In October of 1939, long lines of automobiles queued up at the State Vehicle Safety Inspection Station at 3315 So. 38th St., awaiting mandatory testing. Washington state had passed legislation in 1937 requiring vehicles be tested for safety. Beginning October 1, 1939, those flouting this regulation would be subject to fines or arrest. At this time there were two inspection stations in Tacoma, 914 Puyallup Ave. that had opened in December of 1938 and this two month old station pictured. The building seen on the ridge is 3333 So. 38th St., originally home to Tacoma's Contagious Hospital, which in 1939 housed the Works Progress Administration (WPA.) (TNT 10/1/1939, pg. 11)

Vehicle Safety Inspection Station (Tacoma); Automobiles--1930-1940;

Frustrations soared as drivers queued up in two lines at the State Vehicle Safety Inspection Station at 3315 So. 38th St. to have their automobiles inspected in October of 1939. The State patrol had started enforcing two year old legislation that required all motorists to have their vehicles inspected for safety. Violators could be fined or arrested. The state had two inspection stations open in Tacoma, the one pictured and one at 914 Puyallup Ave. The building seen on the ridge at the far left is 3333 So. 38th St., originally the Contagious Hospital, which in 1939 housed the WPA (Works Progress Administration.) and later was occupied by Coca-Cola Bottling, Inc. (TNT 10/1/1939, pg. 11)

Vehicle Safety Inspection Station (Tacoma); Automobiles--1930-1940;

A white uniformed inspector checks in the long line of automobiles awaiting vehicle inspection at the State Vehicle Safety Inspection Station at 3315 So. 38th St. in October of 1939. State patrol officers were also on hand. Washington State had passed regulations in 1937 requiring that all vehicles pass a safety check. Beginning October 1, 1939, drivers not complying with this law could be fined or arrested. State patrol, traffic patrol and local city police were participating in a crack down on violators. (TNT 10/1/1939, pg. 11)

Vehicle Safety Inspection Station (Tacoma); Automobiles--1930-1940;

Joe Thomas, head of the state safety inspection station on South 38th Street, greets former race car driver Harry Hartz, at the wheel of his famous Chevrolet demonstration truck, in October of 1939. The truck has travelled over 73,000 miles, crisscrossing the country, including a trek up Pikes Peak to the 14,110-foot level, without adjustments or trouble of any kind. The truck's travels are under the watchful eye of the American Automobile Association (AAA) who certifies the truck's performance. Thomas, a former race car driver himself, taught Hartz racing in 1919. Hartz won the Indianapolis Speedway Classic twice before being seriously injured in a crash. Guy Sheehan, manager of the South Tacoma Motor Co., a Chevrolet dealer, had also come out to see the long running truck. He is believed to be the man on the left. (T. Times 11/1/1939, pg. 13) (filed with Argentum)

Vehicle Safety Inspection Station (Tacoma); Chevrolet trucks; Thomas, Joe; Hartz, Harry;

Chevrolet Safety Truck going through test at State Vehicle Safety Inspection Station. Joe Thomas, right, head of the safety inspection station, documents the truck's approval rating for former race car driver Harry Hartz, left. The Chevrolet demonstration truck has travelled over 73,000 miles, criss crossing America. Thomas, a former automobile racer himself, introduced Hartz to the world of racing in 1919. Hartz twice won the Indianapolis Speedway Classic before being seriously injured in a crash. (T. Times 11/1 1939, pg. 13) (filed with Argentum)

Vehicle Safety Inspection Station (Tacoma); Chevrolet trucks; Thomas, Joe; Hartz, Harry;

Truck built by Highway Truck Equipment for AA Star Transfer Co. photographed on May 29, 1940 in front of the Washington State Vehicle Safety Inspection Station, 3415 So. 38th St. Highway Truck Co. was located at 3224 South Tacoma Way and specialized in manufacturing hoists and bodies for dump trucks, trailers of all types, truck alterations and brake installations. (filed with Argentum)

Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Highway Truck Co. (Tacoma); Vehicle Safety Inspection Station (Tacoma);

Herbert Algeo was the Chief of the Washington State Patrol during this time. The State Patrol had many responsibilities including: speed monitoring, first aid safety, weight control units to help prevent damage to roads, accident prevention and many other duties. The organization was formed in 1921. View of Washington State Patrolmen with first aid supplies, outside of the Vehicle Safety Inspection center. TPL-6674

Law enforcement officers--Tacoma; First aid--Tacoma; Law enforcement--Tacoma; Uniforms; Washington State Patrol (Tacoma);

Truck outside store, South Tacoma Motors, Ted Hoakinson. A Chevrolet truck with a Parkland Fuel Oil Service tank on the back is parked in front of the Washington State Patrol Vehicle Safety Inspection facility.

Chevrolet trucks; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Washington State Patrol (Tacoma); Parkland Fuel Oil Service (Parkland);