A group portrait of the employees at Tacoma Auto Sales. This photograph was part of a one-page advertisement in the Tacoma News Tribune in which Tacoma Auto Sales' president, E.A. Riebe, wished everyone a, "Merry Christmas from the men and women of the company who sell and service Pontiac and Cadillac passenger cars" and thanking customers for their support during 1951. (TNT, 12/25/1951, p.B-12)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma)--Employees;
Ray Ridge Motors, Lincoln/Mercury dealer. New automobiles in showroom windows. Ford station wagon, Oldsmobile, 1958 Mercury, Chevrolet, small foreign car, likely a Simca, and Ford pickup truck at curb. From series, customers of KTVW-TV, Ch. 13.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Television advertising;
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;
In September of 1955, three tow trucks and their drivers stand at the ready in front of Del's Service and Repair at 711 Tacoma Ave So. Del's was owned by Delbert Heim who took over Art's Auto Repair around 1953 and changed the name. The garage specialized in brake repair, and towing was available 24 hours a day. The building was originally constructed in 1929 for a cost of $38,000. The site includes the Washington Grocery (to the left) at 707 Tacoma Ave So. The same builder, Oscar Volk, built the 85 unit brick Washington Apartments to the left of the photograph at 7th and Tacoma Ave So. (actual address 518 So. 7th St.). Del moved his business to 224 St. Helens Ave. in the late 1950s.
Del's Service & Repair (Tacoma); Automobile repair--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wreckers (Vehicles);
Exterior of new service station, Friendly Franks Serv-Ur-Self, ordered by Fletcher Oil Co. The station is offering free gas for its Grand Opening Friday & Saturday. The brand of the gasoline is Veltex. Uncommon in the fifties, the self service station kept prices low by offering no attendants to pump gas.
Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Exterior of new service station, Friendly Franks Serv-Ur-Self, ordered by Fletcher Oil Co. The station is offering free gas for its Grand Opening Friday & Saturday. The brand of the gasoline is Veltex. The larger building at the rear was most probably the automotive shop. The smaller unit in the center of the pumps most probably held a cashier. Flag streamers flap in the air to call attention to the Grand Opening. Not yet a common sight in the fifties, self service stations were making their mark by offering lower prices.
Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1950-1960;
A packed house at the Temple Theatre awaited Monk Watson's magic show on April 14, 1954. The evening's entertainment was sponsored by Miracle Power, an engine performance lubricant. Here Monk Watson gleefully holds a hand of playing cards while four others, possibly associated with National Auto Parts, display posters advertising Miracle Power's potency. A box full of Miracle Power cans is to the foreground along with the magician's props. Photograph ordered by National Auto Parts.
Automobile equipment & supplies; Posters; Watson, Monk; National Auto Parts, Inc. (Tacoma);
Mallon Motor Company, staff banquet held at the Tacoma Club celebrating the dealership's receipt of Ford Motor Company's "4 Letter Award" for the 1955 model year. The award was presented each year to the dealer that qualified in the following classifications: sound finances, management efficiency and completely modern facilities. The dinner was hosted by Robert Mallon who served as Master of Ceremonies. Tommy Mallon, the President of Mallon Motors, is seated to the far right of the picture; to his left is Abel Rigney, Mallon Sales Manger; to his left is J.C. Hogue, Ford's Field Manager; standing directly behind Mallon is C.J. Powell, Ford's District Sales Manager. The man standing third from the right in the back row has been identified as Harold Nutley. (TNT 3/11/1956, pg. A-6)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mallon Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Mallon, Thomas; Rigney, Abel;
Television host and columnist Ed Sullivan is welcomed to Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury on Tacoma Avenue South after his arrival on June 9, 1954, for the laying of the cornerstone on the new Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Mr. Sullivan received a TPD motorcycle escort and a ride in a new convertible courtesy of Mr. Ridge's dealership. Ray Ridge is on the right in the light suit; man shaking hands with Mr. Sullivan is tentatively identified as Judge George Boldt. Mr. Ridge, Mr. Sullivan and Judge Boldt would be among the honored guests at a 1500 person celebration of the new hospital held at the Masonic Temple's Fellowship Hall. ALBUM 7.
Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Ridge, Ray; Shaking hands--Tacoma;
ca. 1969. South Tacoma Motor Company, exterior view into Service Entrance, during the summer of 1969. A Chevrolet Suburban is parked in front of Credit Manager Lloyde Holstrom's office door. Master Charge sign at top right, Coca-Cola machine with service awards hanging above inside building. South Tacoma Motor Co. was an authorized Chevrolet dealer and was proud to offer qualified technicians. Fast, expert and low-cost, the South Tacoma Motor Co. guaranteed its work. "It's the 'Know-How' that Counts" was used as their motto in the 1969 City Directory. Photograph ordered by Harry S. Pearson, Seattle.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);
Osborne-McCann Pontiac-Cadillac, view of service lot from the northwest. Many 1950s to early 1960s automobiles are parked in back of the dealership. Cars were still quite large and roomy at that time. There is a motorcycle trike with company name on it in the rear and a Cadillac Coupe de Ville with front body damage at right center. TPL-9231
Osborn-McCann Pontiac-Cadillac, Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobiles--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Dick Lewis Pontiac-Cadillac agency, Olympia, general view of dealership. Shed-roofed service wing with Pontiac and Cadillac in the bays and abstract mural on exterior wall to left in photo, A-frame showroom with two 1964 Pontiacs in windows at right. Photograph ordered by the Weyerhaeuser Co.
Automobile dealerships--Olympia--1960-1970; Automobiles--Olympia--1960-1970; Dick Lewis Pontiac-Cadillac (Olympia)
Dick Lewis Pontiac-Cadillac agency, Olympia, general view of A-frame showroom with two 1964 Pontiacs in windows, naturalistic landscaping with water feature in foreground. This May, 1964, photograph of an automobile dealership was a far cry from the stark car lots normally seen in larger cities. The A-frame wooden structure with multiple glass windows and the freshly landscaped surroundings would present a more soothing atmosphere in which to view cars. Photograph ordered by the Weyerhaeuser Co.
Automobile dealerships--Olympia--1960-1970; Automobiles--Olympia--1960-1970; Dick Lewis Pontiac-Cadillac (Olympia);
South Tacoma Motor Company, outdoor view. Customer and salesman approach 1968 Chevrolet Impala 2-door hardtop with 327 V8 for a test drive. Another Impala is parked at curb. North Pacific Bank is across the street. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1960-1970;
South Tacoma Motor Company, view of showroom. Customers admire 1968 Chevrolets: Chevelle 4-door in foreground, Nova SS at left center, two Impalas at right. Vintage Chevrolet roadster, believed to be a 1914 Royal Mail, in left background. Bob's Burger Barn can be spotted through the dealership's large windows across the street in the Food King Supermarket parking lot. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit. TPL-6546
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970;
On January 4, 1968, prospective car buyers milled around the showroom of South Tacoma Motor Company, at 5602-08 South Tacoma Way, admiring the new 1968 Chevrolets. An employee pointed out the fine workmanship of the Camaro SS-350 to a prospective buyer, a military man in dress uniform. Another salesman chatted with a young woman who was testing the passenger seat of a Camaro RS-327 convertible. Also pictured was the new Impala 4-door sedan with 327 V-8 engine. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit. TPL-10261
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970; Military personnel--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Esther Williams Girl poses on top of a sports car in front of Imported Motors Cars, Inc. The automobile is a Jaguar. Although the bathing beauty is not named; the driver of the Jaguar is Pat Martin, president of Scott-Martin, Inc. Scott-Martin was the Washington distributor of the "Esther Williams Living Pool" that the bathing beauties were in Tacoma to publicize. (TNT 8/2/1959, pg. A-10)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Sports cars--English; Imported Motor Cars, Inc. (Tacoma); Publicity; Bathing beauties; Esther Williams Girls; Martin, Pat;
Steven Motor Company, Chrysler and Plymouth dealers, general view of agency. Neon signs on building and posts, new Plymouths in showroom window and on outdoor lot, used car department beyond. Steven Motor Co. was located at 2705 South Tacoma Way. It would once again add Chrysler to the company's Plymouth-Valiant sales and service facilities in 1962. Armand Moceri was the manager and Everett Steven, president. (TNT ad 1-1-62, B-12,13)
Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Lloyd Suiter Tire Company. Percy Dunlop, a representative of the National Institute of Treading Standards, explains that "instrument tests show this to be a perfect section cure". L-R, Lloyd Suiter, Rudy Searle, shop foreman, and Percy Dunlop. (T.Times, 6/6/1945, p.10)
Tacoma Auto Sales Company, Pontiac and Cadillac dealers, exterior. Showroom windows painted over with cartoon of fence and various characters "peeking", trying to glimse the 1946 Pontiacs, which sign on the door says will be on display Wed, Nov 14th. According to the Tacoma Times prices permitted on new automobiles were to be announced by the OPA by November 7, 1945, for the new 1946 models. Automobiles were not manufactured during the war so these models were greatly anticipated. (T.Times, 11/2/1945, p.15) TPL-9277
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma);
The view from Court C of Mueller Harkins, 722-26 Broadway, photographed in September of 1945. This appears to be the entrance to the automotive shop. To the far right of the photograph is the Irwin-Jones Motor Co., at 728 Broadway.
Automobile dealerships-Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);
This is the Valley Forge Service Station as viewed in September of 1945. It was located in Fife, at the SW corner of the intersection of Hwy 99 and 54th Ave., directly east of Andre's Market and across the highway from the Poodle Dog restaurant. The service station offered Standard Oil products and did automobile repairs. Its owners were Henry and Francis Hubbert. The service station was destroyed by fire circa 1948 or 1949. After the fire the service station at the NE corner of the intersection became known as the Valley Forge once the Hubbert's station was no longer in existence. Frank and Richard Spear and another unidentified person would manage the new Valley Forge. (Additional information provided by a reader).
Automobile service stations--Fife--1940-1950; Valley Forge Service Station (Fife);
The One-Stop Market, which also had gasoline pumps, was photographed in September of 1945. The owners' names are printed on the building, Williams and Schrader, but the address is unknown. Signs for Coca-Cola and 7up ("It Likes You") adorn the roof of the covered pumping area.
Automobile service stations--Pierce County--1940-1950; One Stop Market (Pierce County);
The One-Stop Market, which also had gasoline pumps, was photographed in September of 1945. The owners' names are printed on the building, Williams and Schrader, but the address is unknown. Signs for Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola adorn the roof of the covered pumping area.
Automobile service stations--Pierce County--1940-1950; One Stop Market (Pierce County);
A Standard Oil service station, location unknown. The pumping station in the front has three gasoline pumps available. The ground around the station is covered with gravel, not pavement. This is the same station as image #70.
Automobile service stations--Pierce County; Standard Oil Co. of California (Tacoma);
The Standard Oil gas station located at the Camp Tahoma Auto Camp cabins, 3836 South Tacoma Way. Located next to the cabins was Interstate Motor Sales at 3826 South Tacoma Way. The sign in the background over the auto sale building is for Ace Furnace and Steel at 3740 So. Union.
Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tourist camps & hostels--Tacoma; Motels--Tacoma--1940-1950; Camp Tahoma (Tacoma); Interstate Motor Sales (Tacoma);
Washburn's Service Station, 3402 Pacific Ave. The mission style station was built in 1924 by William F. Washburn. Mr. Washburn and his wife Genevieve lived nearby at 224 So. 34th, which they purchased around 1920.
Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Washburn's Service Station (Tacoma);
J. Thomas Standard Oil Service Station, photographed in November of 1945. Owned by Joseph & Loretta Thomas. Located at 27th and West Grandview in University Place.
Automobile service stations--University Place--1940-1950; J. Thomas Standard Oil Service Station (University Place);
