Showing of 1949 Lincolns, Robert Sconce Advertising Agency. Three of the new 1949 model Lincolns are parked in the showroom. The Lincoln Cosmopolitan and the Lincoln represented the latest concept in luxurious motoring with wider wheelbases (125" for the Cosmopolitan and 121" for the Lincoln). The automobiles were wider to provide road-hugging comfort. The paint on the new automobiles is highly reflective as well as the large amounts of chrome. A neon sign points the way to a cashier. (T.Times, 4/15/1948, p.26)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln automobile; Mercury automobile; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;
South Tacoma Motor Company, Mr. Sheehan, a general view of showroom. A new 1949 Chevrolet DeLuxe Styleline convertible sits in the foreground. A shiny new De Luxe 2-door Fleetline fastback is in the left background, while a pickup truck is partly hidden at the center. Another automobile, a Styleline sedan, is seen at the far right. The dealership had recently remodeled their showroom at a cost of $10,000. (T.Times, 1/24/1949, p.16)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Convertible automobiles; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;
South Tacoma Motor Company, Mr. Sheehan, showroom. 1949 Chevrolet DeLuxe 2-door Fleetline at left and pickup truck at right. Signs promoting "Seawave and Canda cloth upholstery" and showing the Chevrolet line. "America's 18 Year Leader" banner hangs at far right. Chevrolet continued the "big car" aspects that had always been claimed by Chevrolet with the 1949 models. (T.Times, 1/20/1949, p.13) TPL-5871
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Chevrolet trucks; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;
South Tacoma Motor Company, Mr. Sheehan. A model sits in the back a 1949 Chevrolet DeLuxe convertible in the company's showroom. The price of this model, as equipped, was $2,386.80. A chrome and rope barrier is in place to keep people at a distance from this new Chevrolet with gleaming paint and wide, white-wall tires. The model holds a doll and several more are sitting on the convertible. TPL-3265
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Convertible automobiles; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;
An unidentified model was photographed in January of 1949 while sitting on the left front fender of a brand new 1949 Chevrolet DeLuxe Styleline convertible on display at the South Tacoma Motor Company, 5602 South Tacoma Way. When South Tacoma Motor Co. opened in the early 1920s, they were one of the first automobile dealerships to open on South Tacoma Way. TPL-5870
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Convertible automobiles; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile radiator ornaments;
Anyone interested in a full service automotive center had to go to Mueller-Harkins Buick Motor Company where they offered all types of services and the fastest, most efficient customer service. Mueller-Harkins also had the modern dynamometer, which reproduced actual road conditions that helped vehicle testing. Interior view of service area at Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency where a Buick is being washed by the "Washmobile" which was a "De Luxe Car Wash." An unidentified dealership employee is operating the equipment. (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28)..
Buick automobile; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Car washes--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);
Equipment at Mueller-Harkins, Walker Manufacturing Company, Racine, Wisconsin, Mr. Spaulding. A view of Mueller-Harkins' service area. Grease racks are shown with two late 1940s Buicks in the service bays, one lifted on a rack for easy access. A roll-away lube cart, overhead hoses for air, water, grease, etc., are seen with the two men working.
Service area at Mueller- Harkins Buick Agency. Car going through the "Washmoblie", automatic car washing machine. Bare concrete walls, reflection of outdoor advertising for the agency in window at top right in photo.
Mueller-Harkins showroom, ordered by Bonnell Construction Co. An exterior view of the very modern automobile showroom built by Mueller-Harkins showing the two circular display windows that each contained a revolving stage for the newest models of Buick automobiles. The large, monolithic tower displaying the name "Buick" in neon on top has recently been completed. The sign for the Walker Apartment Hotel can be seen on the far left, across Saint Helens Avenue.
Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Engines are taken from Ford cars and trucks, then replaced with a rebuilt engine by the Titus plant, payment is made with the trade in of the old engine and cash. Testing includes the engine being spun at over 800 r.p.m. while its operation, sound and oil pressure are carefully monitored. This service is available to individual owners, garages and Ford dealers. Interior view of Titus Manufacturing Company's engine rebuilding shop, two unidentified men are working on Ford engine parts; one man is operating a fork lift.
Titus handled many special orders and custom built trucks to accommodate all types of business needs. Interior view of Ford truck built for Hunt and Mottet Company, a wholesale sporting goods and hardware company. This new truck would allow for them to efficiently deliver to hardware stores throughout Western Washington. The truck has many compartments which help keep the company organized.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ford trucks; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hardware; Fishing & hunting gear; Sporting goods; Sporting goods industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Hunt & Mottet Co. (Tacoma);
Hunt and Mottet Company, a wholesale sporting goods and hardware company, had just purchased a new Ford truck from Titus Motor Company. This new truck would allow for them to efficiently deliver to hardware stores throughout Western Washington. Interior view of truck; fishing gear and other sporting goods are organized in the many compartments.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ford trucks; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hardware; Fishing & hunting gear; Sporting goods; Sporting goods industry--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Hunt & Mottet Co. (Tacoma);
The exterior of Mulligan Pontiac Cadillac Company recently opened by Andrew E. Mulligan shows their new car showroom on the left and used car sales area on the right. The service area for the dealership was entered from Commerce Street, one block below, in the same building. Andrew E. Mulligan purchased the interests of E.A. Riebe in the Tacoma Auto Sales Company, Pontiac and Cadillac dealership, in September 1952. Neon signs advertise "Pontiac Cadillac" and "Used Cars" from signs perpendicular to the building with other signs painted on the building facade and attached flat to the building. The City Hall tower can be seen over the building. (TNT, 9/28/1952, p.B-16)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mulligan Pontiac-Cadillac Co. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Mulligan Pontiac-Cadillac Company sales floor and office. 1952 Cadillac convertible is on view in the showroom. Pontiac assessories are on display, and banners and signs proclaim Cadillac's 50th anniversary, V-8 engines and 1952 Pontiacs. Glassed-in offices are seen in the far corner.
Mulligan Pontiac-Cadillac's service department where Pontiacs and Cadillacs are being serviced. The mechanics' work stations have signs bearing their names with Earl Jansen at the right. A Sun Motor Tester stands between the first two cars. A Green Cross safety banner and advertising signs have been posted and the cashier's counter is in the rear.
Two enlisted men are shopping for a good deal in a used car at Mulligan Pontiac-Cadillac Company. Mulligan's advertised $1 million in cars for returned veterans. TPL-943
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mulligan Pontiac-Cadillac Co. (Tacoma); Shopping--Tacoma--1950-1960; Military personnel--Tacoma;
Uniformed mechanics were presented with service buttons at the Allen Motor Company on South Tacoma Way Christmas Eve, 1952. Allen Motor Company were authorized Studebaker dealers. Advertising announcing new 1952 Studebakers is painted on the large plate glass windows; there is also a neon "Commander" sign on adjacent window. The man in white coveralls in the second row, second from the right, is Scotty Gordon.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Allen Motor Co. (Tacoma);
Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. exterior, for the Condon Co. This facility was considered to be one of the most complete automotive centers in the U.S. Founded in 1916 at 8th and A, the company was still run by the Mueller family. In September of 1953, negotiations were underway to sell the family owned business to a Seattle automobile man. Effective October 1, 1953, the new owner was identified as E.H. (Gene) Brus, a prominent Seattle automobile man since 1921. (TNT 9/14/1953, pg. 1 & TNT 10/4/1953, pg. B5-B7)
Herb Satterlee Motor Company's repair shop. Several 1940s and 50s Packards in work area, signs promote services. Satterlee sold and serviced Packards and British Austins. The company was owned by Herb F. Satterlee, who served as president, with Herb Jr. as secretary-treasurer. The company did body and paint work, auto glass, mechanical servicing and tailored seat covers at this location.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Packard automobile; Herb Satterlee Motors (Tacoma);
Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency. Staff group photo on roof parking lot; building's pylon sign in background. Medical Arts, now Tacoma Municipal, building visible at far left in photo. In October of 1953, The Muellers retired and sold their company to E.H. (Gene) Brus from Seattle. The other founding owner Leo W. Harkins had retired in 1931. There was no change in personnel or policies, but the company now became Brus Buick Co. Brus would also take over the used car lot at 8th and Tacoma Ave. (TNT 10/4/1953, pg. B-6 - B-7)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma)--Employees; Brus Buick Co. (Tacoma);
A crowd is admiring the 1952 Chevrolets at South Tacoma Motor Company. Banners promoting Ride Control suspension and Powerglide (automatic) transmission hang from columns. Styling refinements for 1952 presented a fresh, fleet appearance with Bodies by Fisher. You had a choice of 26 sparkling solid tone and two-tone color combinations. Eleven body types comprised the passenger car line for 1952 ranging from the ultra-practical business coupe to the swank Bel Air. New and improved shock absorber action presented a smoother, softer ride. A combination of Powerglide Automatic Transmission and 105-hp engine was optional on DeLuxe models. (TNT, 1/19/1952, p.10, 11) TPL-5868
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Mueller-Harkins Motor Company opened a new automobile accessories store in late 1951. View of exterior of store showing Firestone neon sign; store is lighted from within to show tires, sample material for seat covers, and batteries on sale. Signs on the windows promote Firestone tires; one offers to trade in old worn-out tires for Firestone replacements while another sign advertises Firestone polar grip winter treads. Photograph ordered by Condon Co.
Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Signs (Notices); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tires; Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);
The Mueller-Harkins Motor Company opened a new accessories store in their Saint Helens Avenue building in late 1951. Sepia photograph shows three men examining products for sale; Firestone tires were prominently featured along with Prestone anti-freeze and seat cover materials. A prudent shopper could purchase tire chains in preparation for icy roads for a cost between $10 and $14. The store even provided a Coca-Cola machine where thirst could be quenched for a mere nickel. Photograph ordered by Condon Co.
Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Signs (Notices); Tires; Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);
Interior shot at Titus Motor Co., 616-24 Broadway, with a Ford automobile up on the rack and white jacketed mechanics hard at work. (filed with Argentum)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Electric signs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma);
Interior shot at Titus Motor Co., 616-24 Broadway, with a Ford automobile up on the rack and white jacketed mechanics hard at work. (filed with Argentum)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Electric signs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma);
Showing of the new 1940 Fords at Titus Motor Company. Man handing a ribbon to another man across the hood of a 1940 Ford. Men, some wearing "It's Ford in '40" caps, mingle around the showroom. The new 1940 Fords were being described as big, substantial and powerful, with a modern front end design and streamlined body.
Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ford automobile;
Titus Motor's gift for the first born baby in Tacoma in 1941 was a ride home for mother and child in a 1941 Super Deluxe Ford. The 9 pound 3 ounce baby boy arrived at 12:08 a.m. at the County Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Parham of 6002 So. Mason making them winners of the Tacoma News Tribune Stork Derby for 1941.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ford automobile; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Pierce County Hospital (Tacoma); Hospitals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Infants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Parham, Herbert--Family;Holidays--Tacoma--1940-1950;
The winner of the Tacoma News Tribune Stork Derby for 1941, the first baby of the year, was a 9 pound, 3 ounce baby boy born to Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Parham at 12:08a.m. on January 1, 1941. One of the prizes was a ride home from the County Hospital in a 1941 Super DeLuxe Ford for the new family. The vehicle was supplied by Titus Motors. (TNT 1/2/1941, pg. 1)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ford automobile; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Pierce County Hospital (Tacoma); Hospitals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Infants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Parham, Herbert--Family;Holidays--Tacoma--1940-1950;
