A carpenter works on building the canopy that covered the pumps at Nienaber's Texaco Service Station. Nienaber's was at the corner of Center and K Streets. In the background is Wyman & Kravik Refrigeration.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Carpenters--Tacoma--1950-1960

Associated Oil Service Stations. Eldred J. Omundson and Paul L. Crosby operated the Associated station at 3102 South 12th Street. The station features the "Flying A" neon sign over its distinctive concentric rings on top of the station. The station featured Aero batteries and Federal tires. A sign affixed to a light pole in the parking area reminds customers of the Community Chest drive. The lot is fenced and two automobiles are parked near the station. TPL-1886

Associated Oil Service Stations (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Omundson & Crosby Gas Station (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Associated Oil Service Stations. Charlie Walker's Associated Service, station #634. Walker's Associated Service stands at the corner of 56th and Pacific Avenue. Cosmic Cleaners is next door at 5433 Pacific Avenue and Kempinsky's Bi-Rite Drugs is at 5431 Pacific Avenue. An older automobile is parked next to the station while another sits ready for filling. The two garage doors to the service area are open. TPL-1889

Associated Oil Service Stations (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Walkers Associated Service Station (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Associated Oil Service Stations at 5525 Pacific Ave., station #634, was known as Charlie Walker's Associated Service Station in 1948 when this photograph was taken. This distinctive looking station was built in 1934 for Emil Muscek. It was designed by A. Gordon Lumm following the architectural ideas presented at the Century of Progress. Walker's Associated Service Station closed in the late '60s. TPL-1887

Associated Oil Service Stations (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Walkers Associated Service Station (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Associated Oil Service Stations, Charlie Walker's Associated Service, station #634. A side view of the service station with automobiles parked behind the station with three gasoline pumps in front. Associated Oil's distinctive "Flying A" neon sign sits over the building with windows set to form a semi-circle. Across the street can be seen Cole's Supermarket and Johnson's Repair Shop. TPL-1888

Associated Oil Service Stations (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Walkers Associated Service Station (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Associated Oil Service Stations, Omundson & Crosby, Station #633. The service station features three gasoline pumps under the permanent covering. A large double garage door opens into the service area. Men's and women's restrooms are available along the side of the station. The Associated Oil "Flying A" is seen over the station. TPL-1890

Associated Oil Service Stations (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Omundson & Crosby Gas Station (Tacoma); Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Associated Oil Service Stations, Charlie Walker's Associated Service, station #634. This elevated view shows the busy corner location of the station as well as the convenient drive through garage with doors on both the front and back. Two automobiles have pulled in for gasoline and one is parked next to the garage with another seen behind the building on the right.

Associated Oil Service Stations (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Walkers Associated Service Station (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Associated Oil Service Stations, Omundson & Crosby Station #633. This October, 1948 view of the service station shows the service garage with the double doors open. The station advertises Veedol Lubrication. A drinking fountain is located on the front of the building. Three gasoline pumps are available at the service island.

Associated Oil Service Stations (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Omundson & Crosby Gas Station (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Associated Oil Service Stations, Charlie Walker's Associated Service, station #634. This view of the station clearly shows the two separate buildings for the garage where repairs were performed and the gasoline pumping area. The company advertises Veedol Lubrication and Motor Oil. An automobile is parked for gasoline.

Associated Oil Service Stations (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Walkers Associated Service Station (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Exterior view of Christiansen's Shell Service Station, located on Portland Avenue and East 98th Street. The building has two gas pumps islands and three visible pumps, an automobile parts and supplies shop, and an auto repair garage. Photo was ordered by Shields, Harper and Company, an industrial equipment supplier based out of Seattle, Washington.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma; Gasoline--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Shields, Harper & Co. (Seattle);

Interior view of garage at Christiansen's Shell Service Station, located on Portland Avenue and East 98th Street; car lift, tires, repair tools, air pumps, Shell oil products, and other automobile parts in the garage; gasoline pumps can be seen through windows. Photo was ordered by Shields, Harper and Company, an industrial equipment supplier based out of Seattle, Washington.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma; Gasoline--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Shields, Harper & Co. (Seattle);

Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company was completing a company wide expansion and building program in 1949. The expansion would allow the company to serve their customers better. Exterior view of Mobilgas service station in Milton where a sign indicates a public telephone booth is available next to the gas station. Photograph ordered by Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company.

Automobile service stations--Milton; Telephone booths--Milton; Telephone companies--Tacoma; Telephone industry--Tacoma; Roads--Milton; Automobiles--Milton; Signs (Notices); Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma);

Big Six Service was owned by M. A. Martin, they were located at 3826 Sixth Avenue. Big Six offered their customers a full service gas station with a repair shop, fuel oil, battery and tire service, radios and electrical appliances. Exterior view of Big Six Service station, photo ordered by West Marquis Incorporated, an advertising agency based out of Seattle. The man in the hat is reported to be Malvin Andreas Martin. TPL-9267

Automobile service stations--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Gasoline--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Big Six Service (Tacoma); West Marquis, Inc. (Seattle);

Harold's Service Station, 1202 So. 12th St., was owned by Harold W. Conger. Harold's offered their customers Mobilgas products, tires, batteries, recapping, vulcanizing and many automobile accessories. View of Harold Conger filling up an automobile with gas at his service station, photo ordered by West Marquis Incorporated, an advertising agency based out of Seattle.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Gasoline--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Harold's Service Station (Tacoma); West Marquis, Inc. (Seattle); Conger, Harold W.;

Group of 12 men, Shell Oil Company, Miss Schumacher. Three men in the front row are holding radios, probably a sales or service award. Their names were not provided.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Radios; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Shell Oil Company, Miss Schumacher. Three men hold new radios, possibly an award from the Shell Oil Company, as they each cup an ear in this photograph dated May 9, 1949. The man on the far left attempts to adjust the volume on a black radio.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Radios; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Dinner awards being presented to employees, Shell Oil Co., Tideflats, Larry Hausen. Shell Oil had celebrated the opening of their new bulk petroleum terminal on the Tacoma tideflats next to the city waterway earlier in November 1949. They consolidated their two smaller plants into one housing their storage, truck fill-stand and garage with their district office, smaller storage and warehouse.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fuel trade--Tacoma--1940-1950; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Awards; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Ed Lee's new Shell Oil station at the intersection of Division and No. Yakima was photographed just before its Grand Opening on March 31st, 1950. The station, at 102 No. Yakima Ave., had a garage for car repairs and new gasoline pumps. For the Grand Opening, 32 hourly drawings were held for prizes, with the grand prize being a set of four Firestone Champion tires. The signpost in front pointed out the directions to the Fox Island and Bremerton ferries and the Stadium city center.The billboard to the left of the station was an advertisement for Shell Oil. Gas at the Grand Opening sold for between 25.2 and 27.2 cents per gallon. TPL-10300

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1950-1960; Billboards--Tacoma;

Gasoline was selling at 25.2-27.2 cents per gallon at Ed Lee's new Shell Oil Station at Division and Yakima. Cars were waiting in line to gas up at these prices, and receive a free set of drinking glasses. Klieg lights and banners also helped to announce the station's March 31st Grand Opening. Several Shell servicemen were waiting on each car in turn, checking under the hood and filling up the tank. The billboard to the left of the station was an advertisement for Shell Oil.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1950-1960; Searchlights; Billboards--Tacoma;

Ed Lee's new Shell Oil station at Division and Yakima before opening.The station had a garage for car repairs and fuel islands with gasoline pumps. Firestone tires and automotive parts and accessories were on display in front of the station office. The station's Grand Opening was March 31- April 1, 1950 and featured prize drawings and giveaways.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1950-1960;

In April of 1950 Nezzer J. "Nez" DuCharme (far right) took over the service station at 1548 Pacific Avenue and opened a new Mobiloil Station. His new station was 10 blocks north of the station that he opened just after WWII at 2601 Pacific. Helping to man the pumps were: (l to r) Bud DuCharme, Bob Morgan and Bob Bender, advertised as the "Busy B's." The station sold a full line of Mobil products including gas, tires, tubes, batteries, accessories. The "Busy Bs" also did tire repairs, battery charging, and car washing and polishing with pick up and delivery service. (Ad TNT 4/14/1950, pg. 27)

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nez DuCharme & Sons Depot Service Station (Tacoma); Uniforms; DuCharme, Nezzer J.; DuCharme, Bud; Morgan, Bob; Bender, Bob;

Nez DuCharme & Sons Depot Service Station at its new location 1548 Pacific Avenue. A gas station attendant services a car in the driveway; filling the car with gas, checking under the hood, and cleaning the windows. The station was large and had a repair shop and oil change location to the right. A weathervane checks the direction of the wind from atop the gable of this unique building. (Ad TNT 4/14/1950, pg. 27)

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nez DuCharme & Sons Depot Service Station (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;

J.F. Shank's Shell station at South 38th and Thompson Avenue is shown with a separate building for automobile repairs. Gasoline pumps stand in front of the sales booth where tires have been hung in the windows. A very small, square-backed vehicle is parked by the sales booth. Ordered by Shell Oil Company, Mr. Holms.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; J.F. Shank's Shell Station (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Smith's Shell Station is shown with a separate building for automobile repairs. Gasoline pumps stand in front of the sales booth. A gasoline service station had been at this location since 1929. A billboard advertising Shell products stands along the property line on the right. Ordered by Shell Oil Company, Mr. Holms.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smith's Shell Station (Tacoma); Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950; Billboards--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Lee's Shell Oil station at Division and North Yakima. A Shell Oil Company service station had been at this location since 1929. Ed Lee opened his Shell Service across from Wright Park April 1, 1950. He celebrated his opening with free gardenias for the ladies and free balloons for the kiddies and he was open until 11 pm. Apartments buildings, the Rutland at 115 No. Yakima and the Casablanca at 117 No. Yakima, can be seen on the right and single-family residences behind the service station on the left. Ordered by Shell Oil Company, Ivar Holms. (TNT, 4/3/1950, p.8)

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1950-1960; Neighborhoods--Tacoma; Cities & towns--Tacoma;

View of Shell station #982. This photograph of Shell Oil station #982 in Auburn was taken on August 2, 1950. According to the White River Historical Society, Louie's Shell Service was located at 103 Auburn Avenue, at the corner of Auburn Avenue and 1st Street N.E. Drivers in the small town could choose to gas up at either the Mobil, Louie's, or the Richfield stations on Auburn Avenue, as they were all in a row. The flat roofed building next to the large tree towards the rear of the Louie's Shell was the Auburn General Hospital.

Shell Oil Co. (Auburn); Automobile service stations--Auburn; Louie's Shell Service (Auburn);

This photograph from August of 1950 shows the west side of Tacoma Avenue South looking north from South 10th Street. Bill Leedom's Shell Service station was located on the corner, at 922 Tacoma Avenue South. In November of 1952 the voters approved the construction of a new County-City Building on this block. All the buildings on the west side of Tacoma Avenue South from South 9th to South 11th were demolished and South 10th Street was closed to traffic. The Tacoma School District's Central School can be seen further up the road at 601 South 8th Street.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma; Central School (Tacoma); Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Streets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Shell Oil station at Sixth & Sprague. This photograph of Wolford & Brazeau's Shell station was taken on August 2, 1950. The gas station, located at 1720 Sixth Avenue, was owned by A.H. Wolford and E.F. Brazeau. It competed for business with Les Knutsen's Associated Service located across the street. TPL-9907

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma;

Shell Oil station at 37th & Pacific. Fred's Shell Service station, owned by Fred Styf, was located at 3640 Pacific Avenue. Mr. Styf also owned another Shell station at 2523 Pacific Avenue. Pierce County Hospital (later Puget Sound General Hospital) is shown a block away.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Fred's Shell Service (Tacoma); Styf, Fred; Automobile service stations--Tacoma;

A few self-service stations were starting to appear in the early 1950's in the Puget Sound area; however, it was still an unusual sight. A customer would pump his own gas rather than waiting patiently in his car for an attendant to do so. As this gas station's large sign advertised, you could "save $$" by doing the work yourself. Photograph ordered by Fletcher Oil Company.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Fletcher Oil Co. (Tacoma);