The sidewalks were packed on March 1, 1957, as potential car buyers streamed into Steven Motor Co.'s open house. Local residents were asked to "look around" at all the different used cars for sale to see how much money they could save that evening. Convenient terms to suit each individual buyer could be arranged. Steven Motor Co. was a Chrysler and Plymouth dealership, selling both used and new cars. Photograph ordered by Steven Motor Co.

Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Car shopping was truly a family affair in the 1950's. At their open house on March 1, 1957, Steven Motor Co. gave out balloons to the youngsters while their parents scrutinized the "best used car deal in town!" Steven Motor Co. was owned by Everett T. Steven. The long-time Chrysler and Plymouth dealership had three locations: the pictured sales & service center at 738 Broadway, a repair department on Saint Helens and their used car lot at 37th and South Tacoma Way. Photograph ordered by Steven Motor Co.

Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Steven Motor Company, Chrysler and Plymouth dealers, general view from Broadway. New Chrysler in showroom window, neon signs, used car department. Medical Arts building can be seen behind the Stevens structure. Building was also known as the Griggs building and was built in 1917.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Chrysler automobile; Plymouth automobile; Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1936. Steven Motor Co., 738 Broadway, Tacoma Chrysler-Plymouth distributor and Steven Marine Supply at 734 Broadway, circa 1936.

Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Steven Marine Supply (Tacoma);

Crawford Door opened up their office in Tacoma in July 1946. They handled the "Craw-fir-door", one of the first overhead garage doors. They offered immediate delivery and installation on home garage doors and on some industrial doors. Glen Mathews on left and A. P. Rasmussen are installing a sectional overhead garage door at Steven Motor Company (T. Times, 2/27/47, p. 4).

Doors & doorways--Tacoma; Garages--Tacoma; Laborers--Tacoma; Crawford Door Sales (Tacoma); Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma);

The Steven Motor Company occupied two buildings in downtown Tacoma on Broadway in 1952. They sold new Chrysler Corporation cars from 734 Broadway, which also had an entrance at 733 St. Helens; and used cars from 738 Broadway. The showroom was open evenings until 9:00 Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Steven Motor Company was founded by Everett T. Steven who started in the automobile business while still a youngster polishing the brass on new cars. The Steven Motor Company left downtown South Tacoma Way in 1959. These buildings are still standing in the heart of Tacoma's Antique Row.(TNT, 3/14/1952, p.B-2)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Chrysler automobile; Plymouth automobile; Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1952. Three drum and bugle corps from area American Legion Posts pose in humorous costumes for this picture taken on the 700 block of Broadway in downtown Tacoma. Represented are the Auburn Post No.78, Seattle's University Post No. 11 and West Seattle's Post #160. The American Legion held its 1952 state convention in Tacoma in August. The convention was highlighted by two downtown parades. The Voyageurs of La Societie des Forty Hommes et Eight Chevaux (40 et 8) staged their "Goof" parade from So. 7th and Pacific Ave, to Jefferson, to Broadway and back to the Elks Temple. More than 22 units participated. The costumes range from cross dressing, to dressing like children, to a couple of men dressed like babies in diapers and bibs. The American Legion is a patriotic society formed of veterans dedicated to preserving the rights of those who have served in the military and volunteering time and raising money for charities. (T. Reporter, 8/11/1952, pg. 2)

American Legion; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; Drum majorettes--Tacoma; Drums; Marching bands; Bugles; Costumes--American;

Service area of Steven Motor Company, Chrysler and Plymouth dealers showing maple floor treated with Lastincote sealer. Several late 1940s Chrysler Corporation automobiles are shown parked in the background. Banners overhead advertise available services. The floor coating was installed by West Disinfecting Company of Seattle.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Chrysler automobile; Plymouth automobile; Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); West Disinfecting Co. (Seattle); Floors--Tacoma;