South Tacoma Motor Company. A general view of the dealership at night. 1950 Chevrolets are on display in the showroom. A neon sign advertises the dealership at the corner while searchlights on the back of a truck pierce the night sky. South Tacoma Motor Company originated in the late 1800s as Union Street Livery. With the growing popularity of automobiles in the early 1900s, the owners combined the livery business with a service store and garage. Peter Wallerich acquired South Tacoma Motor in 1919. As of 1984 John Wallerich, Peter's grandson, headed the dealership. (South on the Sound, Murray and Rosa Morgan) TPL-6545

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Chevrolet automobile; Searchlights--Tacoma--1950-1960;

1950 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery truck, "Nalley's Inc. Advertising Car LA-63" on display in South Tacoma Motor Company's showroom. Slogan "If It's Nalley's It's Good" and product names "Treasure Pickles" and "Beef Stew" are painted on this side.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma);Food industry--Tacoma; Nalley's, Inc. (Tacoma); Chevrolet trucks;

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;

Interior of Gambles Western Auto Supply Co. store at 8104 South Tacoma Way during their Grand Opening. In addition to auto supplies, the store also sold housewares and appliances, such as the wringer washer on the right hand side. Flexible flyer wagons line up under the windows. Prominent in the foreground of the picture are kitchen aids- mixers, irons, hot plate, pans and baking pans.

Gambles Western Auto Supply Co. (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stores & shops--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior of new building at Center and Lawrence, Titus Manufacturing Company, Mr. Leon Titus. When demand for rebuilt engines increased in July 1946, Titus Motor Company restructured their engine rebuilding department which became Titus Manufacturing Company. They had continued at 624 Broadway until 1949 but now have moved into their new facilities at Center and Lawrence Streets in Nalley Valley. A large Ford truck is parked in front of the loading dock.

Titus Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma); Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950;

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.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hoisting machinery; Engines; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Titus Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma);

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);

Footprints on the sidewalk lead people to South Tacoma Motor Company to see the 1951 Chevrolets. Fourteen passenger body types were included in the 1951 line. Two- and four-door sedans were available in the Styleline and Fleetline series. All sedans and the sport coupe came in de luxe or special trim. A convertible coupe, all-steel station wagon and the Bel Air were exclusively in the de luxe series. The business coupe was only available in the Special series. (TNT, 12/9/1950, p.13)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1950-1960;

December was the month to showcase the upcoming year's new automobile models. Here the 1951 Chevrolets, including the Bel Air, are gleaming under the overhead lights of South Tacoma Motor Company at 5602 South Tacoma Way. The Bel Air's white-wall tires set off its new styling, where improvements and changes were featured in both the chassis and body for 1951. Model changes ranged from the "biggest brakes in the low-price field" to longer and lower design innovations. The Powerglide automatic transmission, optional on the deluxe models only, was also refined. Both South Tacoma Motor Co. and Walker Chevrolet would open their showrooms at night during part of December to highlight the impressive catalog of new cars. (TNT, 12/8/1950, p.13-article )

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A general view of the South Tacoma Motor Company at night. The 1951 Chevrolets are seen through the showroom windows. A neon sign is elevated from the corner of the building and a banner promoting "America's Largest and Finest Low-Priced Car" is seen on the transom.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

In December of 1950, passersby could pause in their nightly stroll downtown to peer through the curved windows into the festive showroom at the Mueller-Harkins Buick dealership, 455 Saint Helens Ave. The showroom was decorated for Christmas and featured two new 1950 Buicks on display. A neon sign promoting "Buick Dynaflow Drive" (automatic transmission) hung in the showroom window. Buick sold over half a million of their 1950 models using the slogan "Better Get a Buick." Prices in December 1950 in Tacoma ranged from $2256 for a Buick Special to $3157 for the Roadmaster. TPL-5045

Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buick automobile; Christmas decorations; Window displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A night view of Mueller-Harkins Buick dealership decorated for Christmas. A Buick has been placed on top of the roof of the service marquee with trees and "Make this a Buick Christmas" banner. Glass-topped Texaco gas pumps, a Firestone neon sign, US Royal Master tire banner, and a motor oil display are also shown. The dealership's neon sign advertising Buick shines brightly on the vertical sign. TPL-10295

Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buick automobile; Christmas decorations; Window displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior of new Maxwell station at Lakewood Center, Maxwell Petroleum, 520 E. D St.

Automobile service stations--Lakewood--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Lakewood--1950-1950;

Exterior of new Maxwell station at Lakewood Center, Maxwell Petroleum, 520 E. D St.

Automobile service stations--Lakewood--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Lakewood--1950-1950;

Art Swenning, owner of Art's Glass and Upholstery Shop, commissioned this studio photograph taken in September, 1950, of seat covers. It is uncertain whether the seat is to be used in a vehicle or in a home. Art's Glass and Upholstery Shop was located at 814-816 Tacoma Avenue South.

Art's Glass & Upholstery Shop (Tacoma); Upholstery;

Emerging from the Tacoma White Trucks dealership is a Griffin Fuel Company truck in a photograph taken on August 28, 1950. The White Company of Cleveland, Ohio began building heavy duty trucks and buses in 1900. The Tacoma White Trucks dealership was located at 2719 South Tacoma Way. Frank Buchanan was the president and manager from 1949 until 1954 according to the Tacoma city directory.

Tacoma White Trucks, Inc. (Tacoma); Griffin Fuel Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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);

Repair shop machinery and equipment for factory representative, Sanford Nash. Specialized machinery for testing automobile performance has been placed up on a ramp where the rear wheels rest against a spinning column. Neon signs hang from the ceiling for "Engine" and "Motor Tune Up".

Sanford-Nash, Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

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;

An interior view of the showroom at B.F. Goodrich Company's Tacoma store looking towards the front of the store. They feature a wide variety of home appliances, bicycles, tricycles, wagons, and lawn mowers in addition to automobile tires, batteries and accessories.

B.F. Goodrich Co. (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Appliance stores--Tacoma;

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;

Rebuilding Ford engine at Titus Motor, Times, Buzz. A man is operating one of the machines at Titus Manufacturing Company. During the past summer at least four motors a day were reconditioned at the facility. (T.Times, 2/20/1949, p.3)

Titus Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma); Gasoline engines; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma--1940-1950;

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);

Copy of customer's retouched print, Mueller-Harkins used car building, Condon Co., a/c Mueller-Harkins.

Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma;

Standard Oil service stations - Dravis Service Station, for Mr. Evans. The garage has been boarded up although old signs still hang in the front windows. Three gasoline pumps stand in the front of the one story building.

Automobile Service Stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Standard Oil Co. of California (Tacoma); Dravis Service Station;

Standard Oil Stations. Phil Pepper's service station. The gasoline pumps and cover cross the corner lot diagonally. The door to the one service garage is open. TPL-7114

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Standard Oil Co. of California (Tacoma); Phil Pepper Servce Station;

Valley Forge Service Station, believed to be located in Fife. The service station offered Standard Oil products and did automobile repairs. According to additional information provided by a reader, the Valley Forge was believed to have been located near the intersection of Hwy 99 and 54th Ave., across the street and east of the Poodle Dog Restaurant. The Oakwood Dairy, whose delivery truck is parked outside the service station, was located near the intersection of 54th Ave. and 20th St. (Milton Ave.) at the time of this September, 1945, photograph.

Automobile service stations--Fife--1940-1950; Valley Forge Service Station (Fife); Trucks--Fife;

Camp Francis, an automobile court between Tacoma and Seattle on the Seattle Highway (99). Camp Francis offered cabins for rent, as well as gasoline and Standard Oil products.

Automobile service stations--Pierce County--1940-1950; Camp Francis (Pierce County); Tourist camps & hostels--Pierce County; Motels--Pierce County--1940-1950;