode 92, October 2, 1972 – December 9, 1972

Jess Cobb investigates an art heist at the museum that appears to have been pulled off by an inside man guilty of embezzlement.

Episode 93, December 11, 1972 – February 24, 1973

(Note: Panels for February 6, 8, and 21 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb is tasked to show the Guardian’s publisher’s niece, Kim Ashley, around town. Meanwhile witnesses continue to report Abominable Snowman sightings to the police. After picking up a hitchhiker, Jeff and Kim are held at gunpoint, leasing to crash. Their lives are saved by the unseen Snowman.

Episode 94, February 26, 1973 – May 5, 1973

(Note: Panels for March 12, 13, 16, 19, 27, 30, April 6, 9-10, 12, 19, May 1 and 4 are not included.)

After suffering a collapse and being hospitalized, city editor Holliday returns home to recuperate and hires a housekeeper who is under investigation for the mysterious deaths of her previous husbands. Jeff Cobb arrives to Holliday’s home in time to save him from the housekeeper and her money-hungry brother.

Episode 95, May 7, 1972 – July 21, 1972

(Note: Panels for May 7, June 11-12, 21, 26, July 1 and 16 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates a lottery winner who is soon courted by a con man.

Episode 96, July 23, 1973 – October 6, 1973

(Note: Panels for July 23-24, 30-31, August 1, 3, 9, 13-15, September 18, 21, and 24 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the death of a wealthy, elderly woman who offered shelter to a homeless man the night of her murder. He is arrested for her murder, but a boy with whom he shared a meal serves as alibi and the victim’s chauffer is arrested.

Episode 97, October 8, 1973 – December 22, 1973

(Note: Panels for October 15, November 10, 13, 15, and December 10 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb investigates the deaths of three postmen at the same rural intersection and discovers a grave stone curse that he thinks may be responsible and that a fourth postman may be in danger.

Episode 98, December 27, 1973 – March 9, 1974

(Note: Panels for January 18, and 25-26 are not included.)

Jeff Cobb trains recent Hillview University grad Alice Scott who recognizes the station attendant while getting gas as her old university president. He’s attempting blue collar work to reconnect with his world and ends up witnessing a gangland murder.

Episode 99, March 11, 1974 – May 18, 1974

Jeff Cobb investigates a jewel heist.

Episode 100, May 20, 1974 – July 27, 1974

Jeff Cobb investigates robbery-involved murders that a detective helps solve through skilled witness sketches, finding a new direction for his interest in art.

Episode 101, July 29, 1974 – October 5, 1974

Alice Scott stumbles upon a swindle while on vacation involving a fake movie producer.

Episode 102, October 7, 1974 – December 20, 1974

Jeff Cobb investigates an assault on a librarian who accuses a student who looks like the assailant in a case of mistaken identity.

Episode 103, December 21, 1974 – March 1, 1975

Jeff Cobb investigates the alleged suicide of a department store employee. When another is killed in an apparent accident, he gets a job as a janitor and learns the president’s secretary is stealing merchandise.

Episode 104, March 3, 1975 – May 17, 1975

A young boy whose father was a cop tries to become a private investigator with little luck until he saves Jeff Cobb from a kidnapping.

Episode 105, May 19, 1975 – August 2, 1975

Jeff Cobb investigates arson fires that are being set for insurance.

Sunday Panels (1955-1957)

Episode S1, November 20, 1955 – January 8, 1956

Jeff Cobb investigates a “medical quack” who preys on rich single women. The doctor over-prescribes the women, who overdose, until Jeff and the police and catch and arrest him.

Episode S2, January 15, 1956 – March 25, 1956

Jeff Cobb investigates drug pushers who target teenagers. The drug being sold is heroine. One of the teens eventually leads Jeff to the head supplier and the pushers are arrested.

Episode S3, April 1, 1956 – June 3, 1956

Jeff Cobb investigates the murder of an apartment building tenant, where one of the neighbors reports finding the body but quickly becomes the prime suspect. Jeff must prove his innocence by finding the identity of the real murderer.

Episode S4, June 10, 1956 – August 19, 1956

Jeff Cobb meets a young boy who asks him to write a story to convince his teacher to not quit her job. Jeff meets the teacher, Maria. The story revolves around the problem of overcrowding in classrooms as well as the overworked and underpaid teachers.

Episode S5, August 26, 1956 – November 18, 1956

Jeff Cobb is sent to the country of Latino for his next assignment. He investigates an evil dictator who refuses his country, and specifically the newspaper, the right to free speech. After being arrested, and eventually escaping, Jeff helps incite a revolt and overthrow of the dictator.

Episode S6, November 25, 1956 – February 10, 1957

Jeff Cobb investigates a case of a hit and run. The driver was drunk and nearly gets away with it by having repairs to his damaged car and a new paint job, until Jeff starts to put the clues together.

Episode S7, February 17, 1957 – May 5, 1957

Jeff Cobb and Jonesy investigate the repeated occurrence of train derailments by an assailant known as the “Mad Wrecker”. Eventually, Jonesy catches up with the criminal and convinces him to surrender.

Episode S8, May 12, 1957 – July 14, 1957

Jeff Cobb and Jonesy stumble upon a new case while out on a date. A man’s wife is killed in front of him then he kills his wife’s murderer. Jeff and Jonesy don’t buy his story and begin to investigate.

Episode S9, July 21, 1957 – October 6, 1957

Jeff Cobb investigates the disappearance of a man who was kidnapped after fighting a gang of sailors who were harassing his girlfriend. The investigation leads Jeff to a ship explosion on the city’s port.

Folder List

Box	Folder	Item
		SERIES 1: “JEFF COBB” PANELS
1	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 1, 1954
1	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 2, 1954
1	3	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 3, 1954
1	4	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 4, 1954-1955
1	5	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 5, 1955
1	6	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 6, 1955
1	7	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 7, 1955
1	8	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 8, 1955
1	9	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 9, 1955
1	10	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 10, 1955-1956
1	11	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 11, 1956
1	12	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 12, 1956
1	13	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 13, 1956
1	14	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 14, 1956
1	15	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 15, 1956
2	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 16, 12/10/1956-1/11/1957
2	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 16, 1/14/1957-2/23/1957
2	3	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 17, 2/25/1957-3/30/1957
2	4	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 17, 4/1/1957-5/11/1957
2	5	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 18, 5/13/1957-6/15/1957
2	6	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 18, 6/17/1957-7/27/1957
2	7	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 19, 7/27/1957-8/31/1957
2	8	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 19, 9/2/1957-10/5/1957
2	9	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 20, 1957
2	10	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 21, 12/17/1957-1/31/1958
2	11	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 21, 2/1/1958-3/8/1958
2	12	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 22, 3/10/1958-4/30/1958
2	13	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 22, 5/1/1958-5/31/1958
2	14	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 23, 1958
2	15	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 24, 1958
3	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 25, 10/20/1958-11/22/1958
3	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 25, 11/24/1958-1/3/1959
3	3	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 26, 1959
3	4	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 27, 1959
3	5	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 28, 1959
3	6	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 29, 1959
3	7	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 30, 1959
3	8	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 31, 1959-1960
3	9	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 32, 1960
3	10	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 33, 1960
3	11	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 34, 1960
3	12	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 35, 1960
3	13	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 36, 1960-1961
3	14	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 37, 1961
4	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 38, 1961
4	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 39, 1961
4	3	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 40, 1961
4	4	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 41, 10/23/1961-12/2/1961
4	5	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 41, 12/4/1961-1/6/1962
4	6	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 42, 1962
4	7	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 43, 1962
4	8	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 44, 6/18/1962-7/31/1962
4	9	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 44, 8/1/1962-9/8/1962
4	10	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 45, 1962
4	11	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 46, 11/26/1962-12/31/1962
4	12	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 46, 1/1/1963-2/16/1963
5	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 47, 2/18/1963-3/23/1963
5	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 47, 3/25/1963-5/11/1963
5	3	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 48, 1963
5	4	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 49, 1963
5	5	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 50, 10/28/1963-12/7/1963
5	6	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 50, 12/9/1963-1/17/1964
5	7	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 51, 1/20/1964-2/24/1964
5	8	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 51, 2/25/1964-4/11/1964
5	9	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 52, 4/13/1964-5/29/1964
5	10	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 52, 5/30/1964-7/11/1964
5	11	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 53, 7/13/1964-9/1/1964
5	12	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 53, 9/2/1964-10/10/1964
5	13	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 54, 1964-1965
6	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 55, 1/11/1965-2/23/1965
6	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 55, 2/24/1965-3/27/1965
6	3	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 56, 1965
6	4	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 57, 1965
6	5	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 58, 9/14/1965-10/29/1965
6	6	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 58, 10/30/1965-12/4/1965
6	7	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 59, 12/6/1965-1/12/1966
6	8	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 59, 1/13/1966-2/26/1966
6	9	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 60, 2/28/1966-4/14/1966
6	10	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 60, 4/15/1966-5/21/1966
6	11	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 61, 5/23/1966-7/4/1966
6	12	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 61, 7/5/1966-8/6/1966
6	13	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 62, 8/8/1966-9/26/1966
6	14	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 62, 9/27/1966-11/5/1966
7	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 63, 11/7/1966-12/14/1966
7	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 63, 12/15/1966-2/4/1967
7	3	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 64, 2/6/1967-3/16/1967
7	4	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 64, 3/17/1967-5/6/1967
7	5	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 65, 5/8/1967-6/24/1967
7	6	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 65, 6/26/1967-8/5/1967
7	7	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 66, 8/7/1967-10/5/1967
7	8	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 66, 10/6/1967-10/28/1967
7	9	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 67, 10/30/1967-12/9/1967
7	10	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 67, 12/11/1967-1/6/1968
7	11	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 68, 1968
7	12	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 69, 1968
7	13	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 70, 1968
7	14	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 71, 1968
8	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 72, 1968
8	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 73, 1968-1969
8	3	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 75, 1969
8	4	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 76, 1969
8	5	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 77, 1969
8	6	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 78, 1969-1970
8	7	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 79, 1970
8	8	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 80, 1970
8	9	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 81, 1970
8	10	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 82, 1970
8	11	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 83, 1970-1971
9	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 84, 1971
9	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 85, 1971
9	3	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 86, 1971
9	4	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 87, 1971
9	5	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 89, 1972
9	6	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 90, 1972
9	7	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 91, 1972
9	8	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 92, 1972
9	9	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 93, 1972-1973
9	10	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 94, 1973
9	11	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 95, 1973
9	12	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 96, 1973
10	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 97, 1973
10	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 98, 1973-1974
10	3	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 99, 1974
10	4	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 100, 1974
10	5	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 101, 1974
10	6	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 102, 1974
10	7	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 103, 1974-1975
10	8	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 104, 1975
10	9	“Jeff Cobb”, Episode 105, 1975
11	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Promotional Items
11	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1954
11	3	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1955
11	4	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1956
11	5	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1957
11	6	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1960
11	7	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1962
11	8	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1964
12	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1965
12	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1965-1966
12	3	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1965, 1967-1968, 1973
12	4	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1966-1967
12	5	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1967-1968
12	6	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1969-1970
12	7	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1971
12	8	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1971-1972
12	9	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1972-1973
12	10	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1973-1974
12	11	“Jeff Cobb”, Proofs and Copies, 1974-1975
12	12	“Jeff Cobb”, Unfinished Panels
13	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Sunday Strips, 1955
13	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Sunday Strips, 1956
14	1	“Jeff Cobb”, Sunday Strips, 1957 (folder 1)
14	2	“Jeff Cobb”, Sunday Strips, 1957 (folder 2)
		SERIES 2: FREELANCE & OTHER ORIGINAL ARTWORK
15	1	Advertisements and Flyers, 1949, n.d.
15	2	Campaign Ads, 1960s
15	3	Custom Comic Service, Farming for the Future, n.d.
15	4	Custom Comic Service, Various, n.d.
15	5	Draft Work and Sketches, 1948, 1950, n.d.
15	6	457^th Bomb Group, 1941, 1944, n.d.
15	7	Jewish Life, 1950, 1984
15	8	Local Publications, 1953, 1979-1980
19	2	Miscellaneous Freelance Work, 1942
15	9	Steelman (Oberlin Steel), 1980
16	1	“Stu Mulligan”, n.d.
15	10	“Young at Heart”, n.d.
		SERIES 3: MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS
17	1	Biographies and Profiles, 1954, 1975, 1985, 1994, n.d.
17	2	Children’s Drawings, 1979, 1994, n.d.
17	3	Contemporaries, 1987, n.d.
19	1	Correspondence, 1963, 1982-1987, 1992, n.d.
20	n/a	Exhibit posters for "Pete Hoffman: A Comic Journey", 2015
21	n/a	Exhibit posters for "Pete Hoffman: A Comic Journey", 2015
17	5	Sketchpad (mostly empty)
17	4	Publications about comics, 1957, 1975, 1994, n.d.
		SERIES 4: UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO PROJECTS
18	1	UT, Alumnus Magazine, 1994
18	2	UT, Blockhouse, 1940-1941
18	3	UT, Collegian, 1939, 1992
18	4	UT, 50^th Reunion Homecoming, 1991
18	5	UT, Golden Alumni Society, 1992, 1996
18	6	UT, Miscellaneous Cartoons, 1951, 1984
18	7	UT, Name tags from Notables exhibit, n.d.
18	8	UT, “Rocky” renderings, n.d.
		SERIES 5: “WHY WE SAY”
19	3	“Why We Say”, Notes and Promotional Materials, n.d.
19	4	“Why We Say”, Panels, 1968, 1971
19	5	“Why We Say”, Release Schedules, 1974-1976