Fifteen men line two tables in a class taught in one of the conference rooms at Mueller-Harkins Motor Company. They are working with small parts. Two men who are teaching the class stand at the back of the room with a flip chart open to diagrams of an automobile engine's working parts. Ordered by Mr. Mueller.
A school bus for Bethel School District No. 403 is parked outside Tacoma White Truck Company. The White Trucking neon sign is seen over the bus. Ordered by Mrs. Frank Buchanan. The bus in the photograph is a 1950 model Gillig bus built by the Gillig Brothers bus manufacturing company in Hayward, California.
Tacoma White Trucks, Inc. (Tacoma); School buses--Tacoma; Truck industry--Tacoma; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;
The new 1951 Chevrolets were available at South Tacoma Motor Company. The new models featured fresh styling. Design improvements accentuated a longer, lower appearance. Radiator grills had been simplified, the decorative body moulding lowered and the rear fender crowns raised. Soldiers are checking out the interior while a young couple tries to make a decision near the trunk. (TNT, 12/9/1950, p.13)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile;
South Tacoma Motor Company. View of dealership in rain. 1951 Chevrolets in showroom, neon sign at corner, banner promoting "America's Largest and Finest Low-Priced Car" on transom, painted footprints bearing word "Chevrolet" on sidewalk, man on bicycle.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile;
This is how the interior of South Tacoma Motor Company shop and service department appeared in February of 1951 when Chevrolets were being serviced throughout the warehouse. The Union Street Livery operated at this location in the late 1800s, but with the growing popularity of automobiles in the 1900s the owners combined the livery business with a garage. Pete Wallerich acquired the company in 1919. In 1924, South Tacoma Motors began selling Chevrolets at this location, making it the oldest Chevrolet dealer in the US owned continuously by the same family. Three generations of the Wallerich family sold Chevys until 1988, when the dealership became Gilchrist Chevrolet. ("South on the Sound" Murray and Rosa Morgan) TPL-9160
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile;
Titus Motor Company was an authorized Ford cars and trucks dealership, in Tacoma for many years. 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. TPL-5531
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Ford trucks; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hardware; Fishing & hunting gear; Sporting goods; Sporting goods industry--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Hunt & Mottet Co. (Tacoma);
In July 1946, as the engine rebuilding demand and production increased, Titus Motor Company had to restructure the engine rebuilding department which became Titus Manufacturing Company. They are now a permanent growing industry in Tacoma. Interior view of engine rebuilding plant; two unidentified mechanics are working on Ford engines.
Tacoma Auto Sales, new 1949 Pontiacs, Mr. Bryson Gardner. A general view of the showroom at Tacoma Auto Sales Company, Pontiac and Cadilac dealers, with customers admiring the 1949 Pontiacs. Tacoma Auto Sales reported that more than 7,500 persons had visited the showroom during the first four days of the initial showing of the new 1949 Pontiacs. (TNT, 2/3/1949, p.12)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pontiac automobile; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma);
Tacoma Auto Sales, new 1949 Pontiacs, Mr. Bryson Gardner. A night view of the exterior of Tacoma Auto Sales Company, Pontiac and Cadillac dealers, with a four-door 1949 Pontiac Chieftain Sedan parked at an angle in front. Neon signs are placed on the facade and the showroom windows have been painted over with a scene of a fence and barn with characters "peeking" at the new 1949s. New models were to be kept secret until they were revealed at the same time all over the United States. (TNT, 2/3/1949, p.12)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pontiac automobile; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Interior view of the new Mueller-Harkins Motor Company building, the company was having an "Open-House" to celebrate the near completion of the new facilities; people are gathered around the new 1949 Buick automobiles in the Mueller-Harkins new car showroom. Mueller-Harkins Motor Company's new service center is being referred to as "America's Finest Automotive Service Center" (T. Times, 12/3/48, p. 8-9).
On-the-spot photographs at new Mueller-Harkins Building, Condon Co., Kay Shinn. An interior view of the collision shop at Mueller-Harkins where a crumpled fender gets a new finish. Several men are at work in the body shop. Parts bins are located along the wall at the left and one of the men has removed a panel or door from an automobile to take out a dent in the metal. The panel is attached to a dolly for ease of movement. (T.Times, 12/26/1948, p.28)
Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Copy of four views of communications equipment installed in Muller-Harkins. Studio, Nelson. Mueller-Harkins was nearly ready to open their new Buick showroom and service department. Mr. W.C. McKewen was the company's service coordinator working in the dealership's control tower. He lost his arm during military service in World War II and now works with an artificial arm. (T.Times, 12/12/1948, p.8)
Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); McKewen, W.C.; Control rooms--Tacoma; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950; Artificial limbs;
Holroyd Company, exterior at Mueller-Harkins showing concrete blocks, Mr. Holroyd. A view of the new Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency under construction. The dealership will have an ultra modern showroom. Two workmen on scaffolding, another inside building. This wall separates the showroom, which will be to the left, from the offices and service department.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Progress photographs; Holroyd Co. (Tacoma); Building materials;
In July 1946, as the engine rebuilding demand and production increased, Titus Motor Company had to restructure the engine rebuilding department which became Titus Manufacturing Company. They are now a permanent growing industry in Tacoma. View of unidentified mechanic working on rebuilding a Ford engine, Ford authorized parts in work room.
South Tacoma Motor Company. A young couple try out the 1949 Chevrolet Styleline four-door sedan as others look on. For 1949 Chevrolet presented two lines, the Fleetline and Styleline. Styleline models could be either two-door or four door sedans, sport coupes, convertibles, wood or all steel station wagons. They carried the "notch back" shaping beyond the top of the car to the trunk. 1:35 PM, 1/22/1949. (T.Times, 1/20/1949/ p.13)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile;
South Tacoma Motor Company. A young man is in the driver's seat of a 1949 Chevrolet Styleline De Luxe four-door sedan as others look on. Chevrolet introduced superior beauty to the lowest-priced ranks as well as numerous body and chassis improvements with their 1949 models. 12:05 PM, 1/22/1949. (T.Times, 1/20/1949, p.13)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile;
South Tacoma Motor Company. A crowd looks at a 1949 Chevrolet De Luxe 2-door fastback, one of the Fleetline models, distinguished by the extension of the roofline in an unbroken sweep to the rear of the automobile. A sign along one wall says, "The Most Beautiful Buy of All". (T. Times, 1/20/1949, p.13)
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency. The interior of the customer waiting room is shown. A display of "Authorized Assessories" stands along the wall at the left and Coca-Cola and cigarette vending machines stand along two of the other walls. A man is adjusting a sign promoting GMAC Insurance Plans.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Insurance; Waiting rooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Equipment at Mueller-Harkins, Walker Manufacturing Company, Racine, Wisconsin, Mr. Spaulding. Mueller-Harkins' service area. Two men are seen working on two late 1940s Buicks on grease racks. A roll-away lube cart is between the two service bays that are both fitted with overhead hoses for air, water, grease, etc.
Mueller-Harkins new building was one of the most modern automobile dealerships in the country. Interior view of Mueller-Harkins Buick showroom looking northwest; Madison M. Brager admires 1949 Buick convertible on floor turntable; advertising display explaining "Dynaflow" (automatic) transmission at far right in photo, "Buick 8" neon sign in window at left (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28). TPL-3772
Service that you can depend on was Mueller-Harkins' motto, they were proud of their fast and efficient service. Interior view of Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency's showroom at night, looking south; 1949 Buick Roadmaster, accessories including child booster seats and US Royal whitewall Tires on display; Neon sign for Hudson Automobile dealer down the street visible thru window (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28).
Mueller-Harkins Buick dealership had two twin turn tables, with huge windows that surrounded the display room; all fixtures were constructed of aluminum. Exterior view of Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency, lighted, glassed-in showroom at night; 1949 Buick Roadmaster is on display inside, neon signs pierce the darkness on the exterior (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28).
Mueller-Harkins' motto was "Service that you can depend on", their service center was one of the finest in the country. Interior view of service area at Mueller- Harkins Buick Agency, upholstery area with two men working on recovering an auto seat, rolls of fabric on rack, sewing machines and work benches (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28).
Puyallup Motor Co. building had an auto dealership, Mrs. C. L. Johnson Hosiery Mending shop, service station and appliance store all in one location. Exterior view of Puyallup Motor Company automobiles visible through showroom windows, Union 76 sign, "Hosiery Mending" sign located on left side shop window, and an "Admiral dual-temp, no-defrosting" refrigerator and hydraulic dishwasher on ride side of showroom window; a steeple is visible in background.
Factory Service Meeting at Dittemores, A.E. Mulligan, Studebaker Pacific Corp. Allen Motor Company receives Certificate of Merit. Five men hold the prized certificate acknowledging the company's high standard of efficiency.
Allen Motor Co. (Tacoma); Awards; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Annual Christmas party at Sanford Nash Company, Everyone had a wonderful time at Sanford Nash Company's annual Christmas party. It was a time to celebrate the holiday season with family and co-workers. Santa, pictured above on December 22, 1947, handed out large turkeys to Sanford Nash employees. Staff members proudly hold their turkeys and think about enjoying them at their family Christmas dinners.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Parties--Tacoma; Santa Claus--Tacoma; Turkeys; Families--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sanford-Nash, Inc. (Tacoma)--Employees;
Display of new trucks at Titus Motor Company, Mr. Monrad, Sconce Advertising. People are looking inside the cab and under the hood of a 1948 Ford pickup truck. Steps are in place to gain a better view of the engine. Signboards and banners sing the praises of the truck and of the Titus staff. TPL-1517
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ford trucks; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma);
Titus Manufacturing Company currently rebuilds about 750 engines per month and employs 65 mechanics, full-time. In October 1947 Titus reached 20,000 completed and tested rebuilt engines. Interior view of Titus Manufacturing Company's engine rebuilding shop, six men with many rebuilt Ford "flathead" V-8 engines; tools, parts and supplies in factory area.
Titus Motor Company's parts delivery department, delivered Ford "flathead" V-8 engines, view of engine inside the rear door of Vanette delivery truck, hand winches, cabinets and shelves for parts inside truck. Rebuilt Ford "flathead" V-8 engines were in great demand throughout the Pacific Northwest, making Titus rebuilding department break away from Titus Motor Company and becoming Titus Manufacturing Company.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma);
