South Tacoma Motor Company, view of showroom from glassed-in office area. 1968 Chevrolets on display: Chevelle 4-door in foreground, Nova SS at left center, two Impalas at right. Vintage Chevrolet roadster in left background. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.

South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970;

South Tacoma Motor Company. View from back seat of 1968 Chevrolet Impala 2-door hardtop during test drive. Salesman demonstrates heater controls for customer at wheel. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.

South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Automobile driving--Tacoma; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1960-1970;

South Tacoma Motor Company, outdoor view. Mount Tahoma principal George Fallis and salesman Earl Christianson (at right) talk next to 1968 Chevrolet Impala 2-door hardtop with 327 V8 before leaving for a test drive in January, 1968. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.

South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Christianson, Earl;

South Tacoma Motor Company view in showroom of new cars. A salesman is on the telephone in front of a 1968 Chevrolet Nova SS. A 4-door Chevelle is in the background. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.

South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970; Telephones; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Evening view in May of 1968 of Steven Motor Company, Chrysler and Plymouth dealers. Neon and backlit plastic signs on building and posts, new Plymouths in showroom window and on outdoor lot, used car department beyond. Steven Motor Co. had been at 2705 South Tacoma Way since late 1959. They had previously been in the downtown Broadway area for decades. Color photo ordered by Action Color Advertising, Portland, Oregon.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Plymouth automobile; Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Interior- service station. Fort Lewis had a brand new service station in early 1969. The brightly lit interior had a number of products to serve automotive needs. A large sign informed customers that new AAFES consolidated procurement procedures enabled the post exchange to offer exceptional savings of quality merchandise. Shoppers were advised to look for the "gold shield" symbol on goods. Color photograph ordered by Northwest Area Exchange.

Automotive service stations--Fort Lewis; Merchandise displays--Fort Lewis; Signs (Notices);

Interior - service station. Servicemen and their families had a wide variety of merchandise to choose from in a new service station located on Fort Lewis. Brand name tires, car wax and oil were just a few of the many items sold at very reasonable prices. It would not be necessary to go off base to buy regularly used supplies. Color photograph ordered by the Northwest Area Exchange.

Automobile service stations--Fort Lewis; Merchandise displays--Fort Lewis; Tires;

Richfield service station. This Richfield service station was located near Olympia next to an Armstrong Homes office. The service station, whose exact address was not identified, had at least six pumps and offered its customers S&H green stamps. Unlike gas stations of the past, this modern unit accepted Master Charge and Bankamericard for payment. Photograph ordered by Richfield Co., Seattle.

Automobile service stations--Olympia; Gasoline pumps--Olympia; Signs (Notices);

Russ Dunmire Oldsmobile, general view of agency building from across rain soaked South Tacoma Way. Two men are picketing the dealership at left center in July of 1969. Several 1950s and 60s automobiles, trucks and vans parked at curb. Although this photograph was taken in July, a large sign remained in the dealership's window advertising "Olds Spring Fashion Show." Photograph ordered by General Motors, Portland.

Russ Dunmire Oldsmobile, Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices); Pickets--Tacoma--1960-1970;

A new Firestone store opened in July of 1969 at 5939 Sixth Ave. in the Highland Hills shopping district. It offered complete car service including brake relining, shock absorbers, front end alignments, batteries and a 40% off tire sale. The facility had six bays so that waiting for service could be kept at a minimum. Dave McCallen, who had prior managerial experience at the Villa Plaza Firestone and an Oregon Firestone, was the store's manager. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT full page ads 7-27-69, D-6, D-7; TNT article 7-27-69, D-9)

Firestone Store (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Firestone grand opening. The staff of the Highland Hills Firestone, 5939 Sixth Ave., posed in front of their newly opened facility on July 28, 1969. Besides tires, Firestone offered complete auto service performed by qualified mechanics. Televisions, stereos, kitchen and laundry appliances were also sold at this location. Dave McCallen ( standing second from left ) managed the new store. He was assisted by office & credit manager Roger Boswell, passenger tire sales manager Robert Fisher and service manager Ken Badgley. Photograph ordered by Firestone. (TNT 7-27-69, D-9)

Firestone Store (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma--1960-1970; McCallen, Dave;

James Will at the Titus-Will Ford dealership. Jim Will and Leon Titus were co-founders of the dealership in 1938. Awards and plaques on wall behind him. Photograph ordered by Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Michigan.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Awards; Titus-Will Ford (Tacoma); Will, James W.;

Seeking to make the car-buying experience as pleasant as possible, Titus-Will Ford built its salesman closing office with ceiling-to-floor windows to bring in natural light and provide unobstructed views of the outdoor landscaping. The customer was positioned so that he could rest his eyes on the trees and shrubbery beyond the salesman; lower windows could also be opened to let in fresh air. A salesman is shown on September 16, 1969, pointing out the details of a new Ford in a glossy magazine to a prospective client. Photograph ordered by the Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Michigan, for a "dealers publication."

Titus-Will Ford (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1960-1970;

James Will, of Titus-Will Ford, stands next to the large engraving commemorating one of the co-founders of the firm, Leon E.Titus. Mr. Titus, who passed away in 1966, was one of Tacoma's best known automobile dealers. The pair opened a downtown Ford dealership in 1938. Titus Motor Co. offered Ford trucks and cars at its downtown Tacoma location for decades. The dealership moved to its Tacoma Mall-area location next to I-5 in 1967. Photograph ordered by Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Michigan.

Titus-Will Ford (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Engravings; Titus, Leon E.--Associated objects; Will, James W.;

New tire store. Baldwin Tire & Brake Service opened for business in September of 1969 in the old OK Tire Store building. It was located at 1922 Tacoma Ave. So. and offered both new tires and retreads, including El Dorado and Goodrich brands. Front end alignment and brake service were also provided. Owner and operator Leonard Baldwin was a former real estate salesman for Frank Russell & Associates and a retired Army sergeant. Mr. Baldwin is believed to be the second man to the right in this September 22, 1969, group photograph. He was the sixth in the nation to utilize funds available through the (then) eight-month old minority enterprise program of the Small Business Administration. The loan to purchase the tire store was made possible through a special partnership from tire dealers and the SBA to help minorities obtain and operate their own tire business. Photograph ordered by R.H. Gillette Distributors, Inc. (TNT 10-12-69, D-10)

Baldwin Tire & Brake Service (Tacoma); Tires; Signs (Notices);

Baldwin Tire & Brake Service. The large OK sign was still fastened to the roof of the tire store at 19th and Tacoma Ave So. now owned by Leonard Baldwin in September of 1969. Now called Baldwin Tire & Brake Service, the store sold new tires and retreads, emphasizing the El Dorado and Goodrich brands, and also fixed flats for 96 cents or tubeless tires for $1.25. A customer could also have his vehicle's front end aligned and brakes repaired. Store owner Leonard Baldwin, a former real estate salesman and retired Army sgt., was able to purchase the business with the help of a minority enterprise program. This September 22, 1969, general view also indicates the wooded and shrub-filled lot next to the tire store had recently been sold by Wm. C. Johnston, realtor. Photograph ordered by the R.H. Gillette Distributors, Inc. (TNT 10-12-69, D-10)

Baldwin Tire & Brake Service (Tacoma); Tires; Signs (Notices);

Ball joint press and gauge in use at Bohannon's Bridgeport Service Station, 11026 Bridgeport Way S.W., Lakewood on September 29, 1969. Stress placed on ball joints made them one of the most common suspension parts to wear out. Bohannon's Bridgeport Service was owned and operated by James Bohannon. Photograph ordered by Lomac, Inc., Seattle.

Automobile equipment & supplies; Tires;

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);

ca. 1969. Exterior view of South Tacoma Motor Co.'s new and used trucks, believed to be located at So. 54th and Washington, during the summer of 1969. Customers looking for specialists in Chevrolet service could venture out to three South Tacoma Motor Co. locations. New and used trucks could be purchased at the company's So. 54th and Washington location where all trucks sold had undergone Chevrolet's "OK" program, ensuring that they had been thoroughly inspected, reconditioned and serviced. The South Tacoma Motor Co. was a well-established Tacoma firm owned and operated by the Wallerich family. Photograph ordered by Harry S. Pearson, Seattle.

South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Trucks--Tacoma--1960-1970;

ca. 1969. South Tacoma Motor Company, Used Car Division. Small ultra-modern sales office with covered driveway, several Chevrolet Impalas, a Chevelle SS, a Buick, a Volkswagen Squareback wagon, parked on lot. Although the building is named "South Tacoma Chevrolet," this was actually the used car division of South Tacoma Motor Co. The structure had been designed by architect William Hocking and had several plants of Asian variety. The 1969 City Director indicates that Beryl K. Price was manager of the lot. Photograph ordered by Harry S. Pearson, Seattle.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobiles--Tacoma--1960-1970; South Tacoma Chevrolet (Tacoma); South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1969. General daytime view of South Tacoma Motor Co. dealership. Located at So. 56th and South Tacoma Way, the South Tacoma Motor Co.'s brick and concrete facility occupied a full block. It was one of the oldest businesses in Tacoma as it started out as a livery service in the late 1800s. The Wallerich family acquired the then combined livery and automobile firm in 1919. This view, believed to be taken in the summer of 1969, focuses on the dealership's multi-glass showroom filled with new Chevrolet automobiles. Photograph ordered by Harry S. Pearson, Seattle.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile;

Post Exchange Service Station No. 1. 1970 Richards stock footage. View of Post Exchange Service Station No. 1 believed to be located on Fort Lewis. Multiple booths per rows of pumps. Snow-topped Mount Rainier provides a beautiful backdrop.

Automobile service stations--Fort Lewis; Rainier, Mount (Wash.);

September, 1971, view of the 2700 block of South Tacoma Way. At the corner is the Oxygen Sales & Service Co., distributor of Union Carbide welding products and Linde gases. Propane was also for sale. Next door to Oxygen Sales & Service was the Steven Motor Co., a Chrysler-Plymouth dealership. According to their full page ad in the 1971 City Directory, Steven Motor Co. had 50 continuous years in the automobile business in Tacoma. They had been at the South Tacoma Way location since 1959; prior to that, they had been based in downtown Tacoma on Broadway for many years. Everett T. Steven was president of the firm with Pete Lisicich as manager and Norm Gordon as used car fleet and lease manager. Photograph ordered by Steven Motor Co.

Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1970-1980; Oxygen Sales & Service Co. (Tacoma);

Baza'r Discount Auto Center. The Baza'r Discount Auto Center, featuring "lowest everyday prices," was part of the Gov-Mart Baza'r department store complex in the Ponders Corner area of Lakewood. Goodyear tires were sold here as well as brake service, mufflers, batteries and tune-ups. Customers could pull up to three separate rows of gas pumps for regular or premium gas. Photograph ordered by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Seattle.

Baza'r Discount Auto Center (Lakewood); Automobile service stations--Lakewood--1970-1980; Gasoline pumps--Lakewood--1970-1980; Signs (Notices);

Extended view of the Baza'r Discount Auto Center on an overcast day in May, 1972. Much like the Gov-Mart/Baza'r department store located in the same vicinity, the large auto center offered a "one-stop" shopping style. Customers could fill their tanks, buy Goodyear tires, and have maintenance performed on their vehicles. There were several bays and pumps in the auto center so waiting could be cut to a minimum. Photograph ordered by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Seattle.

Baza'r Discount Auto Center (Lakewood); Automobile service stations--Lakewood--1970-1980; Gasoline pumps--Lakewood--1970-1980; Signs (Notices);

Turner Towing company façade with four vehicles, two antiquated tow trucks and a mechanic walking out from the garage area.