Barney Google is a comic strip created in 1919 by Billy DeBeck.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
Turk with Spark Plug (1929)[]
The comic strip was first represented in the 1929 Parade, as a balloon depicting a Turk riding aboard Google's trusty steed Spark Plug. The balloon, constructed by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, built the balloon at their Akron, Ohio headquarters, and was test flown in November 1929 alongside the Katzenjammer Kids balloons. Leading the 1929 lineup, this makes Spark Plug the first ever licensed character to get a giant balloon.
The balloon made only one appearance in that year's Parade, and was disposed of shortly after.
Barney Google (1930)[]
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