Sanford Nash Company celebrated the holiday season with their annual Christmas party. Sanford Nash sold new and used Ramblers and Nash automobiles, they had a service department for maintenance and repairs, and sold parts and accessories. Nash vehicles were said to be the "World's Most Economical Full-Sized Car". View of two unidentified Sanford Nash employees, they have just opened their Christmas gifts.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Parties--Tacoma; Christmas presents; Sanford-Nash, Inc. (Tacoma)--Employees;

Sanford-Nash Company was having their annual Christmas party for their employees and their families. Sanford Nash was an authorized Nash dealership in Tacoma. View of Santa Claus distributing presents to young girl, man gets next gift from under Christmas tree. Many adults and children in chairs, advertising materials on walls, Christmas decorations and neon signs in windows.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Christmas trees--Tacoma; Santa Claus--Tacoma; Parties--Tacoma; Families--Tacoma; Sanford-Nash, Inc. (Tacoma);

Display of new trucks at Titus Motor Company, Mr. Monrad, Sconce Advertising. The 1948 models included a one-half ton panel, a two ton chassis, a 3 ton chassis and a F-8 heavy duty. The F-7 and F-8 models, both new in 1948, were powered by 145 hp motors. All the 48's featured the "million-dollar" body (because dies used in their porduction cost that much), new car comfort, quarter-glass side windows for no-draft ventilation and a one piece windshield. (T.Times, 1/16/1948, p.7)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ford trucks; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma);

Titus Motor Company parts delivery department was also experiencing an increase in their services with the increased demand of the popular rebuilt Ford engines. Interior view of Vanette delivery truck from cab looking to rear, cabinets and shelves for parts, overhead panel holding gaskets in lowered position, similar panel in closed position at top in photo. View of black enamel, visor vanity mirrors and gas tank locking cap assembly kits in left forefront compartments.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma);

New Shell Oil Company station, Shell Oil Company, Mr. Rutledge. A night-time view of the exterior of the new Brazeau's Shell Service Station at 6th and Fife Streets. The station has two pumps at the island in front and two automobiles are in the bays, one up on a rack. One of the attendants is looking out at the street and another is checking the front tire of one of the automobiles.

Automobile Service Stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brazeau's Shell Service Station (Tacoma); Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Night--Tacoma; Night photographs;

Showroom at City Motor Company, Oldsmobile, Anson Hart. An 1898 automobile is included in the display of the new 1948 Oldsmobiles, perhaps a way of introducing the Oldsmobile "98" class of automobiles. Oldsmobile was America's oldest motor car manufacturer with over five decades of design and construction development. The "98"'s were the upper tier of the Oldsmobile line. They carried a newly designed high-compression head. All the 1948 models were equipped with coil springs at all 4 wheels, rigid X-member reinforced frame, double-action hydraulic shock absorbers, proven knee-action front wheel units, four-way stabilization to prevent side sway at high speeds and dual-control center steering. (T.Times, 2/16/1948, p.8 and TNT, 2/15/1948, p.A-7) TPL-3555

City Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Oldsmobile automobile;

Showing of 1949 Lincolns, Robert Sconce Advertising Agency. Men are peering under the hoods of the new 1949 model Lincolns. The 1949's featured 152 hp, V-8 engines. Several men also look inside the drivers side of the front seat. The new models had a curved instrument panel with back-light illumination, curved windshields and hydraulically controlled seat adjustment. The Cosmopolitan Town Sedan also had push button windows. The luxury automobiles have wide, white-wall tires. This is a night view from outside the showroom through plate glass windows. (T.Times, 4/15/1945, p.26) TPL-1516

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mallon Motor Company, interior of service area showing equipment installed by Equipment Sales Corporation. Lift racks, motor oil tanks, overhead hoses, etc.

Business Enterprises - Tacoma - Automobile Dealers - New Automobile Dealers - Ford Dealers - Mallon Motor Company

July 3, 1947, saw the opening of Cliff Anderson's new Chevron gas station in Spanaway. The station had two gas pumps and a one-bay compartment for vehicle maintenance and repair. Its address was not provided. (scan of original negative, no print on file)

Automobile service stations--Spanaway; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Spanaway;

Titus Motor Company had the new 1949 Ford sedan on display, this new model was more economical and featured many new and innovative options. The new cars were being referred to as the "Radically New '49 Fords." View of man standing by a Ford truck at Titus Motor Company, photo ordered by Sconce Advertising Agency (T. Times, 6/9/48, p. 2). TPL-10258

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ford trucks; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Sconce Advertising (Tacoma);

New Shell Station at 6th and Mason, Shell Oil Co., Mr. Holm. A daytime view of the new service station was taken on April 29, 1948 from street level showing the two garage doors open, banners flying and the two gasoline pumps with "Shell" signs, shaped like shells, on top. At night the Shell signs were lit.

Marty's Shell Service (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950;

New Shell Station at 6th and Mason, Shell Oil Co., Mr. Holm. Another day-time view of the new service station. It is on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Mason. Residences line the street across from the service station. Two tall light poles will provide plenty of illumination during the dark, wet northwest weather.

Marty's Shell Service (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Irwin-Jones Motor Company, a Nalley's Potato Chip delivery truck. The Dodge truck has the name, "Ray Beeber Food Sales, Klamath Falls, Oregon", on the side of the door. The covered back end of the truck has painted signs for "Nalley's" and "Nalley's fresh Potato Chips, Fresh-Crisp-Delicious".

Irwin-Jones Motor Co. (Tacoma); Nalley's, Inc. (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dodge trucks;

Tacoma Auto Sales Company, Pontiac and Cadillac dealers, exterior view from southeast of Commerce Street facade showing service entrance. A neon "Pontiac Cadillac Service" sign hangs over the entrance and many automobiles are parked at the curb.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma); Pontiac automobile; Cadillac automobile;

Tacoma Auto Sales Company, Pontiac and Cadillac dealers. View from northeast of Commerce Street facade showing service entrance. Neon "Pontiac Cadillac Service" sign, many automobiles parked at curb, including a cab from East Tacoma Taxi Company.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma); Pontiac automobile; Cadillac automobile;

Tideflats property, Shell Oil Company. Storage tanks for Shell Oil, Mobilgas, and Union Oil are seen on the left hand side. Washington Steel & Welding (701 East D Street) is to the left of center and Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. (820 East D Street) is along the waterfront on the right. Other industrial sites are seen along the tideflats of Tacoma. TPL-8462

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Storage tanks--Tacoma; Fuel tanks; Tacoma Tideflats (Tacoma); Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Auto Sales Co., at 723 Broadway, sold new and used Cadillacs and Pontiacs. On December 26, 1949 they took out a full page advertisement in the New Tribune. The ad included this photograph of the mechanics from their service department. The service and parts department was at 722 Commerce, around the corner from the showroom. Between 1951 and 1953 the dealership changed hands, and became Mulligan Pontiac Cadillac Co. (TNT, 12/26/1949, p.10)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma)--Employees;

The sales room at Mayberry Auto Parts, 1934 Market St., "The Tool House." The service counter displays an advertisement for Brolite paints. Stored behind the counter are boxes containing auto parts. Seated on the curve of the counter is a cash register.

Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobile equipment & supplies; Mayberry Motor Parts, Inc. (Tacoma);

Mueller-Harkins' new used car sales building on Saint Helens. The used automobiles are covered by a roof with the sides open to protect and show their inventory. Ordered by the Condon Company, Kay Shinn.

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

The exterior of Gambles Western Auto Supply Company for advertisement. Western Auto Supply Company had four outlets in Tacoma in 1951: 917 Commerce Street, 5234 and 8104 South Tacoma Way, and 809 South 38th Street. Signs in the windows of this location advertise their Grand Opening. Appliances can be seen in the display windows as well as automobile supplies and accessories. Ordered by Mr. Plaine.

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

A.E. Mulligan Company, Studebaker Dealers, Truck Department. Three new pickups nose out of the showroom. Neon signs and decals show through the windows and a sign is painted on the building facade. Henry Zuchow was newly named as manager of the truck department at Mulligans. He had worked for several years in a local manufacturing firm as a mechanical engineer and Mulligan's was happy to announce, "Zachow's engineering and design experience should be of great help to our customers in assisting them in designing truck bodies." (TNT, 6/9/1949, p.A-6)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; A.E. Mulligan Co. (Tacoma); Studebaker trucks;

Several shots of visit by Miss Washington to Tacoma, Tacoma Auto Parts, Sam LeBid. Grand Opening of Tacoma Auto Parts. Mayor Val Fawcett with Miss Washington 1949, Libby Aldrich of Kelso, during drawing for door prizes. Boxes of "Hot Water Auto Heaters" stacked under tarp. A crowd looks on from the background. (TNT, 7/1/1949, p.B-4)

Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma;Tacoma Auto Parts (Tacoma);Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Beauty contestants--Washington; Aldrich, Libby;

Mueller-Harkins Motor Company, general view from southwest. Wilsonian Apartments in background at far left of photo. Mueller-Harkins was a Buick dealership owned and operated by Rudolph, John, and Elsie Mueller. As their large sign advertised, new cars could be purchased for $2097 and above and delivered in the Tacoma area. Taxes and license were the buyer's responsibility. Mueller-Harkins also sold quality used cars as well as new models.

Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Two unidentified employees of Sam's Tire Service are hard at work in the tire recapping department in August, 1950. The man on the left appears to be examining a retreaded tire. Sam's was owned and operated by Samuel Pupo and located at 120 Puyallup Avenue. According to an ad that ran in the News Tribune on September 10, 1950, Mr. Pupo had 31 years of experience in the tire business in Tacoma. His company had added new molds for recapping the new low pressure tires. Sam's Tire Service also offered custom recapping for truckers. (TNT 9-10-50, p. C-14)

Sam's Tire Service (Tacoma); Tires; Tire industry--Tacoma;

Shell Oil station at Sixth & Sprague. This photograph of Wolford & Brazeau's Shell station was taken on August 2, 1950. The gas station, located at 1720 Sixth Avenue, was owned by A.H. Wolford and E.F. Brazeau. It competed for business with Les Knutsen's Associated Service located across the street. TPL-9907

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma;

Shell Oil station at 37th & Pacific. Fred's Shell Service station, owned by Fred Styf, was located at 3640 Pacific Avenue. Mr. Styf also owned another Shell station at 2523 Pacific Avenue. Pierce County Hospital (later Puget Sound General Hospital) is shown a block away.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Fred's Shell Service (Tacoma); Styf, Fred; Automobile service stations--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;

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;