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
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);
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.
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.
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)
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;
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)
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;
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;
The Buick Product School is in session at Mueller-Harkins in the glassed-in round room on their building's top level in November, 1952. Several men learn about the new Buick V8 by watching a demonstration using a partly disassembled motor on an engine stand. Sun Equipment Company's test equipment lines the curved wall.
Admiring crowds gather around a South Tacoma Motor Company salesman extolling the features of the new 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door hardtop. He holds the passenger door invitingly open so the onlookers can check out the car's interior. South Tacoma Motor Company was owned by C.W. Wallerich and was a Chevrolet car and truck dealership.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1950-1960;
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;
Munson-Smith Motors, located on South Tacoma Way, sold both new and used Dodge and Plymouth vehicles. They offered a wide variety of models in their large parking lot; cars were parked neatly in rows with plenty of room for customers to walk around them for inspection. Munson-Smith was open in the evenings for those who could not stop by in the daytime; visibility was not a problem with the many bright lights dotting the facility. Photograph ordered by Ed Munson.
Munson-Smith Motors was a Dodge and Plymouth dealership located on South Tacoma Way. Owned and operated by the Munson family, Ed, Alberta and Donald, they sold Dodge and Plymouth passenger cars and Dodge job-rated trucks, both new and used. Munson-Smith had its grand opening in July, 1946. View of Munson-Smith Motors taken at night on March 18, 1953; rows of vehicles in brightly lit parking lot. Photograph ordered by Ed Munson.
Temple Motors opened a used cars division in the Banford & Newsome Bldg. on Pacific Avenue on March 1, 1953. The building formerly had housed various tire companies. According to their many signs, Temple Motors offered easy terms for purchasing one of their vehicles as well as paying cash for the customer's trade-in. Temple Motors was owned by Henry G. Geissler and Ed M. Williams. They were a Studebaker dealership whose main location was on Saint Helens. View of Temple Motors, Used Cars division; four cars are parked in the two open garage doorways. Photograph ordered by Henry Geissler. (TPL-6384)
Temple Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);
Tacoma Rhododendron Society display at Winthrop Motor Company, Plymouth and De Soto dealers. 1953 De Soto advertising displays, including a medallion bearing the likeness of Hernando De Soto, on the walls..
Business Enterprises - Tacoma - Automobile Dealers - New Automobile Dealers - Plymouth / De Soto Dealers - Winthrop Motor Company Organizations - Clubs - Garden Clubs - Tacoma Rhododendron Society
A new 1953 DeSoto Firedome convertible is on display at the Winthrop Motor Company's Saint Helens Avenue location in May, 1953. The Firedome, with V-8 engine and expanded trunk size, is surrounded by rhododendrons supplied by the Tacoma Rhododendron Society. The Rhododendron Society was using the DeSoto and Plymouth dealership's showroom for a flower show with a varied assortment of rhododendrons and supplemental greenery.
Winthrop Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Convertible automobiles; DeSoto automobile; Tacoma Rhododendron Society (Tacoma); Rhododendrons; Flower shows--Tacoma--1950-1960;
South Tacoma Motor Company, four men around a desk in office. It is not clear whether or not final paperwork is being processed for a sale. South Tacoma Motor Company was a Chevrolet dealership which had been a longtime fixture on South Tacoma Way. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970;
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;
C & J Auto Sales had a Ford and Mercury dealership in Kent. Their main building, brick with a curved roof, housed the showcase cars and also the service department. A separate brick structure, also with distinctive curved roof, contained the parts department and used car office. The new 1958 Fords, Mercurys and Ford trucks are pictured on the lot with a used Ford truck and Dodge at far right in photo. Photograph ordered by Teleradio Advertisers for KTVW.
Automobile dealerships--Kent--1950-1960; C & J Auto Sales (Kent); Ford automobile; Ford trucks; Dodge automobile;
C & J Auto Sales were Ford and Mercury dealers in Kent. Customers were invited to visit C & J to check out the new 1958 Fords, Mercurys and Ford trucks on their lot. C & J Auto Sales also provided a service department which had a separate entry into the building. They were not only a new car dealership but also sold reputable used cars. View of C & J Auto Sales taken from across the street; this shows the curved roof of the large building and also the traffic light on Lake Meridian. Photograph ordered from a series by Teleradio Advertisers, Inc., for KTVW television.
Automobile dealerships--Kent--1950-1960; C & J Auto Sales (Kent); Signs (Notices); Ford automobile; Ford trucks; Signal lights--Kent;
Gifford Motor Company, Rambler and Hudson agency, general view of dealership. Used car lot in foreground, building with Puyallup Roller Rink upstairs. A salesman has the hood of an automobile open for inspection while other customers wander about the lot. Gifford Motors guaranteed all their vehicles; some of which had just been traded in on a new 1958 Rambler. Later Larson Rambler would occupy the location; the early 1900's building was destroyed by fire circa 1965. From series, customers of KTVW-TV, ch. 13. TPL-9830
South Tacoma Chevrolet opened a used car division at 6001 South Tacoma Way in 1964. View of inventory, small office building, tidy landscaping. Their new Motor Mall was located on paved lots totaling nearly 40,000 square feet. Sam Price was the manager of the used car lot. The contemporary styled building was designed by architect William Hocking and was decorated with bamboo trees and other Asian plantings. A large ad placed in the News Tribune on January 30, 1964, indicated that South Tacoma Chevrolet's fine used cars carried the famous Chevrolet "OK" used car warranty ensuring complete inspection, reconditioning, and thorough servicing. (TNT 1-30-64, C-3, Ad D-7)
South Tacoma Chevrolet (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobiles--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Dick Lewis Pontiac-Cadillac, Olympia. May 21, 1964, night view of A-frame showroom. Water feature in foreground, Cadillac and Pontiac Bonneville convertible, second level balcony, artwork and electric candelabra visible through glass gable end. Photograph ordered by the Weyerhaeuser Co.
Automobile dealerships--Olympia--1960-1970; Automobiles--Olympia--1960-1970; Dick Lewis Pontiac-Cadillac (Olympia);
