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);

Herb Satterlee Motor Company's repair shop. Satterlee dealt in the sales and service of Packards and British Austins. One 1940s and one 1950s Packards are in lubrication area. In the background are signs promoting service, tool cabinets, various tanks for oil and grease and a rack of tires. Herb F. Satterlee was president with Herb Satterlee Jr. serving as secretary-treasurer. Body and paint work, auto glass and tailored seat covers were done at this location. Used cars were also sold. Parking & storage was available at 924 Court C.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Packard automobile; Herb Satterlee Motors (Tacoma);

New service station at 54th & Pacific, for General Petroleum. Doug & Cliff's Mobilgas Service Station. The station was owned by Douglas E. Garrett & Clifford J. Lawson. The pair ran large ads for their Grand Opening October 23 & 24, 1953. Opening give-aways included gifts for the ladies, balloons & candy for the kiddies and twelve turkeys. (TNT 10/22/1953, pg. C-13)

Doug & Cliff's Service (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Richfield oil men and Stadium High School students servicing cars on "Stadium Day," November 25, 1953, at a local Richfield gas station. "Let's Hit the 3000 Mark!" banner on service station with an accompanying tally board nearby. "Richfield Day" was a successful project of the Stadium Student Council, according to a brief mention in the 1954 Tahoma yearbook. (Tahoma yearbook, p. 132)

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banners; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The "Auto Clinic" and its "pigeon hole" parking, for Bethlehem Steel Co. This unique parking plan, developed in Spokane, opened in Tacoma 12/7/1953. An hydraulic hoist operating on a track could move cars from level to level and side to side in the multi story parking garage in minutes. The company owned by John T. Long and Mr. Lily Schweizer also offered a full service repair shop, pump station, washing & polishing and auto accessories.

Auto Clinic (Tacoma); Automobile repair--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parking garages--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Triangular flags flap in the wind at the site of a Shell Service Station in a March, 1954, photograph. Two mechanics are inspecting an elevated car inside the garage. There are at least four gas pumps at this station. Tires and other auto accessories can be purchased here as well as gasoline.

Automobile service stations; Gasoline pumps;

There are apparently four gas pumps at this Shell Service Station, selling both regular and premium. A driver could not only fill up with gas, but also purchase tires and cans of oil, and have repairs made on his vehicle as well. Shell Oil had numerous stations in the Tacoma area; the station pictured here in March, 1954, might have been newly constructed near Thompson's Corner Cabins on South 84th Street.

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

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);

Art's Glass & Upholstery were auto glass experts located at 816 Tacoma Avenue South. Their exhibit booth in the 1954 Tacoma Home Show indicated that they also provided hand tailored seat covers; customers ordering at the home show would be able to purchase these at the special price of $47.50. Large signs indicated that convenient bank terms would be available and that new blue-green tinted glass was now ready for all cars.

Art's Glass & Upholstery Shop (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);

Television host and columnist Ed Sullivan met with Tacoma heavyweight boxer Pat McMurtry and his brother, Mike (far right), outside Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury at 124 Tacoma Avenue on June 9, 1954. Mr. Sullivan was in town to help lay the cornerstone for the new Mary Bridge Children's Hospital at 311 South L Street. He was guest speaker at the ceremony and later attended a large celebratory luncheon at the Masonic Temple. ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); McMurtry, Pat; McMurtry, Mike;

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;

In June of 1954, television host and columnist Ed Sullivan flew out to the Puget Sound region to make a series of personal appearances. On Sunday June 9th at 10:15 a.m. he signed autographs at Ray Ridge Motors, 124 Tacoma Avenue So. He then was provided a police motorcycle escort to 3rd and "L" where at 11:00 a.m., he helped Mayor Tollefson lay the cornerstone for the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. In this photograph, Ed Sullivan, the host of "Toast of the Town," signs an autograph for an unidentified young girl as an Army officer looks on at Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury. Others await their turn for Mr. Sullivan's signature. ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Autographing--Tacoma;

Arrival of television host and columnist Ed Sullivan at Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury at 124 Tacoma Avenue So. for a personal appearance in June, 1954. Mr. Sullivan's very popular variety television show of the 1950s is noted for introducing many new entertainers. Standing next to Mr. Sullivan is dealership owner Ray H. Ridge. His Lincoln-Mercury automobile dealership opened in 1946. It closed after his death in 1964. TPL-140 ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Ridge, Ray;

Television host and columnist Ed Sullivan signs autographs for delighted youngsters at the Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury on Tacoma Avenue during a personal appearance on June 9, 1954. Framed Norman Rockwell print of Henry, Edsel and Henry Ford II, issued for the Ford Golden Anniversary in 1953, on wall. Dealership owner Ray Ridge and former Tacoma mayor John Anderson look on with smiles. Mr. Sullivan, host of a popular variety show, was in Tacoma for the laying of the cornerstone of Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Elvis Presley and the Beatles would make their television debuts on his program. ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Ridge, Ray; Anderson, John H.; Autographing--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Tacomans of all ages wait their turn to meet television host and columnist Ed Sullivan and to get his autograph at Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury on Tacoma Avenue during a personal appearance on June 9, 1954. While waiting they can check out the new 1954 Mercurys in the showroom. For 23 years, America invited Ed Sullivan into their homes on Sunday evenings for shows that featured opera, rock music, comedic acts, ballet and dramatic readings, often on the same telecast. The show's name changed from "Toast of the Town" to simply "The Ed Sullivan Show" in September, 1955. Mr. Sullivan's famous saying was "We have a 'really big shew' for you." The former journalist with the awkward wooden delivery also had a sentimental side which appeared in his conversations with the Italian mouse, Topo Gigio, and in his continuing press for more children's medical facilities. He was in Tacoma for the cornerstone ceremony at the new Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Autographing--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Television host and columnist Ed Sullivan signs autographs and chats with fans at Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury on Tacoma Avenue during a personal appearance. Mr. Sullivan flew in on June 9, 1954, specifically for the cornerstone laying of the new Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. He delivered an address at the ceremony in which he remarked "This will always be my memory of Tacoma, one of human values and sacrifice." (TNT 6-9-54, p. 1) ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Autographing--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Crowd waiting for appearance of television host and columnist Ed Sullivan at Ray Ridge Motors on June 9, 1954. Sullivan made a brief publicity stop at the dealership prior to taking part in the cornerstone laying ceremonies for the new Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Four Tacoma Police Department motorcycles await their riders; they are parked in front of a convertible in which Mr. Sullivan will be transported. There is a small banner welcoming Mr. Sullivan on the automobile. ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Motorcycles--Tacoma; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma);

Steven Motor Company, Chrysler and Plymouth dealers, general view from Broadway. New Chrysler in showroom window, neon signs, used car department. Medical Arts building can be seen behind the Stevens structure. Building was also known as the Griggs building and was built in 1917.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Chrysler automobile; Plymouth automobile; Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma);

Titus Motor Company, exterior of building with 13 men and one woman posing by fleet of new "Ranch Wagon" 2 door station wagons. Neon and painted signs on facade of Elizabethan style brick building by Roland Borhek, Architect, circa 1926. TPL-10140

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma)--Employees; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ford automobile;

Titus Motor Company, exterior of building with fleet of new "Ranch Wagon" 2 door station wagons. People standing by each automobile. Neon and painted signs on facade of Elizabethan style brick building by Roland Borhek, Architect, circa 1926.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ford automobile;

Andy's Service Station, featuring Mobilgas, at 4801 So. Park Ave. Photos ordered by the General Petroleum Corp. Andy's was owned by Vincent M. Anderson. In addition to pumping Mobilgas, the station also sold tires and had a garage. One car can be seen on the lift in the garage. The winged horse logo of Mobil can be seen in several locations. According to the building index, the station was originally built in 1923.

Andy's Service Station (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mobilgas--Tacoma;

Doug Garrett's Service station. Photos ordered by the General Petroleum Corp. The station was owned by Douglas E. Garrett, who had previously operated the station with a partner as Doug & Cliff's. The station sold Mobilgas and also had a repair garage.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Doug Garrett's Service Station (Tacoma);

Munson-Smith Motors dedicated its 100,000 square foot motor center August 19-20, 1955. Its vast used car and truck lots can be seen on the left, with the new car show rooms, service garage and administrative offices on the right. Munson-Smith was a Dodge and Plymouth dealer located between downtown Tacoma and South Tacoma on Highway 99. They offered both sales and service. Company officers were Ed Munson, president; Don Munson, vice-pres. and Alberta Smith, secretary-treasurer. The company had 65 employees and an annual payroll of over $300,000. Gross sales were approximately 2 1/2 million per year. (TNT 8/18/1955, pg. 11)

Munson-Smith Motors (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);

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;

Standard Oil; opening of new service station. Richards appointment book gives the station's address as 9821 South Tacoma Way. Three gas station employees in sparkling white uniforms and caps kneel in front of five men in suits. The Standard Oil neon sign is emblazoned over all.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Standard Oil Co. of California (Tacoma);

The Auto Clinic, ordered by Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel. This location combined an auto repair shop with a five story "pigeon hole" parking structure. A hydraulic lift was used to "park" the cars in their places.

Auto Clinic (Tacoma); Automobile repair--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parking garages--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Auto Clinic, ordered by Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel. This location combined an auto repair shop with a five story "pigeon hole" parking structure. A hydraulic lift was used to "park" the cars in their places.

Auto Clinic (Tacoma); Automobile repair--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parking garages--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Crowds gather in the sales room of Mallon Motor Company to admire the new 1957 Fords. The car in the right front of the photo is a '57 model Ford Fairlane. What appears to be a station wagon can be seen in the background. Long and sleek and sized for comfort in these days of inexpensive gasoline, the back of the cars still have fins, the fronts are long and house V-8 engines. The passenger cars of 1957 represented the biggest change in the modern history of the Ford car. The new cars were longer and lower and for the first time offered in two basic sizes, the Fairlane and the custom. Nineteen different models were offered. The Fairlanes were 9 inches longer and 4 inches lower than the 1956 model with increased head room. Other basic changes were wide hooded headlights, forward slanting grille, windshields that wrapped farther around the sides and the distinctive rear fender fins slanting slightly outward to emphasize contoured sides. Also, for the first time the high performance V-8 engine was available as an optional power plant on all Ford cars. (TNT 10/1/1956, pg. 3; 10/2/1956, pg. 4)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mallon Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Ford automobile;

Mallon Motor Co.; new school bus for St. Martins College. A large bus intended for use by the athletic teams of St. Martins College in Olympia stands beside the showroom for Mallon Motors. The front of the bus has "Rangers" in big, bold letters.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mallon Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Ford automobile;