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);

National Auto Parts celebrated the grand opening their third auto parts and accessories store in and near Tacoma in early 1952. The firm had been established in 1938. National Auto Parts was one of the largest distributorships of automobile parts, accessories and rebuilt engines in the Northwest and carried a full line of original equipment parts. During the grand opening the store showed free movies of the 1951 Indianapolis race and a film containing "Colonel Lindbergh's Takeoff Flight to Paris" and others. (TNT, 1/5/1952, p.8)

Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; National Auto Parts, Inc. (Tacoma);

Repair shop at Titus Motor Co. (filed with Argentum)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ford automobile; 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);

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);

Titus Motor Company staff and two State Troopers pose with a fleet of new Fords purchased by the Washington State Patrol in June 1939. The Patrol had converted the old Interurban Terminal at 702 A Street (seen at right) into their headquarters in 1937. Leon Titus is third from right.

Titus, Leon E.; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Washington State Patrol (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Sunshine Service, new General Petroleum Company Mobilgas station at So. 48th and Park. Night time view of quartet singing in the doorway of the MobiLubrication garage. For Smith and Drum, J.J. Miller.

Business Enterprises - Automobile Service Stations - Mobil Oil Dealers - Tacoma - Sunshine Service Station Music Ensembles - QuartetsMusic - SingingPeople - Men - Singers

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;

The pristine repair shop at Titus Motor Co. Shiny Fords line the right side, one on a lift at the rear. On the left front is a motorcycle.

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;

Ask us to show you how the Biggest Ford in 38 Years out-measures the 'other two'. Leon Titus, the president of the Titus Motor Company (kneeling, 3rd from left), and his sales crew used specially made "yardsticks" to measure a brand new 1941 Ford V-8 in December of 1940. The "yardsticks" are considerably more than 36 inches long. The 1941 model was claimed by Ford to be the biggest car in its price class. From left to right are Bill Holmes, Arnie Colby, Leon Titus, Harold Davies, Norm Arndt, Fred Hess, John Mamoliti, Del Sprague, Hans Malcom and Jim Will. (T. Times 12/18/1940, pg. 13)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Ford automobile; Will, James W.; Titus, Leon E.;

As more people sought to own their own automobiles, the staff of Manley Motor Co., 956-58 Fawcett Ave., grew in the same proportion. The president of the company was Harry R. Manley. They were the authorized dealers for Overland, Willys-Knight and Whippet automobiles. Pictured in the top row, left to right in May of 1927, are Harry Manley, Dolly Wescott, Lloyd Munter, J.B. Clausen, N.W. Powers, K. McDonald and Ray Coops. Front row: Joe Willett, Art Lee, Phil Service, Omar Ferris, E.J. Atchinson, J.T. Owens, Herman Riggins, F.R. Grimm, Harold Hayden, Art Rossell and Leo Bauer. (TDL 5/22/1927, pg. G3) (WSHS)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1920-1930; Manley Motor Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1927. A woman steps into a car in front of what appears to be Manley Motor Co., official dealer for Overland and Willys-Knight automobiles. (WSHS)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1920-1930; Manley Motor Co. (Tacoma);

Mattoon-Laverne Tire Company. Hawkinson Tire Tread Service. Three men stand by a stack of General Tires in front of the recapping facility. TPL-8358

Tire industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hawkinson Tire Tread Service (Tacoma); Tires;

Mattoon-Laverne Tire Company. Hawkinson Tire Tread Service. Three men stand by the Hawkinson panel delivery truck in front of the recapping facility. One holds a General Tire with advertising in the middle. This one-story brick building was built in 1927 as Cunningham Electric.

Tire industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hawkinson Tire Tread Service (Tacoma); Tires;

1937 Ford Coupe, license A132701, at White Arrow Service Station on Seattle Highway for Loyalty Group, Seattle. Mr. Waters, attorney. View south on Highway 99 at Milton. Texaco Station, Milton Tavern on left, lower Fife Heights on right. Photographed on November 21, 1941.

Automobile service stations--Milton; White Arrow Service (Milton); Bars--Milton; Milton Tavern (Milton); Roads;

Interior of Danny Yates Garage showing " Shellubratorium" cabinet.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Yates, Daniel G.;

Big Six Bowling Team, the "Oilers." Big Six Service Inc. was located at 3824 Sixth Ave. M.A. Martin was president-manager and J.J. McDonald was vice-president. The company sold gasoline, oils, stove oil, batteries, tires, radios and electrical appliances. Their bowling team was the 1941 Sixth Ave. Merchants Bowling League champion. Pictured are, front row l to r, Malcolm Panther, Clarence Rinard and Harold Hansen. Standing, l to r, Jack Clampitt, Walt Agney, Mel Martin and Bill Clampitt. (T. Times 4/22/1941, pg. 12)

Big Six Service Inc. (Tacoma); Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Big Six Bowling Team, the "Oilers." Big Six Service Inc. was located at 3826 Sixth Ave. M.A. Martin was president-manager and J.J. McDonald was vice-president. The company sold gasoline, oils, stove oil, batteries, tires, radios and electrical appliances. Their bowling team was the 1941 Sixth Ave. Merchants Bowling League champion. Pictured are, front row l to r, Malcolm Panther, Clarence Rinard and Harold Hansen. Standing, l to r, Jack Clampitt, Walt Agney, Mel Martin and Bill Clampitt. (T. Times 4/22/1941, pg. 12)

Big Six Service Inc. (Tacoma); Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Panther, Malcolm; Rinard, Clarence; Hansen, Harold; Clampitt, Jack; Agney, Walt; Martin, Mel; Clampitt, Bill;

A Texaco gas station sits next to a radio and television sales and service facility on the left and Ridgecrest Garage on the right. Utility poles and wires are plentiful at this location. Located near the Northgate shopping area. Ordered by Phares Advertising. TPL-9074

Automobile service stations--Seattle;

South Tacoma Motor Company was one of the sponsors of the 1951 Tacoma Soap Box Derby. The racer, plaque, shirt and helmet of the 1950 winner, Harold Jardeen, were on display with the Stanley Tools official derby tool kit and Schwinn bicycles that would be given to the winners of the 1951 soap box derby in Tacoma. The tool board included 19 first quality carpenter's tools on a board measuring about three feet square. It was awarded to Glen Swanson for the best constructed car in the 1951 derby held July 15. The bicycles were the second and third place prizes in the local contest, donated by Walker Chevrolet and South Tacoma Motor company, co-sponsors with the News Tribune, of the race. Ordered by Shell Oil, Mr. Perry. (TNT, 7/5/1951, p.10; 7/17/1951, p.1) TPL-9437

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Racing--Tacoma; Coaster cars--Tacoma; Equipment; Awards; All-American Soap Box Derby (Tacoma);

Firefighters from eight companies labored nearly four hours on the evening of November 9, 1949, combating the stubborn 2-11 fire which gutted the one-story brick facilities of the Avenue Tire Shop, located at 2311 Pacific Avenue. Loss to the tire shop, principally in ruined tires and damaged machinery, was estimated at $35,000. Adjacent properties, including Willner Clothing Company, also suffered damage. No injuries were reported. (TNT,11/10/1949, p.1-alt. photograph) TPL-9144

Avenue Tire Shop (Tacoma); Fires--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A shiny, new 1950 Chevrolet De Luxe 2 door sedan was on display in the showroom window at South Tacoma Motor Company in January of 1950. The transom above the large picture window was decorated with a banner, "Now on Display - New Chevrolet for '50". Peter Wallerich founded the South Tacoma Motor Company after he acquired a combined livery business and service store in 1919. He opened his new Chevrolet dealership at 5602 So. Tacoma Way in 1924. During the post-war boom of the 1950's, the South Tacoma Motor Company was selling 200 cars and trucks a year. (South on the Sound, Murray and Rosa Morgan) TPL-8566

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

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;

An estimated 500 automobile dealers and their wives were assembling on June 1, 1951 for the annual convention of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association at the Winthrop Hotel. The convention began on Thursday with a golf tournament and an evening dinner and entertainment. During Friday's session M.R. Darlington, Jr., from the Inter-Industry Highway Safety committee spoke on "The Dealer's Stake in Highway Transportation", followed by a forum on state laws and regulations. Dealers were supplying driver training cars to 5,700 high schools, 125 of them in Washington state. The session concluded on Sunday. (TNT, 6/1/1951, p.C-7)

Washington State Auto Dealers Assoc. (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

ca. 1951. Self-service gas stations, although relatively rare in the early 1950's, were starting to make their mark in the Puget Sound area. This photograph, taken probably in the late summer of 1951, announced the grand opening of a Serve-Ur-Self type of service station. Four uncovered gas pumps wait for the incoming motorist. Quaker State Motor Oil and Miller tires could be purchased as well. Free gifts were also promised to all who stopped by during the grand opening.

Automobile service stations; Automobile equipment & supplies; Gasoline pumps;