Aerial view of the 2600 block of South Tacoma Way featuring Ben's Truck Parts, Frank Buchanan Sales and Steven Motor Co. on August 7, 1964. Ben's Truck Parts and auto wreckers was owned and operated by Ben Etsekson. It was located at 2622 South Tacoma Way next to Frank Buchanan Sales and across the street from the Plymouth-Chrysler dealership. Road in right corner may be Pine St. Photograph ordered by Ben's Truck Parts.

Aerial photographs; Ben's Truck Parts (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Frank Buchanan Sales (Tacoma); Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

In November of 1961, Shirley Fopp, the 1942 women's national combined champion and now head of the ski school sponsored by the VIP Sport Center in Lakewood, and her associate Bill Fundy, posed with skis and poles in front of the new VIP Sport Center tour bus. The bus is parked outside Ben's Trucks Parts on South Tacoma Way. VIP Sport Center was located in Villa Plaza and sold sporting goods and toys. Their new bus would make two trips a week to Snoqualmie Pass and two trips to White Pass. Riders could rent essential equipment from the store or presumably bring their own. The new bus service launched by E.L. Hagenau of VIP Sport Center provided air conditioning, radio, public address system, and was custom equipped with extra-large capacity for skis and overnight luggage. Shirley Fopp and Gretchen (Kunigk) Fraser went to Stadium H.S. together and spent their weekends skiing on Mt. Rainier. (TNT 11-30-61, p. A-22) TPL-9864

Buses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Skiers; Fopp, Shirley; Fundy, Bill;

Rear of Army half-track parked at Ben's Truck Parts. This June, 1955, view of the lightly armored military vehicle displays the endless chain-track drive system on its rear portion; two wheels at the front provide support. The half-track had been designed for use as a personnel carrier; its ability to move swiftly over various terrain was utilized heavily during WWII.

Ben's Truck Parts (Tacoma); Armored vehicles--Tacoma; Tracklaying vehicles--Tacoma;

Army half track at Ben's Truck Parts, 2622 South Tacoma Way. Ben's, as listed in the 1955 City Directory, was owned by Benjamin and Wally Etsehson. The directory lists the company as "truck wreckers." The sign for the Luck Silver Tavern, 2605 South Tacoma Way, can be seen behind the truck, underneath the Pepsi sign. Ideal Machine and Welding Works, at 2609, can be seen to the left of the sign.

Ben's Truck Parts (Tacoma);

Army half-track parked at Ben's Truck Parts on South Tacoma Way. The half-track ran on an endless chain-track drive system that propelled a vehicle supported in front by a pair of wheels. This lightly armored unit was used by the US military.

Ben's Truck Parts (Tacoma); Tracklaying vehicles--Tacoma; Armored vehicles--Tacoma;